Assignment
Anthropology in the Public Eye
Topic: Alternative Archaeology
Instructions: You are required to write a paper (@6 pages, double spaced, 12-font) on alternative archaeology (also called pseudoarchaeology, ‘fringe’ archaeology, ‘bullshit’ archaeology). The paper must be in proper essay format and all source material must be referenced (in-text citations as well as a references cited page). We will be using the SAA Style Guide (information posted on D2L). Sub-headings are encouraged. Note: the title page and the references cited page do not count towards overall paper length for this assignment.
Begin with a definition and discussion of alternative archaeology (and its many names). You are required to make reference to at least 2 of the assigned readings/articles from the course in this section (Week 2 Documents on D2L). Next, profile/discuss 2 examples of alternative archaeologies using additional outside sources (here’s where you get to have fun with your research). You are not required to disprove claims made by these alternative archaeologies, but you are certainly welcome to comment on the facts presented by archaeology that contradict such claims. A minimum of 2 additionalsources is required for this section (for a minimum total of 4 sources for the final paper). Given the nature of the topic, you may find that your source material for your examples is not from the regular expected academic/scholarly sources required for an archaeology paper (that’s ok for this section). Lastly, discuss your thoughts on why alternative archaeologies are so popular with the public (the first person is acceptable for this section and you do not need to back up your reflection with sources unless you use additional research to help inform your discussion).
Note: your examples must be related to pseudoarchaeology, not pseudoscience in general, so avoid cryptozoology [Bigfoot, Loch Ness monster], UFO sightings, and Ghostbusters (sorry). You will still find plenty of aliens building pyramids and what not, along with lost continents, lost races, and crystal skulls; relevant hoaxes and curses are acceptable as well.
Archaeology is the search for fact. Not truth. If it’s truth you’re interested in, Doctor Tyree’s Philosophy class is right down the hall. So forget any ideas you’ve got about lost cities, exotic travel, and digging up the world. We do not follow maps to buried treasure, and “X” never, ever marks the spot. Seventy percent of all archaeology is done in the library. Research. Reading.
(Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)