UMass Boston

Course Overview

Description

This course brings together archaeological narratives, practices, and approaches pertaining to Latin American history and the politics of race, gender, colonialism, and national constructions. Students will explore a variety of dialogues around the topic of Latinidad as a historical category built on the bases of narratives of resistance, survival, and recognition. Since the 1960s, Latin American archaeologists have developed their own interpretations of the past, ones that differ from North American archaeology. Latin American historical archaeology specifically has generated post-colonial theories and practices developed in the peripheries and for local communities, aiming for social justice and active processes of decolonization. The course also explores diverse practices and discourses around Latin American material heritage as an adaptable source for ethnic, national, and gender narratives in the present so that students can learn about the past with a deep influence in present social, political, and cultural dynamics around Latin@ collective identities in the Americas.