Ethics in Archaeology

This seminar will explore ethical dilemmas in past and current study and practice of archaeology, cultural resource management, museum studies, and bioarchaeology. We will consider conflicts between living communities and archaeological research; the ethics involved in bioarchaeological research; the acquisition and display of items in museums or private collections; and the nature of archaeological inquiry itself. Twice-weekly meetings to discuss readings and recent cases in the news will be accompanied by written assignments and an in-class debate, as well as a student-directed final paper.