Re: What does it take to be an archeologist?

Posted by nitzsche from 2Cust110.tnt23.sfo3.da.uu.net on December 20, 1998 at 16:16:00:

In Reply to: What does it take to be an archeologist? posted by Kay on December 19, 1998 at 07:49:21:

Keep in mind that the field of Archaeology today is much different than it was 70 years ago. It has shifted from the study of "what and when" (i.e. artifacts and timelines) to a more cognitive study of "how and why" (cultural processes and the reason for changes) for any given culture. Archaeology as a whole, has become absorbed in anthpropological studies, as well as taking on facets of hard science.
Today, archaeologists are taking on an interdisciplinary approach, relying on other fields of study, i.e. anthropology, linguistics, geology, history, economy, just to name a few. There are many sub-divisions in archaeology as well.

Likewise, fields such as Egyptology, Biblical Archaeology, and Classic Archaeology, offer different approaches of study. These are purely academic. In America, Archaeology has shifted into the realm of Cultural Resource Management (CRM), or Reclamation Archaeology, where the United States Government requires states to make an inventory of prehistoric and historic resources. Also, it is required to conduct archaeological research prior to any type of land exchange or construction on State or local lands.

Those interested in archaeology, should narrow down their interests in terms of a field of study. The best way to decide what to study is to enter an Anthropology Department at the University of your choice. There, you can decide what focus you would like to take after a general overview of archaeology throughout course work.

Today, to succeed in CRM work, one must attain a Masters Degree. Most of the work done is by private companies, but there are also government positions. these would require a Masters. Also, universities usually do archaeological field schools, and offer undergraduates the opportunity to do some CRM work.

If you want to teach, and be more of the armchair scholar than a field-person, then a Phd is required in most cases.

Just remember, that times have changed, and most are experts in one field, and rely upon others to supply information that may be useful from other fields. Unlike Indiana Jones, from the thirties, who seemed to know just about everything! ; ]

hope this helps a bit

--nitzsche

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: Keep in mind that the field of Archaeology today is much different than it was 70 years ago.  It has shifted from the study of "what and when" (i.e. artifacts and timelines) to a more cognitive study of "how and why" (cultural processes and the reason for changes) for any given culture.  Archaeology as a whole, has become absorbed in anthpropological studies, as well as taking on facets of hard science.
: Today, archaeologists are taking on an interdisciplinary approach, relying on other fields of study, i.e. anthropology, linguistics, geology, history, economy, just to name a few. There are many sub-divisions in archaeology as well.

: Likewise, fields such as Egyptology, Biblical Archaeology, and Classic Archaeology, offer different approaches of study. These are purely academic. In America, Archaeology has shifted into the realm of Cultural Resource Management (CRM), or Reclamation Archaeology, where the United States Government requires states to make an inventory of prehistoric and historic resources. Also, it is required to conduct archaeological research prior to any type of land exchange or construction on State or local lands.

: Those interested in archaeology, should narrow down their interests in terms of a field of study.  The best way to decide what to study is to enter an Anthropology Department at the University of your choice.  There, you can decide what focus you would like to take after a general overview of archaeology throughout course work.

: Today, to succeed in CRM work, one must attain a Masters Degree. Most of the work done is by private companies, but there are also government positions. these would require a Masters. Also, universities usually do archaeological field schools, and offer undergraduates the opportunity to do some CRM work.

: If you want to teach, and be more of the armchair scholar than a field-person, then a Phd is required in most cases.

: Just remember, that times have changed, and most are experts in one field, and rely upon others to supply information that may be useful from other fields.  Unlike Indiana Jones, from the thirties, who seemed to know just about everything! ; ]

: hope this helps a bit

: --nitzsche

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