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Logic of Inquiry in Anthropology (Archy) (401-2-1)

Instructors

Cynthia Rivera
847/491-4835
1812 Hinman Ave., Room #104, EV Campus
Cynthia Robin is Professor of Anthropology. Her research specialization is in the ancient Maya civilization where she has been working as an archaeologist for the past 40 years. She is interested in using archaeology as a tool to explore the everyday lives of ordinary people to show how the lives of ordinary people make an impact on human societies. She has recently completed research at the ancient Maya farming community of Chan in Belize, Central America which was occupied for 2000 years from 800 BC to AD 1200 (http://www.anthropology.northwestern.edu/subfields/archaeology/chan/index.html). The people who lived at Chan were ordinary farmers and the goal of research at Chan is to explore the importance of farmers¿ everyday lives. Starting in summer 2015, she is embarking on a new research project at the ancient Maya city of Aventura, also in Belize. Aventura is a city that survived the Maya collapse and may hold answers to how humans can create sustainable cities.

Meeting Info

ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Thurs 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

In this course students will examine the logic of inquiry in archaeology: the theories, methods, major epistemologies, and philosophies of archaeology. We will address two fundamental questions: Why is important to study the past? What is the role of the past in the present? Understanding our history and our heritage is crucial for the world today and key to understanding past ways of life. The course frames archaeology within anthropology and the humanities and sciences more broadly and examines the role of anthropology, humanities, and science within the discipline of archaeology. It addresses contemporary archaeological research and its promise for the future.
Archaeology is the study of the human past through its material remains. A central focus of the course is on materiality as an archaeological method and a method that can be applied broadly within anthropology. Archaeology is a team-based, participatory discipline, a methodology of practice that has important implications for how archaeologists can work in partnership with local communities and address contemporary issues. Ethical, contemporary, and practice-based discussions will interweave across the course. In this course students will develop an original research project that applies archaeological approaches to material culture in their own research.

Registration Requirements

1st and 2nd year graduate students in the Anthropology Department.

Learning Objectives

1. To develop a graduate-level understanding of the field of archaeology and Northwestern's approach to archaeological thought.
2. To assess the role of archeology within anthropology and in relation to the humanities and sciences more broadly.
3. To articulate archaeological approaches to materiality and apply material studies across anthropology.
4. To appreciate the ethical dimensions of archaeological research and create archaeological and community-based research in partnership with the contemporary world.

Teaching Method

Seminar with lectures, discussions, and small group activities

Evaluation Method

Participation (15%), 2 Presentations (15% and 20% each), 5 Reading Response Papers (15%), Final Project (35%)

Class Materials (Required)

All course readings will be articles or book chapters available to students at no cost through the course Canvas site.

Class Notes

Attendance is required for the first day of class.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.