ANTH 464 / 664
Dr. Katie Custer Bojakowski
Office hours: By appointment
Location: ANTH 312D
Email: katie.bojakowski@tamu.edu
Course Description
“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” L.P. Hartley
Evaluation of modern ideas about how and why archaeological, architectural, ethnographic, and natural resources should be preserved and presented to current and future societies; critical examination of the theories, methods, regulations, and ethics that guide efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage within a context of past endeavors and future directions.
Course Prerequisites
ANTH 464: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor ANTH
664: Graduate classification
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the laws that govern the treatment of archaeological sites, historic, and cultural resources, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resource Protection Act, the National American Graves Protection Act, and others.
- Examine the methods through which archaeologists, architectural historians, and historic preservationists evaluate cultural resources for eligibility in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Evaluate how cultural heritage preservation theories, methods, regulations, and ethics are applied to the treatment of archaeological, historic, and cultural resources.
- Assess modern threats to cultural heritage including tourism, development, climate, and cultural and natural disasters, and the impact on current and future regulations and methods.
Textbook and/or Resource Materials
There is no textbook required for this course. All Required readings are available through the Texas A&M University library or posted in Canvas.
Canvas
This class will extensively use Canvas (Canvas.tamu.edu), for assignments, readings, announcements, etc. Students are responsible for all required reading, assignment guidelines, and announcements posted in Canvas. If classes need to move online, a Zoom link will be integrated into the Canvas classroom. Email messages, however, should be sent directly to Dr. Bojakowski at katie.bojakowski@tamu.edu.
Grading Policy:
The following assignment deadlines and grade distribution are for ALL students in the course. Graduate students have additional readings and different assignment guidelines than undergraduate students, which are clearly explained in Canvas.
Assignments and Points to Earn for Undergraduate Students in ANTH 464:
| Due Date | Assignment | Points | Grade % |
| WEEKLY | Perusal Readings | 100 total | 10% |
| Week 3 | Federal Regulation Modules (3 modules) | 50 total | 5% |
| Week 5 | NRHP Nomination, Part 1 (Group Project) | 50 total | 5% |
| Week 8 | NRHP Nomination, Part 2 (Group Project) | 150 total | 15% |
| Week 10 | Term Paper Prep (2 pgs.) | 100 | 10% |
| Week 15 | Term Paper (6-8 pgs.) | 250 | 25% |
| Week 13 | Term Paper Presentation | 150 | 15% |
| VARIES | Case Study Peer Reviews (5 total) | 50 total | 5% |
| WEEKLY | Participation | 100 total | 10% |
Assignments and Points to Earn for Graduate Students in ANTH 664:
| Due Date | Assignment | Points | Grade % |
| WEEKLY | Perusal Readings | 100 total | 10% |
| Week 3 | Federal Regulation Modules (5 modules) | 50 total | 5% |
| Week 5 | NRHP Nomination, Part 1 (Group Project) | 50 | 5% |
| Week 8 | NRHP Nomination, Part 2 (Group Project) | 150 | 15% |
| Week 8 | NRHP Nomination (Group Leader) | 50 | 5% |
| Week 10 | Term Paper Prep (4 pgs.) | 50 | 5% |
| Week 13 | Term Paper Presentation | 100 | 10% |
| Week 15 | Term Paper (10-12 pgs.) | 250 | 25% |
| VARIES | Case Study Presentations (2) | 100 total | 10% |
| WEEKLY | Class Contribution | 100 total | 10% |
Grade Calculation
ANTH 464: A=900-1000 points; B=800-899 points; C=700-799; D=600-699; F=Below 600
ANTH 664: A=900-1000 points; B=800-899 points; C=700-799; D=600-699; F=Below 600
Assignments
Perusall Readings
As a community of scholars, you will review the assigned readings together in Perusall asking questions, adding comments, additional information or insights, and providing critical feedback. This task will help you to participate effectively in our class discussion. The short reading selections are due before class starts on the date indicated on the class schedule. Specific instructions, guiding questions, and the grading rubric for Perusal readings are in Canvas. It is important you use the link from Canvas so that your work is linked back to Canvas and our grade book.
Career Skills: Reading academic resources is highly relevant in the modern workforce as it equips individuals with the ability to critically analyze and synthesize complex information, which is essential for informed decision-making. These skills also foster continuous learning and adaptability, enabling professionals to stay current with industry trends and advancements. Additionally, engaging with academic literature enhances problem-solving abilities and supports evidence-based practices, contributing to more effective and innovative solutions in the workplace.
Federal Regulations Modules
The Advisory Council of Historic Preservation (ACHP) promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of the nation’s diverse historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy. The ACHP offers FREE online courses on Section 106 topics. Each course offers self-paced interactive presentations and downloadable reference documents. Courses of 30 minutes or more offer a certificate of completion and incorporate knowledge checks that let you apply your learning to case scenarios or quiz questions. You will complete each required module and submit a PDF copy of the certificate of completion.
