The Directions: Essays should be doubled-spaced, size 12 font, with one-inch mar

The Directions:
Essays should be doubled-spaced, size 12 font, with one-inch margins all around.
Essays must be approximately 3-5 pages.
All references to/from the textbook must be cited parenthetically by author’s last name and page. (Shi, pg.)
All references to/from the article must be cited parenthetically by author’s last name. (Bearden)
Citations should appear parenthetically at the end of the sentence. (Citation)
You must use at least two additional scholarly and trustworthy sources in addition to the article provided.
You must include a bibliography in the format of your choice (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)
You should include a title centered and bolded at the top of the first page.

The Assignment:
As the major powers of Europe began to globalize through the emergence of stronger centralized nations and increasingly large empires, their expansion created many questions and issues, many of which still linger today. Among these issues that linger in modern thought is the question of historic artifacts and cultural memory. Over the next several hundred years, many of the artifacts that represent the cultures and peoples of earlier eras, for example the Greeks and Egyptians, were removed from their original homelands and brought back to the conquering western power. Sometimes these artifacts were considered the “spoils of war,” and other times they were willingly given to the powerful nations; either way, in the 21st century there are lingering questions about where these artifacts and ephemera belong.

There are many opinions on the subject of artifact repatriation, which is the return of artifacts to their homeland. As a result, there is a highly contentious debate among academics, museum professionals, governments, and citizens. Using the source provided consider both sides of the debate and craft an essay as outlined on the next page.

The Essay:
Analyze and explain the debate surrounding historic artifacts displayed and curated in large “encyclopedic museums” outside of their country of origin. Your essay should be constructed in the following four (4) sections.

Section I – Explain the historical context behind the removal of the Bust of Nefertiti from Egypt by the Germans. In your explanation consider the following questions: Why were the artifacts removed? What role did the governments play in the removal of the artifacts? Under what conditions were the artifacts removed? What (if anything) has happened to the artifacts and the nation of origin since the removal?

Section II – Analyze the arguments for keeping the artifacts in Europe and displaying them in encyclopedic museums. In your analysis consider the following questions: What are the strongest reasons to place historic artifacts in large museums around the world outside of their country of origin? What are the best arguments in favor of the removal of artifacts from their original context? What evidence supports this argument?

Section III – Analyze the arguments for returning the artifacts to their nation of origin. In your analysis, consider the following questions: What reasons exist for returning previously removed artifacts to their original nations? What are some of the arguments against the continued display of artifacts in encyclopedic museums away from their country of origin? What evidence supports this argument?

Section IV – Explain your own view on the controversy of artifact repatriation. In your explanation consider the following questions: What do you believe is the correct course of action for Nefertiti? How would you solve this issue? Consider whether you think this solution is the right course of action for all similar objects taken from their nation of origin. Why or why not?

Section V – Conclude your essay by discussing the modern relevance of this issue. How can this debate and reading help you settle issues of complexity today? Consider places in the world like Syria or Greece that are going through times of political and/or economic instability – what should happen to their artifacts? What steps do you think can be taken in the future to both avoid this issue and to protect artifacts in dangerous situations, e.g. warzones? How can an understanding of this historical debate help modern citizens today?
***Your essay should be written in a narrative style. You do not need to answer all of the “questions to consider” for Parts I-V individually, but rather you can use them for ideas of what to write.***