Additional Information

Course Number

ANTHR / ARKEO 4045 / 7045

Course Description

What are the ethical and legal dimensions of archaeological research? Who should control archaeological sites and other historically significant places and things? What damage is being done to the archaeological record by looting and the black market sale of artifacts? To whom and to what are archaeologists accountable? This seminar addresses these issues and more by examining how the past is employed for social, political, and economic purposes. Recognizing that archaeology is an inherently political activity, we will examine and actively debate some of the major ethical issues that confront practitioners navigating the complex responsibilities, roles, and praxis associated with archaeology. We will consider the multiple stakeholders in the archaeological endeavor—students, professional colleagues, public land managers, avocationalists, collectors, members of local communities, members of descendant communities, and so forth. Topics to be addressed include professional codes of archaeological ethics; equity issues in archaeology; approaches to cultural resource and heritage management; looting and the antiquities trade; museum politics; and collaboration and community engagement, among others. This course will involve active debate of ethical issues in archaeology, including case studies for the 2018 Society for American Archaeology (SAA) Ethics Bowl.

Syllabus Available

Yes

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Maintaining Continuity of Records
• Specimen and Research Record Storage

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment

Keywords & Terms

• Accountability
• Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Preservation of Archaeological Resources
• Professional Standards
• Standards of Data Collection, Recordation, Analysis

Topics & Issues

• Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
• Ethical Case Studies
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Heritage Management
• Historic/Cultural Resource/Site Preservation
• Professionalism and Professional Standards