State Formation in Comparative Perspective

Archaeology of Power:
Authority, Prestige, and Inequality in the Past

ANTH 136a

Spring 2018

Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 – 4:50

Dr. Charles Golden,

Brown 206, x62217

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday1:00 – 2:00 pm, or by appointment

What is a “failed state?” A “rogue state?” When did “nation states” come to dominate world politics? How do the rulers of states exercise and maintain power? How and when did egalitarian communities give rise to hierarchical societies, and how is inequality maintained and encouraged?These questions are more important than ever in understanding world politics. Questions about what states are, what they should do, and how they should do it define international accords, debates and conflicts. Archaeological theory and research provide a unique perspective on these issues, allowing us to examine the nature of states through 5000 years of human history.

This class is meant, at a basic level, to provide a broad background in the archaeology of ancient complex polities (a.k.a., chiefdoms and states) from around the world. More importantly, however, this class is focused on the questions of why people participate in such societies, and how the ostensibly egalitarian social organizations of our early humans gave rise to hierarchical political structures. As such, the study of ancient civilizations is meant to provide new insights into modern political life.

This course is also intended as a forum for discussion about states, the exercise of power and authority, and the maintenance of social hierarchies. Participation accounts for 25% of the final course grade. Beyond learning any specific information about ancient civilizations, it is expected that you will build on your ability to synthesize, summarize, and debate the arguments put forward in assigned readings and put forward by your instructor and peers in class. Proper preparation and engaged class participation are therefore required. Readings should be completed before class on the day for which they are assigned. Brief 1 -2 page writings for individuals or groups may occasionally be assigned.

Any more than two unexcused absences during the course of the semester will result in the loss of a letter grade from class participation for each additional absence. Note: Success in this 4 credit hour course is based on the expectation that students will spend a minimum of 9 hours of study time per week in preparation for class (readings, papers, discussion sections, preparation for exams, etc.).

A midterm paper (20%), an in-class presentation(20%), and a final paper (35%) account for the remainder of the grade.

First Paper, due 3/8

The first paper is a review of the current interpretations of political organization, authority, and power in an ancient civilization chosen by you in consultation with the professor, with a provisional list of capital centers listed at the end of this syllabus (you may, in discussion with me, select a capital/civilization not on this list). Ideally, this will serve as the background and basis for your final paper. No fewer than 10 peer-reviewed sources must be appropriately cited and serve as sources for your paper. At least 5 of these sources must not be assigned class readings. This will be a 5-7 page paper.

In Class Presentations (specific dates for each student chosen in discussion with me based on the content and student schedule)

In these brief presentations students will present an overview of the civilization that was the focus of their midterm paper, introducing the class to the basics of the culture and its capital center (where, when, what) as well as offering insight into the nature of power and authority in that society. A visual component – a presentation made using a program like Powerpoint or Prezi – is required.

Final Paper, Due 5/1

The final paper is a more extensive analysis of power and authority in pre-modern societies that reflects your interests in the subject. The subject matter can be drawn from the readings covered in class, but students are encouragedto explore aspects of state formation not otherwise addressed during the semester. This might include issues such as the nature of gender and power, the transition from non-state to state political organization, the nature of state borders, the archaeology of ethnicity in ancient states, and many more topics. This paper may not be shorter than 8, and should not exceed 10 pages in length. No fewer than 10 peer reviewed sources must be appropriately cited and serve as sources for your paper. All 10 sources must be external to the class, although appropriate class readings should also be cited.

Required Texts and Readings:

All readings will be available on LATTE. The readings are subject to change – if there is a change all members of the class will be notified by e-mail and an updated syllabus will be posted to LATTE.

* This class counts toward a major or minor in Latin American Studies if your final paper is written on a subject based in Latin America*

DOCUMENTED DISABILITIES

If you are a student with a documented disability on record at Brandeis University and wish to have a reasonable accommodation made for you in this class, please see me immediately.Accommodations cannot be granted retroactively. If you have questions about documenting a disability or requesting academic accommodations you should contact Academic Services.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

You are expected to be familiar with and to follow the University’s policies on academic integrity (see Faculty may refer any suspected instances of alleged dishonesty to the Office of Student Development and Conduct. Instances of academic dishonesty may result in sanctions including but not limited to, failing grades being issued, educational programs, and other consequences.

PRELIMINARY LIST OF SITES FOR PRESENTATIONS:

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INKA CUSCO

TIWANAKU

TEOTIHUACAN

MONTE ALBAN

COPAN

MOCHE
CHAVIN

CAHOKIA

TENOCHTITLAN

HIEROKONPOLIS

AMARNA

STONEHENGE

KNOSSOS

MYCENAE

ANYANG

ANGKOR

VIJAYANAGARA

MOHENJO DARO/HARRAPA

URUK

BABYLON

HATTUSA (HATTUSHA)

JENNE-JENNO (DJENNE-DJENNO)

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