A question on archaeology?

Question

What is it about? What traits should one possess to study the course? Is it a course about the past only?

Answer 1

"It is the study of the evolution of people and their environment. Fossil remains are studied to determine the structure of the bod..."

This is more like physical anthropology. Archaeology does not deal with human evolution or their fossil remains. What archaeology does do is examine past human culture through a variety of methods, but primarily through site excavation. A historical knowledge (if working with a historic society) of the subject area is desirable, but not strictly necessary. What is required is, as previously said, an ability to work outside for extended periods in potentionally inclement weather, the expectation of long hours in a lab cleaning, identifying, and cataloguing artifacts, and many more hours in addition writing reports and budget proposals. Drafting or drawing skills are useful, as is some basic geology and trigonometry. Being physically fit is a plus, but the job itself will make you that if you spend any significant time in the field. If you go into CRM (cultural resource management, aka commercial archaeology) expect to travel a lot.

I have to ask though. The way your question is worded makes it sound as if you're considering taking an archaeology course, not becoming one. If that is the case, none of the above really matters, as the course will likely be about archaeological theory/methodology with a few case studies, but no actual work.

Answer 2

I was an archaeologist for 5 years. It depends on what kind of archaeology you want to study. Here in the USA, we have two different types of archaeology - historic & prehistoric. If you like history like the Civil War or American Revolution, then you may want to consider focusing on historical archaeology. In order to do this, you should have a strong background in history. I considered myself a historic archaeologist. I took a minor in history as a student (looking back, I should have done a double major). If you are interested in Native American studies then you should focus on prehistorical archaeology and you should take classes that pertain to this. Don't worry if you don't have an exact interest - many people like both.
If you are interested in dinosaurs - then you won't be studying archaeology - you would need to study paleotology.
As for traits - you should definately be patience - There were times when I would go for months without finding an artifact. But then there were days when I was excavating great sites. You should also enjoy the outdoors which means you may be working during the coldest and hottest days of the year.
As for your question about the course being about the past only - basicly yes it is - but it requires a lot more knowledge about different things - you need to know maps, nature, land topography, GIS, GPS, survey work etc...Archaeology is definately more than just digging in the dirt!
Hope this helped!

Answer 3

"What is it about?--Is it a course about the past only?"

Archeology's is a subculture of Anthropology. It is the study of human cultures of the past.

"What traits should one possess to study the course?"

A good eye for details, a good imagination, knowledge of past civilizations, and an adventurous side.

Answer 4

A good historical knowledge would be essential. As would patience, a willingness to travel and be able to work outside in all weathers. It sounds like such an interesting occupation to do and it must be search a thrill to discover artefacts from the past and piece together information about them.

Answer 5

It is the study of the evolution of people and their environment. Fossil remains are studied to determine the structure of the body, what tools they used, the environment they lived in, etc. A love for people and their way of living is a plus.

Answer 6

I took my new girlfriend home to meet my parents.
I said to my Dad. "Dad, this is Treasure".
He replied. "Where did you dig her up"?