“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.

ANTH 464: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor ANTH
664: Graduate classification

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

1. Historic Structures (Buildings, Bridges, Ships, etc.)
2. Archaeology Sites (underwater and terrestrial)
3. Cultural Landscapes
4. Ethnographic Resources
5. Museums

Themes:

1. Cultural Issues (e.g., conflict, development, tourism, etc.)
2. Natural Disasters (e.g., climate change, wildfires, flooding, etc.)
3. Regulatory Issues (e.g., adverse effects, politics and changing regulations, and ethics)
4. 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.