Career Skills: This assignment is designed to build career-based skills relevant to the modern workforce. Understanding NHPA Section 106 is crucial for cultural heritage professionals as it ensures they can effectively navigate the legal requirements to protect historic properties during federal projects or those with federal funding. These certificates can be added to your CV and/or Resume.
Undergraduate Required Modules:
- What is Section 106? (15 Minutes)
- Successfully Navigating Section 106 Review: An Orientation for Applicants (45 minutes)
- Coordinating NEPA and Section 106 (45 minutes)
Graduate Required Modules: All the above and the following.
- Early Coordination with Indian Tribes for Infrastructure Projects (90 minutes)
- What Now? Protecting Historic Properties during Disaster Response (60 Minutes)
National Register Nomination Project
In this group project, students will collaboratively research and prepare a draft nomination for a property to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The project involves conducting research, identifying eligible properties on the location, and writing a historical narrative and statement of significance.
Career Skills: This assignment is designed to build career-based skills relevant to the modern workforce. Understanding the NHPA and the National Register of Historic Places provides a framework for identifying and evaluating properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture
It also ensures they professionals can effectively determine regulatory and compliance needs for federal projects or those with federal funding.
Graduate Student Additional Requirements:
- Graduate students will take a leadership role in the group and will be responsible for compiling the information, creating the final draft of the nomination, seeking input from each member of their group, and communicating with the other groups.
- Graduate students will also be responsible for producing a single document (1-2 pages) that includes the following information: What did your group do well? Were there any issues? Self-assessment score (0-100).
Term Paper Prep
Students will prepare and submit a 2–3-page plan for their Term Paper that includes the following: title, research objectives, annotated bibliography of a minimum of 4 sources, and style guidelines. Instructions for this assignment are posted in Canvas.
Graduate Student Additional Requirements:
- Graduate students will prepare and submit a 3-4-page plan for their Term Paper that includes the following: title, abstract, research objectives, annotated bibliography of a minimum of 6 sources, and style guidelines.
Career Skills: Academic research skills are highly relevant in the modern workforce as they enable individuals to effectively gather, analyze, and interpret data, which is crucial for informed decision-making. These skills also enhance problem-solving abilities, allowing professionals to address complex issues with well-researched solutions.
Term Paper
Students will choose a cultural and/or heritage resource and an overarching theme from the two lists below and write an academic research paper. Undergraduate students will prepare and submit a term paper that is 6-8 pages in length and has a minimum of 10 scholarly resources. Instructions for the assignment are posted in Canvas.
Graduate Student Additional Requirements:
- Graduate students will prepare and submit a term paper that is 10-12 pages in length and has a minimum of 12 scholarly resources. Graduate student term papers should reflect graduate-level critical analysis of the topic, synthesis of the data, and writing conventions.
Cultural and Heritage Resources
- Historic Structures (Buildings, Bridges, Ships, etc.)
- Archaeology Sites (underwater and terrestrial)
- Cultural Landscapes
- Ethnographic Resources
- Museums
Themes:
- Cultural Issues (e.g., conflict, development, tourism, etc.)
- Natural Disasters (e.g., climate change, wildfires, flooding, etc.)
- Regulatory Issues (e.g., adverse effects, politics and changing regulations, and ethics)
- Controversy Study / Ethics
Career Skills: Academic research skills are highly relevant in the modern workforce as they enable individuals to effectively gather, analyze, and interpret data, which is crucial for informed decision-making. These skills also enhance problem-solving abilities, allowing professionals to address complex issues with well-researched solutions.
Term Paper Presentations
Undergraduate and Graduate students will create a conference-style presentation (15-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute discussion period) based on their term paper using PowerPoint or another suitable software. Presentations will be given the last few weeks of class and must include a one-to-two-page handout for each member of the class that provides a concise summary of the research and references.
Career Skills: Public presentation skills are crucial in the modern workforce as they enable individuals to effectively convey ideas, engage audiences, and inspire action. Mastering these skills boosts confidence and enhances communication, making professionals more persuasive and impactful in their roles. Additionally, strong presentation abilities are often linked to leadership potential, as they demonstrate the capability to influence and motivate others.
Case Study Presentation
Graduate Students: will be assigned two topics on the first day of class. Graduate students are responsible for finding an appropriate real-world case study and creating an oral and graphic presentation (30-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute discussion period) using PowerPoint or another suitable software. Presentations will be given throughout the semester and must include a one-to-two-page handout for each member of the class that provides a concise summary of the research and references. Students will submit a PDF copy of their PowerPoint presentation and handout in Canvas.
Undergraduate Students: will be assigned a peer-review evaluation of one of the two case studies per scheduled session. The peer-review form will be provided within Canvas. Undergraduate students will be required to critically evaluate and assess the presentation as well as the topic. Instructions are provided in Canvas.
Career Skills: Public presentation skills are crucial in the modern workforce as they enable individuals to effectively convey ideas, engage audiences, and inspire action. Mastering these skills boosts confidence and enhances communication, making professionals more persuasive and impactful in their roles. Additionally, strong presentation abilities are often linked to leadership potential, as they demonstrate the capability to influence and motivate others.
