New Introductory Courses in History (200-0-24)

Topic

Re-Inventing The Past: Archaeology, Politics, and

Instructors

Oya Topcuoglu
847/491-2402
Crowe 4-121

Meeting Info

University Hall 318: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Since the 19th century, archaeology has played a pivotal role in the politics of the modern Middle East. As nation-states emerged, leaders and intellectuals often turned to the ancient past to construct and legitimize national identities. Archaeological discoveries were used to create narratives that linked contemporary populations to illustrious ancient civilizations, thereby fostering a sense of pride and continuity. This instrumentalization of archaeology served political agendas, reinforcing territorial claims and cultural heritage.
In this course, we will explore the complicated relationship between archaeology, politics, and national identity in the modern Middle East, tracing how this relationship has changed over time. Through a series of case studies from various countries and time periods, we will study how archaeological discoveries and interpretations have been instrumentalized to serve political agendas, shape cultural narratives, and construct national identities. Working with primary and secondary sources (such as official documents, images, and artifacts), we will consider the conditions under which historical actors operated, analyze causes and consequences, and compare continuities and ruptures across cases. We will critically examine the role of archaeology in contemporary political discourse and its impact on regional and global perceptions of the Middle East. The course will include a field trip to the ISAC Museum of the University of Chicago, where we will engage directly with the materials, cultures, and places we study.

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
SoC Additional Distro