Dr. Heckenberger
Anthropologists are keenly aware that research practice should align with the goals and values of the communities that they work with. Engaged anthropology and advocacy are central features of the discipline of anthropology and aim to promote dialogue about the efficacy, importance and dissemination of materials aligned with community values and projects. This seminar considers these themes by first examining of how community engagement has been conceptualized in anthropology, including how indigenous peoples see and think about anthropologists and archaeologists. The focus is on case studies from the Global South, particularly indigenous peoples but also other communities, including urban groups and cyber-communities.The course examines community engagement in archaeology and heritage work but extends across sub-disciplines of anthropology, particularly socio-cultural anthropology and ethnography. Theoretical perspectives arising from collaboration and dialogue between communities and archaeologists and cultural heritage professional contribute to a better understanding of how local people articulate their heritage needs, define what heritage (intangible and tangible) means to them, and use archaeology and heritage to meet current issues of human rights, social justice and community development needs.