Applied archaeology can help solve today’s social problems

Explore the intersection of archaeology and activism by uncovering histories and empowering communities.

The Archaeology as Activism course is part of the Introduction to Archaeology specialization and focuses on how archaeology can improve people's lives today. It covers the relevance of archaeology to the present, research ethics, social implications, and contemporary social issues with which archaeologists engage.

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DESCRIPTION

Intro to Archaeology: Archaeology as Activism

Archaeology as Activism is the final course in the Knowing the Past specialization. This course emphasizes how archaeology can be used to improve the lives of people in the world today. Applied archaeology is an important component of this course, where students learn how archaeology principles can be applied to solve modern-day problems. Archaeologists often work with community members and other groups to ensure their impact is always positive. In this course, students explore the relevance of archaeology to the present day, research ethics, and the social implications of studying the past. The course covers contemporary social issues that archaeologists engage and explores how archaeology can be used for Activism.

Who should attend:

Advanced high school, college students, or lifelong learners.
Anyone interested in how to become an archaeologist.
Individuals passionate about social activism want to learn how archaeology can be used for social change.
Individuals are interested in preserving their cultural heritage and understanding how archaeology can help.

You will be able to:

Explain what it means for archaeology to be embedded in contemporary society.
Identify examples of archaeology as activism using correct terminology.
Understand case studies of applied archaeology.

LECTURE SAMPLES

MEET YOUR RICE PROFESSOR

Dr. Molly Morgan, Ph.D.

Molly Morgan is an archaeologist investigating the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked at regional plantations including Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg in order to examine the historical context and legacies of slavery and how it is presented in public history. This work involves public archaeology through engagement with communities and local groups in Texas. She also works toward public history interpretations along with colleagues at the Texas Historical Commission, which manages these historic sites. This work offers experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students in all parts of the process of archaeological research.

Visiting Archaeologists

Dr. Molly Morgan is joined by world-class archaeologists throughout this specialization. They are (from left to right, starting at the top row) Dr. Mary Prendergast, Dr. Nick Bourgeois, Dr. Jeff Fleisher and Dr. Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo.