This seminar will explore the material culture and art of the Etruscans through the lens of indigeneity and colonialism (both ancient and modern) with a special emphasis on reception studies. We will approach this subject from a variety of perspectives, including, but not limited to an introduction to Etruscan art; 17th century “rediscovery” and collecting as well as 19th century colonial packaging and definitions of “culture” in antiquity. We will also explore issues of nationalism both in ancient Rome as a colonizer and appropriator of Etruria (and their art) in addition to how modern and post-modern Italy (and academia at large) define/d the Etruscan past. The seminar will discuss aspects of decolonizing and question the various historicities crafted throughout the centuries regarding the Etruscans and their art. We will address a series of important questions, such as, why are Etruscan masterpieces routinely stripped of their identity (often being called Greek or Roman)? How have the Etruscans been branded, packaged and presented throughout the centuries? And finally, how does the study of Etruscan art and culture deepen our understanding of the ancient Mediterranean as a whole?

This course fulfills the following Major requirements: Geographical area (A) and Chronological period (I) or (III), based on the topic of the final research paper or project.