ANTH 456

Credit: 3 OR 4 hours.

Considers recent work in the emergent field of Contemporary Archaeology. Archaeological approaches can make visible the human-scale ramifications of contemporary problems like forced migration, homelessness, inequality, waste, and ruination. Focusing on the present, however, also introduces new methodological and theoretical challenges. Researchers must navigate global connectivities, ephemeral contexts, a diversity of data, and involvements with at-risk communities. The nature of this work raises questions about heterotemporality, researcher positionality, and opportunities for political action.

3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.