Anthropology 218 - Archaeology and Identity

Institution:

St Lawrence University

Subject:

Description:

Identity is a complex and multidimensional issue, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the study of the ancient world. A key concern for archaeologists is to understand the relationship between past identities and material culture. How do archaeologists define identity? How do they recognize it "on the ground"?How do archaeological remains from various times and places help us to interpret past identities and dynamic interactions among different social groups? We will consider whether identity - based on gender, "race," ethnicity, religious affiliation or clas- is passively reflected in the material culture or if it is imposed on ancient peoples by modern thinkers. This course also explores the issue from a contemporary perspective, by examining the intersection between archaeology, nationalist agendas and the social constructions of the past. We will examine a number of archaeological case studies, including gender roles in early Mayan and Mesopotamian societies, caste affiliations in ancient India, and the politics of archaeology in Nazi Germany.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.stlawu.edu

Phone Number:

(315) 229-5011

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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