Each answer should be about half a standard, typed page in length.
- What is the difference between archaeology and other pursuits of the past? What is the nature of the archaeological record as a cultural resource? Why is the question of alterity a critical concept in archaeology?
- What is the relevance of archaeology? How do applied and critical approaches to the past aid archaeologists in framing archaeology as a sustainability science focused on the needs of today and the future?
- What is the rationale for a Contemporary Archaeological approach? What approaches do Contemporary Archaeology projects utilize (e.g. public archaeology, stakeholder involvement, archaeological methodologies, targeted goals, etc.) in order to contribute to dialogues concerning the creation of policies and projects beneficial to local people and to more sustainable futures for all?
- How can archaeology challenge “common sense” understandings of the way our contemporary social, economic, political, and environmental systems “work” or “don’t work”? In answering this question, include examples from two of the contemporary projects we discussed in class, i.e. homelessness, undocumented immigration, contamination as artifact, capitalism as a lifeway, or garbology
Sample Solution
