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+--- Thread: Archaeologists - whats in a name (/showthread.php?tid=623)
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Archaeologists - whats in a name - BAJR Host - 14th July 2007
Is it me.... or do you not get sick of anyone who has watched a couple of episodes of Time Team can go out in the field and call themselves an Archaeolgist!
Yes you are right I have had a couple of bad complaints...
Blimey, when pressed one admits that he actually is a <edit> but has been on a couple of archaeology digs..... that don't mean you can go out an direct an excavation on a Bronze Age site... ! With no p-ex, no report... no need to adhere to any standards...
I don't weant this to turn into anything other than we should really think about protection of the name and title... we (I) worke(ed) hard to call our(my)self Archaeologist - I am proud of that title, and like local arch groups as well (who have people who have earned the title with hard work, study, and a record of doing the job right, to a standard) we can't be dragged down by peopel whose ability is perhaps not at the same level as their belief.
Rant mode over!!!!!!!!!! :face-thinks:
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Archaeologists - whats in a name - Chris Jones - 15th July 2007
Somebody must have upset you. Are we into the argument over chartered status - as an obvious goal at the end of a structured training programme. I have to say I also like archaeology as a non-vocational degree and University is about learning a whole range of transferable skills. There must be a clear distinction between someone who is an amateur and a professional. IFA registration is really all a client has to distinguish properly qualified professionals from those not adequately qualified or resourced. I think we are heading in the right direction but we do need clarity for those commissioning archaeological work.
Archaeologists - whats in a name - 1man1desk - 16th July 2007
I am entirely with Mr Hosty on this one - we need to find a way to protect the title of 'Archaeologist'.
I can almost feel a petition to the Prime Minister coming on...
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Archaeologists - whats in a name - trowelfodder - 16th July 2007
"I have to say I also like archaeology as a non-vocational degree and University is about learning a whole range of transferable skills. There must be a clear distinction between someone who is an amateur and a professional. IFA registration is really all a client has to distinguish properly qualified professionals from those not adequately qualified or resourced. I think we are heading in the right direction but we do need clarity for those commissioning archaeological work."
Lets get something clear here - at present the IFA does not actully distinguish between units or individuals who are or arent adequately qualified or resourced! It mearly shows who has paid thier subs!
Im an archaeologist and resent the implication that as im not a member of the ifa then im not adequately qualified! Theres many reasons why people dont join and it not that we arent qualified enough!
It also has a category for no proffessionals whih as far as i can can see can only encourage the missconception that archaeology is carried out by ameters. The ifa needs to make some decisions about exactly where it stands on standards and what it represents!
Archaeologists - whats in a name - Chris Jones - 17th July 2007
My comment was not intended to suggest that those who aren't members of the IFA aren't qualified and my apologies for any misunderstanding. I really meant to say that as those who become members have to demonstrate experience and qualifications to do so and as such membership demonstrates this to employers/clients. It does not mean that qualified archaeological/historic environment professionals are limited to those with a professional membership - be it IFA, IHBC, AAIS etc.
Archaeologists - whats in a name - 1man1desk - 17th July 2007
Posted by Chris Jones:
Quote:quote:IFA registration is really all a client has to distinguish properly qualified professionals from those not adequately qualified or resourced.
Posted by Trowelfodder:
Quote:quote:Lets get something clear here - at present the IFA does not actully distinguish between units or individuals who are or arent adequately qualified or resourced! It mearly shows who has paid thier subs!
Both partly right.
Lack of IFA membership or registration does not mean that an individual or organisation is not adequately qualified or resourced, and there are plenty of good archaeologists outside the IFA.
However, if you want an individual or unit whose qualifications and experience have been validated and certified by a third party (and, for units, are subject to regular re-validation), and whose professional standards are subject to a disciplinary code, then you want an individual or organisation with membership or registration in a professional body. For archaeologists, that usually means the IFA.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Archaeologists - whats in a name - muddyandcold - 2nd August 2007
Whilst I agree with those whom state that archaeology is a highly disciplined profession taking years of study etc. one cannot forget those interested at the grass roots level! After all they have fueled the media hype with anything archaeological!! Archaeology, I believe, belongs to the people and should accessible to all at a grass root level.
Archaeology has always been famous for providing opportunities for those without acdemic qualifications resulting in some outstanding archaeologists (our mr hosty for example, god bless him)! One has only to look at the IFA membership book to reealise this. Conversely, there are MIFAs, AIFAs etc qualified to the hilt with BA's MA's, PhD's whom really don't know a soil change from a clothes change... a munsell colour to a hair colour..... Is the profession really going so far backward up their #### in striving acdemic respectibility???
I remember one company director (now MIFA) who stated in a staff review that 'the company had not reached lower grades, ie diggers, as "anyone could do their jobs"'....
Also, an ex county mountie from eastern counties has been quoted "they prefer short term contracts as they keep people on their toes???"
Archaeology was formed by the people, and belongs to the people.... Don't let anyone forget that!!
Of course we need standards but not at any expense....
Archaeologists - whats in a name - garybrun - 2nd August 2007
Very well put muddy.
Many do forget.. thats the problem.
Archaeologists - whats in a name - Oxbeast - 3rd August 2007
On the other hand, I can't think of the last time that I met someone below the age of say, 35, without a degree. I really do think that things are changing in this respect. Even a lot of folk who've been digging for donkey's years have got degrees as mature students.
just an observation, but I'm not sure for how much longer archaeology will be an 'all comers' profession. A real shame if you ask me, some of the best diggers are degreeless.
Archaeologists - whats in a name - Chris Jones - 3rd August 2007
I think the issue is not to stop archaeology being practised by all but to stop unscrupulous types trading commercially as archaeologists - while still recognising that in addition to the degree and vocational training route, there are eminently capable archaeologists with significant experience but without paper qualifications. I think that by far and away the majority of archaeologists are responsible types and would support the desire to protect the profession and lay ourselves open to validation by our peers.