CL 24 - Indiana Jones and the Elgin Marbles: the myth and reality of archaeology

             

Professor: Kim Shelton
Office: 7209 Dwinelle Hall
 Place: 204 Dwinelle
Office Hours: TuTh 11:00-12:15 and by appointment
 Day/Time: W 2-3
Email: sheltonk@berkeley.edu

Syllabus and Readings                    
                       
View here the Secrets of the Parthenon (NOVA)

Course Description:
What does someone need to be an archaeologist? A pith helmet? A leather jacket? A whip? Hollywood would like us to believe that treasure-hunting heroes are searching for treasure and saving the world in one of the most adventurous and romantic careers possible – archaeology.
The reality is something quite different but even more interesting. Archaeology is the study of the human past, a window into the cultures and times from which the world of today developed. With insight into the lives of the ancients we learn a tremendous amount about ourselves and our future potential. Today archaeology is about history, art, science, cultural heritage and international law.
To be an archaeologist you need to be inquisitive, imaginative and incredibly enthusiastic – especially about holding a simple object that someone dropped hundreds or thousands of years ago and using your mind like a time-machine to meet that individual in the context of his life. This seminar will be an opportunity to analyze the romantic legends, figures and stereotypes of archaeology and to discover the exciting real elements and adventures of today’s archaeologist.

Grading and attendance policy:
The coursework will consist primarily of class discussion based on readings.  Information necessary for the completion of the writing assignments will be presented in class and especially through class discussion, so attendance and participation are vital.
Grades of P/NP will be based on attendance and participation in class once a week together with several short written assignments on questions and/or topics of discussion.

Required Text:
Renfrew and Bahn,  Archaeology Essentials, 2nd edition (2011) = T
Articles posted on Bcourses website = BC


Syllabus and Readings

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sheltonk@berkeley.edu 8/22/16