MODULE #13: ARCHAEOLOGY IN TODAY'S SOCIETY
A. Overview: This last module summarizes how archaeology relates to today's society. Why is studying the past important? What can we learn about ourselves by studying about the past? Students will learn that archaeology can give them insight into the past and the potential for involvement as an informed layperson. It will also enable them to enjoy the major archaeological sites of the world in a unique way and to aid in archaeologists' attempts to preserve the past. Discussion of ethical responsibilities to the past will occur, including not collecting artifacts; to report new finds; and to obey federal, state, and tribal laws that protect archaeological sites.
B. Objectives:
1. Describe the profession known as archaeology.
2. Examine the various roles archaeologists play in the world today.
3. Show how the study of archaeology creates an informed citizenry.
4. Demonstrate our responsibility to the past.
C. Principles:
1. Stewardship: importance of protecting and conserving archaeological sites
2. diverse interests: different interest groups involved in archaeological research
3. real world problem solving: role archaeologists play in world today; political, laws, working with indigenous people, etc.
4. basic archaeological skills: preservation and conservation methods
5. ethics: balancing archaeological interests with those of community
6. communication: current events, written reflections
7. social relevance: why is archaeology important to today's world
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.).
C. Assessment: class discussion and research of archaeological laws; ethics activity
D. Lecture Outline:
1. Cultural resources and cultural resource management: discuss careers, types of projects, work that is produced, what can be learned.
2. Preservation of the archaeological record: discuss different methods to preserve-leave in place, conservation easements, excavation, etc.
3. Working with indigenous populations: discuss issues confronting Native Americans and archaeologists-ownership of the past, repatriation, preservation, need to learn, kinds of analysis allowed, etc.
4. Looting and the marketplace: value of stolen goods on market, how to prevent.
5. Laws protecting archaeological sites: Thieves of Time video, discuss laws that protect sites: ARPA, NAGPRA, State burial law, Antiquities Act (state and federal), NEPA, NHPA, etc.
6. Review archaeological ethics (Fagan, page 395)
7. Review principles.
E. Activities: class research archaeological laws; also research web sites selling antiquities; ethics activity; create real life scenario-role playing; students are developer, private property owner, member of Indian tribe, archaeologist, etc.
F. Readings: Fagan, Chapter 13