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Module description

The module explores the different natures of archaeological enquiry in different parts of the world, which themselves operate archaeological enquiry in a variety of contexts. The module aims to place the practice of archaeology into a global socio-political context, in particular regarding the way that it is perceived and accommodated by indigenous peoples.ÌýThe topic of colonialism and its impact on indigenous population has been brought into sharp focus by the popular protests of 2020.Ìý As a discipline it is only in the past twenty years or so that archaeology has become critically aware of the distinct factors relating to archaeology by and about indigenous populations.Ìý It has been demonstrated that minority populations in colonised countries have often shared very similar experiences and furthermore that they are beset by similar on-going problems.Ìý At the heart of these matters lies their experience of colonialism.Ìý Post-processual archaeology has afforded the potential for a more successful engagement with indigenous populations and importantly has recognized that there are other legitimate means of reconstructing the past, beyond western empiricism.Ìý However, new forms of engagement between archaeologists and indigenous populations, including the training of indigenous archaeologists, are as yet in their infancy and have encountered a number of problems. ÌýThis module seeks to explore these engagements with indigenous populations and to consider what directions may be taken in the future.Ìý In particular, it is still relevant to ask whether archaeology has been truly decolonized.

Module Aims

The main aim of the module is to make students aware of the issues that are involved in colonialism and indigenous archaeology.Ìý The major issues tackled will include decolonization, ownership of the past and the recognition of alternative versions of the past.Ìý Exploring these themes will result in a broader, more critical and more sophisticated approach to the students’ own studies, whatever the context of their research.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students should have developed their skills relating to:

• critical evaluation and reflection
• critique of sources and the application of acquired knowledge

Both assessed pieces of work will be essays which will require students to demonstrate skills of data acquisition and processing, critical reflection and the ability to generate an effective argument.

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