Additional Information

Course Number

ANTH 287/6807

Course Level

Course Description

This course in public archaeology explores the ethics and issues of the profession in terms of responsibilities and accountability to different publics at various scales. Students look at their thoughts and beliefs of material culture to become aware of their voices; thus, becoming more open to encourage multiple voices in the creation and recreation of the past. A central theme of the class is the examination of how the past is told, absorbed and experienced by people. We will ask: What is the value of the past? What are the uses of the past? Who creates the stories and myths of the past? What are the responsibilities of the storytellers of history? Different aspects of public archaeology are addressed: ethics, goals and standards; preservation law and process; management of sites, resources and collections; interpretation and presentation methods; relationships, partnerships and interactions with different publics; and promotion. Applicability of various presentation tools to different audiences is examined. A central goal of the course is for each student to develop a varied interpretive process for one historic site: Alexandria Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery or Fort Ward Historic Site and Park

Syllabus Available

Yes

Notes

PDF version of syllabus available on GWU's Anthropology Department website.

Additional tags: public archaeology; practical learning; multivocality; community archaeology; cultural resource management

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
• Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch
• 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
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Equity and Representation; Discrimination and Harassment
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
• Preservation of Archaeological Resources
• Professional Standards
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Standards of Training and Student/Teacher Responsibilities
• Storage of Data, Specimens, and Records

Topics & Issues

• Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
• Collaboration in Archaeology (i.e. Communities, Non-Archaeologists, etc.)
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Heritage Management
• Historic/Cultural Resource/Site Preservation
• Interpreting the Past
• Legislation and Archaeological Preservation
• Professionalism and Professional Standards
• Public Archaeology
• Public Engagement, Outreach, and Education
• Public Memory and Public Space
• Universities, Academia, and Student Training