MODULE #12: IDEOLOGY
A. Overview: In this module students will learn how archaeologists study the religious beliefs of ancient societies by using material remains and information from a variety of sources such as art styles, burial practices, artifacts, and art.
B. Objectives
1. Show similarities in beliefs about the supernatural between all humans.
2. Demonstrate the relationship between ethnographic analogy and archaeological evidence.
3. Examine the archaeological record and how it records the practices surrounding death and burial.
4. Show how important context is to the meaning of artifacts as they associate with each other.
5. Explain the relationship between artifacts, art styles, and ideologies.
6. Analyze the relationship between sacred places and their meaning to their society.
C. Principles:
1. Basic archaeological skills: research Angkor Wat
2. Social Relevance: compare with modern day issues and societies
3. Communication: activities and report preparation
4. Stewardship: protection of sacred sites
D. Instructional Procedures: This module is primarily lecture and student activity. Throughout the lecture, students are asked questions to ensure they are grasping the concepts introduced. It is important to tie in real world experiences to the content, so the questions ask the students to think of some of the concepts in the context of today’s world. Powerpoint is useful to help identify concepts but the lecture can be taught with traditional technology (whiteboard, etc.).
E. Assessment: Students will be assessed by completion of in-class assignments.
F. Lecture Outline: Ideology
1. Identify the concept of sacred places in the past and compare those to the present
2. Define symbols; what are they used for? How are they used in religion? Have class discuss examples of religious symbols.
3. Discuss how burials can tell us about the beliefs of a person or group. Use examples from the past and present.
4. Discuss what artifacts can tell us about belief systems. Use examples.
5. Discuss what we can learn from rock art with regard to belief systems
6. Discuss how ethnographic analogy can help us interpret the past
G. Examples: Egypt, Angkor Wat, Maya, Stonehenge, Chaco Canyon (ritual center), Hovenweep (astronomy), Lascaux, Copan, San Jose Mogote ritual scene, shrines, Olmec art, Mayan glyphs
H. Activities: Sacred sites on web, Rock art; Angkor Wat examination
I. Readings: Fagan, Chapter 11, 12