2nd November 2005, 10:58 PM
I did a part-time history degree course. In my case this also included about a third archaeology taken as optional or elective modules. We covered SMR/HER and other relevant archival sources in a number of modules in both subjects. Learning how to access and use such resources was seen by the course directors as an important part of our 'training', for future professional or amateur careers as 'historians' and/or 'archaeologists', and/or simply to assist with research for dissertations at BA or higher levels.
I should note here that my uni did not have an archaeology department but taught the subject in a 'continuing education' environment. A good proportion of our tutors taught on part-time contracts with their main jobs being in commercial archaeology, This has been a great help to me as I had a working knowledge and a good number of contacts in "the real world" before I graduated and began looking for work.
It does seem strange that some of the more conventional archaeology degree courses miss archives out completely.
I should note here that my uni did not have an archaeology department but taught the subject in a 'continuing education' environment. A good proportion of our tutors taught on part-time contracts with their main jobs being in commercial archaeology, This has been a great help to me as I had a working knowledge and a good number of contacts in "the real world" before I graduated and began looking for work.
It does seem strange that some of the more conventional archaeology degree courses miss archives out completely.