1st April 2014, 05:32 PM
I rather like the lack of rigidity we have here. But when it comes to definitions, where some may say I'm a digger, I say I'm an archaeologist, because that's what my employer pays me as and archaeology is what I do, although it is exclusively the dirty kind which some seem to think sullies the image of archaeology. Which is odd, because if there aren't people out in the field getting dirty, all the rest in the warm and dry aren't going to have much to do.
I do think the degree issue needs addressing. I've no problem with BA archaeology, but there does need to be an alternative, either changing some of what is taught in those degrees to reflect the current situation in British archaeology, or a new BSc. It's odd that at Masters level you have a choice as to A or Sc, but not at Bachelors.
Kevin, you've also identified why so many who work in the field have so little faith in the IfA - they do seem to like to perpetuate this view that you're only worthy if you get out the field. But having said that, it's been forever thus that those who work with their hands tend to be looked down on.
I do think the degree issue needs addressing. I've no problem with BA archaeology, but there does need to be an alternative, either changing some of what is taught in those degrees to reflect the current situation in British archaeology, or a new BSc. It's odd that at Masters level you have a choice as to A or Sc, but not at Bachelors.
Kevin, you've also identified why so many who work in the field have so little faith in the IfA - they do seem to like to perpetuate this view that you're only worthy if you get out the field. But having said that, it's been forever thus that those who work with their hands tend to be looked down on.
I reserve the right to change my mind. It's called learning.