Courses
CLST 310 Topics in Mediterranean Archaeology
A study of a specific topic in Mediterranean archaeology. Recent courses have treated such topics as Pompeii, the Archaeology of North Africa, and the Archaeology of Israel. May be repeated for credit with topic changes. Information on upcoming topics courses can be found on the department web page.
Credits
1 course
Spring Semester information
Rebecca Schindler310A: Topics: Mediterranean Archaeology, Culture in Context and Conflict
The trade in cultural heritage, both licit and illicit, is one of the most lucrative global markets. Historically, that market has been fueled by imperialism and more recently by military conflict. For archaeologists and anthropologists, the collecting of cultural heritage presents a dilemma. On the one hand, museums and collectors preserve, protect, and make accessible objects from around the world; on the other hand, undocumented excavation of artifacts destroys context, making the reconstruction of the social, economic, and political significance of past cultures impossible. This course explores several related topics: who has rights and responsibilities regarding the preservation and protection of cultures? How does the art market function and what role does the museum industry play in that market? And, what international laws and policies govern the protection of culture?