Topics In Anthropology (390-0-27)

Topic

Archaeologies of Africa for the 21st century

Instructors

Amanda Lee Logan
847/491-4564
1812 Hinman Ave. Room 203

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L06: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

In this class, we will consider how information gleaned from archaeology in Africa can be used to address some of the main challenges of the 21st century, including decolonization, climate change, food security, and poverty. Rather than approaching Africa's past in terms of chronological developments, we will critique the lenses through which the past has been viewed, as well as how historical inequalities have shaped the practice of archaeology in the continent. We will consider case studies from around the continent that examine ancient responses to climate change and poverty, and how they might inform present day challenges. We will also consider how movements to decolonize the study of Africa's past chart a different future both within the continent and across the globe.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Class participation, projects, and reading responses

Class Materials (Required)

(1) Logan, A. (2020) The Scarcity Slot: Excavating Histories of Food Security in Ghana. University of California Press. Open Access (https://doi.org/10.1525/luminos.98) and in print (ISBN 9780520343757); (2) Stahl, Ann (ed) (2005) African Archaeology: A Critical Introduction. Springer. ISBN 9781405101561