Class Contribution (Exit Tickets)
Your participation is a critical element to the success of everyone in the class. To promote participation in the exchange of ideas and a critical appreciation for other people’s thoughts and concepts, you will be required to submit an Exit Ticket in most of the class meetings using Poll Everywhere. Think of this as a scholarly journal entry where you are reflecting upon what we learned in class and the course topics. The writing prompt for the ET will be provided in class. ETs will be assigned a completion grade — do it and get 4 points, don’t do it, and get no points.
Career Skills: This assignment is based on the concepts of accountability and professionalism. Accountability is essential in the modern workforce as it fosters a culture of responsibility and trust, ensuring that employees meet their commitments and contribute to the organization’s success. Professionalism enhances workplace interactions by promoting respect, effective communication, and ethical behavior, which are crucial for a positive and productive work environment.
ALL COURSES
- ANTH 313 – Historical Archaeology
- ANTH 316 – Nautical Archaeology
- ANTH 317 – Introduction To Biblical Archaeology
- ANTH 318 – Nautical Archaeology of the Americas
- ANTH 323 – Nautical Archaeology Of The Ancient Mediterranean
- ANTH 353 – Archaeology Of Ancient Greece
- ANTH 354 – Archaeology of Ancient Italy
- ANTH 402 – Archaeological Artifact Conservation
- ANTH 417 – Naval Warfare & Warships In Ancient Greece And Rome
- ANTH 418 – Romans, Arabs, and Vikings
- ANTH 420 – History and Archaeology of Pirates, Privateers, and Sea Raiders
- ANTH 436 – Ancient Egypt
- ANTH 438 – Ancient Egypt II
- ANTH 464-664 – Cultural Heritage and Resource Management
- ANTH 603 – Seafaring Life and Maritime Communities 1450-1950
- ANTH 605 – Conservation of Archaeological Materials I
- ANTH 606 – Conservation of Archaeological Materials II
- ANTH 608 – Skills in Maritime Archaeology
- ANTH 610 – Outfitting And Sailing The Wooden Ship 1400-1900
- ANTH 611 – Introduction To Nautical Archaeology
- ANTH 612 – Preclassical Seafaring
- ANTH 613 – Classical Seafaring
- ANTH 615 – History Of Wooden Shipbuilding Technology
- ANTH 616 – Research and Reconstruction of Ships
- ANTH 617 – Conservation of Archaeological Materials III
- ANTH 628 – New World Seafaring Anthropology
- ANTH 629 – Post-Medieval Seafaring Anthropology
- ANTH 663 – Analytical Methods in Archaeology and Conservation
- ANTH 685 – Archaeological Diving: Skills and Methods
Course Schedule:
(The schedule is a subject to change, revisions, and refinements which will be posted)
| Week 1 | What are Cultural Resources – and Why do They Need to be Managed? |
Introduction; Syllabus and Assignment Review; Case Study Sign-Up Required Reading (Perusall):
|
| Week 2 | Historic Preservation Principles |
No Class: MLK Holiday Required Reading (Perusall):
|
| Week 3 | Cultural Resource Laws, Rules, and Regulations |
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act: Standard Consultation and Programmatic Agreements Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
Assignments: Federal Regulation Modules |
| Week 4 | Archaeology (Terrestrial and Maritime) |
Archaeological Laws and Regulations Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
|
| Week 5 | Archaeology (Terrestrial and Maritime) |
Case Studies: Challenges of Preserving and Protecting Archaeological Resources Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
Assignments: NRHP Nomination, Part 1 |
| Week 6 | Traditional Cultural Places, Ethnographic Resources, & Intangible Cultural Heritage |
Sacred Sites, Ethnographic Resources, & Collaborative Resource Management Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
|
| Week 7 | Cultural Landscapes |
Historic, Maritime, Cultural, and Ethnographic Designated Landscapes Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
|
| Week 8 | Museums |
Museums as Cultural Heritage Required Reading (Perusall):
Assignments: NRHP Nomination, Part 2 |
| Week 9 | Spring Break | No Classes |
| Week 10 | International CHRM Case Studies |
World Heritage and War: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Losing the Cradle of Civilization Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
Assignments: Term Paper Prep |
| Week 11 | Cultural Heritage at Risk |
CHRM and Mitigating Cultural Impacts and Natural Disasters Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading:
|
| Week 12 | CHRM Jobs and Professionalism |
Working in the Field: Government Processes and Deliverables (Guest Lecture, Dr. Bojakowski) Required Reading (Perusall):
Additional Graduate Reading (Perusall): Due by Class on Monday
|
| Week 13 | Student Presentations |
Term Paper Presentations (4 Students) Assignments: |
| Week 14 | Student Presentations |
Term Paper Presentations (4 Students) |
| Week 15 | Student Presentations |
Term Paper Presentations (4 Students) Term Paper Presentations (4 Students) |
| Week 16 | Student Presentations | Student Presentations |
