Each quarter, the Stanford Archaeology Center invites prominent archaeologists from around the globe to be in residence for a week as a Distinguished Lecturer. During their residency, the Distinguished Lecturer gives two lectures and interacts with faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students. Stanford Archaeology Center will host Emeritus Prof. Randall McGuire from  Binghamton University over two days (April 8 and April 9) for the Spring Quarter of this academic year. 

Abstract:

At the end of the 20^th century, radical scholars embraced the concept of community archaeology. Now, in the third decade of the 21^stcentury, community archaeology has become de rigueur and often over simplified. Furthermore, we are doing it in a radically changed political atmosphere. The global rise of reactionary populism and fascism leads me to reassess community archaeology, not to reject it out of hand, but to suggest that we need to reconsider how and why we do it, and who we do it for. Around the world, reactionary anti-intellectual movements are changing how communities see themselves and others. These movements have altered the practice of politics, increased polarization and fostered extremism. This change in atmosphere makes the social role of archaeology more relevant but also more challenging. Scholars need to recognize how complicated and difficult it is to do an archaeology for the community and to maintain liberal ideals. We need to problematize popular notions of community, the public and political activism. Most importantly, we need to constantly ask the question --- archaeology for whom, how and why?