13878

From trowels to thrones. Approaching political power in archaeology.

Henny Piezonka, Tanja Schreiber

Kommentar

As a discipline reconstructing past socio-political landscapes, archaeology is shaped by contemporary political influences. This becomes evident in research narratives, interpretations, and funding. At the same time, archaeological insights play an active role in shaping today’s politics. In this course, we will analyze the nuanced intersections of political ideologies and archaeological practice. We will critically examine research history by delving into politics that directed and continue to impact the discipline profoundly, such as Marxism, Posthumanism, or Anarchism. Simultaneously, we will navigate through contemporary discourses, addressing pressing issues such as Anthropocene research, feminist and postcolonial perspectives, as well as ideology and nationalism in archaeology. By engaging with these diverse themes, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how political dynamics have influenced and continue to shape archaeological methodologies, interpretations, and broader narratives. Understanding the political nature of archaeology is crucial for promoting ethical practices, fostering inclusivity, and acknowledging the impact of research on diverse communities. Schließen

Literaturhinweise

• Bernbeck, R. & McGuire, R.H. 2011. Ideologies in Archaeology. University of Arizona Press. • Cobb, H. & Crellin, R.J 2022. Affirmation and Action: A Posthumanist Feminist Agenda for Archaeology. Cambridge Archaeological Journal. 2022;32(2):265-279. https://doi:10.1017/S0959774321000573. • Gardner, A. 2018. Power, Knowledge and the Past. Antiquity 92:1662-1664. https://doi:10.15184/aqy.2018.232. • Hamilakis, Y. 2018. Decolonial archaeology as social justice. Antiquity 92(362):518-520. https://doi:10.15184/aqy.2018.17. • McGuire, R.H. 2008. Archaeology as Political Action. University of California Press • Montón-Subías, S. & Hernando-Gonzalo, A. 2018. Modern Colonialism, Eurocentrism and Historical Archaeology: Some Engendered Thoughts. European Journal of Archaeology 21(3):455-471. https://doi.org/10.1017/eaa.2017.83. • Thurston, T. L. & Fernández-Götz, M. 2021. Restoring Disorder: Thoughts On The Past And Future Of A Politically And Socially Conscious Archaeology, In: Thurston, T.L. (ed.), Power From Below In Premodern Societies. The Dynamics of Political Complexity in the Archaeological Record. Cambridge University Press. Schließen

13 Termine

Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung

Mo, 10:00 - 12:00 13 Termine

Mo, 15.04.2024 10:00 - 12:00

Dozenten:
Tanja Schreiber
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Henny Piezonka