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The module will cover some current theories on nationalism and group identities in general, the history of archaeology and Nationalism, the problem of identifying ethnic groups archaeologically, and the use of genetics in archaeology. These subjects will then be discussed in more depth using various case-studies.

The rising tide of Nationalism in the new century is partly based on data derived from archaeology and history. In part, it repeats patterns already observed in the 19th and early 20th century. Genetic data and the widespread presence of archaeology in traditional and social media, however. The increase of international conflicts and the use of openly racist topoi in political discussions is something archaeologists should not ignore. This means they should be familiar with the history of Nationalism and the ways nationalist frameworks have used archaeological finds in the past and in the present, and be ready to argue against racist or irredentist interpretations.

The course aims at elucidating the role of modern day Nationalism and Ethnicity in the interpretation of the past. It also looks at the possible ways to reconstruct prehistoric identities and the way this is implemented in current research. It will analyse the mechanisms modern nations are linked to prehistoric remains in different ideological contexts. This also involves the analysis of attempts to use the concepts of ethnic groups/peoples for specific artefact assemblages and the assumption that ethnicity is a constant in human history and prehistory.

On successful completion of this course a student should:Ìý

-be familiar with the major social theories relating to ethnicity and group identity and have studied a range of archaeological and anthropological case-studies which explore the articulation of ethnic identities and the use of archaeological data in nationalist discourse.Ìý

-have developed the capacity to critically evaluate archaeological interpretations that link material culture to ethnic and/or linguistic groupsÌý

-understand that interpretations of the archaeological record represent powerful cultural resources which can be mobilised and manipulated to meet the political goals of different actors, as states, empires, social classes, genders, minorities, majorities and indigenous groups.Ìý