Archaeology and Heritage: an ethical lens

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Archaeology and heritage are fascinating disciplines that allow us to time travel into the past, and to look forward to the future while offering us an insight into our attitudes toward culture and heritage in the present. In this course, we address key ethical questions currently being asked of the past as we navigate our way through the present. These include: Who owns the past? Why is archaeology and heritage a primary target and focus in contemporary conflict? Do ancient human remains have human rights? What is ‘dark tourism’? What is the role of replicas in the construction and reconstruction of histories? Is there an authentic experience of an archaeological site? Should museums own their collections? Our coverage will be through the practical dimensions of modern archaeology and heritage studies, drawing upon a range of international case studies and problems. We will consider the relationship between archaeology and the public, archaeology and the media, international and national approaches to archaeological heritage management, local and global perspectives, contested sites and artifacts, the antiquities market, archaeology and the museum, archaeology as a profession and archaeological education. This includes the current call for the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes back to Nigeria, the removal of statues in public spaces, the display and repatriation of human remains and the relationships between heritage, archaeology and contemporary art in the construction of identities (past and present). You have the opportunity to work on your own research project for your final paper (guidance on research topics, research methods and academic literacies will be given throughout the course), as well as writing critical real world analyses of big issues based upon your field visits which focus on the management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the ethics of modern museum practice.