This course explores the ways in which the social context of archaeological research in Asia, which focuses on the reconstruction of ancient landscape and culture, is strongly rooted in the quest for ‘cultural origins’, and how it relates to issues of modern identity on various levels, from national to local and even individual. We will look at case studies from Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia and India.
Admission requirements
Master level (or BA 3 level).
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
Learning objectives
*Knowledge of the history of archaeological practice in different parts of Asia; *Knowledge of epistemology and theoretical frameworks (archaeological and anthropological approaches to the concepts of landscape and identity; Colonialist versus Nationalist archaeology, etic versus emic perspectives, gender, multivocality); *To be able to critically assess epistemology and theoretical frameworks on the issues mentioned above; *Insight into the role of Asian archaeology in the search for and creation of identity, on many levels (from national to individual) and by different interest groups; *Insight into the socio-political context in which archaeological practice takes place, which is informed by various interests; *Is able to apply this knowledge and insight into Asian archaeological practices and compare it to one’s own experiences of (Western and other) archaeological practices; *Is able to analyze and discuss texts and related experiences in class; *Is able to present a case-study related to this theme in a powerpoint presentation, being aware of one’s own Western/cultural background.
MA: paper: *Is able to voice one´s own well-argumented opinion in the discussion; *Is able to express one’s own well-argumented opinion in a paper.
Method of instruction
Seminar.
Examination
Assessment will take place via active participation during class discussions of the texts, assignments, a Powerpoint-presentation and a paper. Master students are expected to take a leading role in the class discussions and hand in a longer or additional paper.
Required reading
Stark, M. (ed), Archaeology of Asia, London: Blackwell Publishing (various chapters) , plus assorted articles.