Assignment

Write a 5-page paper in which you address the major ideas and questions surrounding your issue. This five-page paper should be complete with citations( as needed) and a bibliography( required and of at least 2 sources, not generic websites- this can include books on the topic, survey books, magazine articles), that demonstrate that you have investigated and deepened your knowledge of the topic. Keep in mind that while your research and bibliography may inform you of the specific facts and historical circumstances surrounding your topic, the good researcher and the quality paper goes beyond the basic facts to employing the research process to explore ideas and themes that inspire you to investigate, ponder and write about in your paper.

Ancient Cultural Sites in War and Disaster Zones

There are many places in the world where cultural sites and art objects are threatened by war and other forms of hostilities or natural and manmade disasters and circumstances of instability. What instances of crisis are you aware of that have threatened or are currently threatening cultural sites and objects? How do you protect these sites and objects from this threat? What is the responsibility of the world community to step in when a site or object is threatened? Who should be held responsible for the destruction? Are these situations preventable or inevitable? Should objects removed for safe-keeping during war time be returned to that country after the war even if the country is still unstable? What about works of art that are removed from a war torn country by the victors as part of the "spoils of war?" Should these items be returned to the country of origin?

Select several ancient or Medieval sites that have recently been, or are currently under, the threat of destruction and/or damage due to war or some other disaster and discuss what was done or is being done to save these works. Who is stepping up or stepped up to help? Who pays/paid for this assistance?