ARCHY 109
Archaeology in Film,
TV and Digital Media

Meeting times: Lecture M (1:30-3ish PM)
Movie screening W (1:30-3:20PM)
Lab/seminar F (1:30-2:20PM and 2:30-3:30PM )

In this course, we will critically view films, television episodes and other digital media featuring archaeology/archaeologists and examine the relationship between archaeology and popular culture. Visual media will be paired with topical readings from scientific archaeological literature. The course will focus on examples of fictional films, TV Movies, documentaries and other media. Students will be required in-class discussions (lab/seminar), assignments, and a final student project to explore the overlap between entertainment and various issues like archaeology and colonialism; relations between archaeologists and descendant communities; looters, collectors and archaeologists; archaeology and class relations, among others, as well as demonstrate the ability to think critically about what we view as entertainment.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

- Foster CRITICAL THINKING skills and evaluate archaeological information embedded in popular media – and have fun in the process!
- Explore the IMPACT OF POPULAR MEDIA ON ARCHAEOLOGY, both positive and negative.
- Consider ways that the PUBLIC PERCEIVES ARCHAEOLOGY and what those meanings suggest for present and future directions for the archaeological profession.
- Use films as a springboard for the exploration of CONTEMPORARY AND THEORETICAL ISSUES relevant to the practice of archaeology today.
- Discuss critically archaeology's SOCIAL RELEVANCE: connections of past human systems and adaptations with today's world