Key facts

Type	Weekly Classes
Location	Reading
Address	London Road Campus Reading
Dates	Tue 2 Oct to Tue 4 Dec 2012 Day: Tuesday Time of meeting: 7.00-9.00pm Number of meetings: 10
Subject area(s)	Archaeology
CATS points	10
Fees	From £145.00
Application status	Course cancelled
Course code	R12P446AHW
Course contact	If you have any questions about this course, please email ppweekly@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Overview

In our coverage of this fascinating topic, we will consider a range of current themes, including: the antiquities market and the ethics of collecting; burial and repatriation of human remains , conflict, contestation and issues of cultural identity.

Description

Ethics in the field of archaeology is becoming increasingly more significant, particularly in response to world events and issues of cultural identity. This course explores ethics through the practical dimensions of modern archaeology. It covers the following topics: the relationship between archaeology and others (the public, ethnic groups, avocational archaeologists etc.), international and national approaches to archaeological heritage management and preservation, the claim for the
restitution of the Parthenon marbles, the antiquities market and the ethics of collecting, maritime archaeology, reburial and repatriation of human remains, archaeology and the media and archaeological education. The course includes a full-day visit to the British Museum and either the Museum of London or Petrie Museum.

Programme details

Week 1: Introduction to the course
Week 2: Archaeology and the Media
Week 3: Conflict and archaeology
Week 4: Looting and collecting of antiquities
Week 5: The Great Debate: The Parthenon Marbles
Week 6: The ethics of human remains
Week 7: Archaeology, museums and ethics
Week 8: Course Summary
Week 9: A full day (Saturday) field visit in lieu of two the evening sessions. Date to be arranged with class.

Background reading:
Scarre, C. and Scarre, G.: The Ethics of Archaeology: Philosophical Perspectives on Archaeological Practice
Swain, H. An Introduction to Museum Archaeology
Clack, T. and Brittain, M. Archaeology and the Media
Robson, E., Treadwell, L and Gosden, C (eds). Who owns objects? : the ethics and politics of collecting cultural artefacts : proceedings of the first St. Cross-All Souls Seminar Series and Workshop, Oxford, October-December 2004
Turnbull , P and Pickering, M (eds.) The Long Way Home: The Meaning and Values of Repatriation (Museums and Collections)

Staff

Course aims

Course aim:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the subject of archaeology and ethics and consider the key concepts, methods and theories that provide the framework for our understanding of it.

Course objectives:
1. To familiarise students with topics and issues that characterise the archaeology and ethics
2. Develop skills in and approaches to an understanding of the central tenants of the topic and identify some of the key issues relevant to the study archaeology and ethics
3. Encourage students to develop their interests through class sessions, museum visits and further study

Assessment methods

You have a choice as to the assessment format. This might be an essay of c.1000 words (or a collection of several short written pieces e.g. book/site reviews) or a short (10 mins max) oral presentation accompanied by handout. I will provide a list of topics, although you may select your own relevant topic . Guidance will be provided throughout the term.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught using a range of teaching strategies and methods. This includes lectures, question and answer sessions, discussion, practical sessions, as well as encouraging reflection, independent study and coursework participation.

Teaching outcomes

Having successfully completed the course, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of the central tenents of archaeology and ethics
2. be aware of the breadth of the field of study
3. understand the key issues relevant to the study of archaeology and ethics

Fee options

Programme Fee

Home/EU fee: £145.00

Non-EU fee: £145.00

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