Technology: Archaeological and Anthropological Perspectives

ANTHRO 2245 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This seminar explores the concept of technology in archaeological contexts.  We will begin with a focus on general concepts in the archaeology of technology – attempting to evaluate the various definitions of the term and their archaeological implications.  This will involve a critical examination of how technology has been explored in archaeological contexts.  In addition we will examine the dominant paradigms in studies of production and technology and debate the assumptions of these paradigms – including the relationships between technology and social complexity, “power,” gender, value and identity.  The course is designed for graduate students who wish to bring a cross-cultural perspective on technology to bear on their own research in a particular region.  Advanced undergraduates are very welcome. The goal of the class is not to instill any one particular perspective on the archaeology of technology but instead to provide students with a broad exposure to many of the contemporary issues in the field.