From Principles to Practice: Ethical Foundations and Training in Archaeology Recording

  • This purchase is for two-month access to a past online seminar recording, not a registration for a live event.
  • You will receive an email from SAA staff with a link to view the recording.
  • Group registrations allow for an unlimited number of participants in your group.
  • Please allow one business day to complete this transaction.

 

Presenter(s) Presenter(s)

Katherine L. Chiou, PhD, RPA, University of Alabama

Katherine (Katie) Chiou is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Alabama. Her research spans foodways past and present, social inequality, plant domestication, applied ethics, and responsible conduct of research. Her current ethics project, funded by the NSF Ethical and Responsible Research Program, probes the effectiveness of case-study-based training in developing ethical decision-making competencies and works to diversify ethics education. Since 2017, she has served on the SAA Committee on Ethics, organizing the SAA Ethics Bowl. She also serves as the current Chair of the RPA Ethics Committee.

Course Description Course Description

This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of archaeological ethics and practical training in ethical reasoning. Participants will explore the historical context and core principles of current examples of codes of archaeological ethics, receive an overview of core themes, analyze case studies, and develop strategies for cultivating ethical cultures in their professional practice. The workshop aims to equip archaeologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate ethical dilemmas and uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work.

Course Objectives Course Objectives
  1. Understand the historical development and core principles of archaeological ethics.
  2. Develop skills in ethical reasoning and decision-making through scenario analysis and case studies.
  3. Cultivate strategies for promoting ethical cultures within professional archaeological practice.

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Download the SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics

In 1996, the SAA Executive Board adopted its Principles of Archaeological Ethics, and in 2016, membership voted to add a Principle No. 9. In 2018, the SAA Board created a series of task forces which culminated in a 2024 update to the Principles, which were adopted overwhelmingly by members on the January 2024 ballot. Download the most current SAA Principles of Archaeological Ethics [PDF 183 KB] to print or use for classrooms or training.