Topics In Anthropology (390-0-25)
Topic
Archaeology of Drugs
Instructors
Jennifer Anne Lupu
Jennifer A. Lupu is a doctoral candidate in Anthropology at Northwestern University and a visiting scholar at the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College. Her historical archaeology research has included studies of brothels, medicine use and access, and LGBTQ experiences in late-19th to early-20th century Washington, DC. She was previously a predoctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, and her research has been funded by the Smithsonian, the Social Sciences Research Council, and the Sexualities Project at Northwestern.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course examines human relationships to intoxicants, medicines, and substances throughout time and across the globe. From studies of hallucinogens in early societies to the development of Western medicine, we will examine case studies around drug and medicine use in many contexts. We will study the history of psychedelics, opiates, and cannabis, in addition to substances such as coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. Looking at production and distribution from the colonial era through the present, we will examine the labor required to produce these substances for global distribution and the commodity networks surrounding each. How have such substances been used for healing, spirituality, and financial profit? What are the social relations around producing these substances? We will examine archaeological and anthropological literatures around addiction, exploitation, and health in relation to substance-use. Drawing together many case studies from around the world and from all eras, this course will examine and question enduring human uses of intoxicating and/or healing substances as a lens into questions around embodiment, social relationships, and healthcare.
Learning Objectives
"- Understand the history of substance use in human societies
- Critically examine categories around substances such as "drug," "medicine," "recreational," etc
- Trace the colonial labor relations around key products such as coffee, tobacco, and alcohol
- Learn about the regulation and criminalization of substances in American history
- Conduct research about the history of a substance"
Class Materials (Required)
All materials provided through canvas