Dr. Renner:

I would like to throw my "oar in the water" on this one with the shade of 
Dr. Charles Hoffman at my side.  As a practicing Historical Archaeologist 
and Remote Sensing Specialist (i.e. archaeogeophysicist),  I believe in the 
four field approach to anthropology with archaeology being one of the fields 
as basic to the study of human behavior. I also believe that ALL 
archaeologists should take several courses in historical research and 
ethnographic inerviewing.  I have a natural love for history and historical 
research but I know that many archaeologists can't stand to do it or 
interview live people.

In your case, I would suggest an interdepartamental position with a person 
who can get along with both the historians and the archaeologists and can 
teach a Field School that emphasizes digging, historical research and 
interviewing people.  The UNR program under Don Hardesty is excellent for 
doing just that.  Also, Judy Bense's program at UWF is excellent.  It really 
doesn't matter what you call the program.  As someone Chinese said:  "It 
doesn't matter if the cat is black or white, just as long as it catches 
mice."

Richard J. Lundin, BA, MA, RPA, ISAP
Consulting Historical Archaeologist and Remote Sensing Specialist
Director, Wondjina Research Institute
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Timothy Renner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 3:10 PM
Subject: An academic-type question


> Dear listmembers,
>
> I'm the chair of an interdepartmental faculty committee for archaeology at 
> my university, Montclair State University in northeastern New Jersey. 
> I'm an Old World specialist, and I could use your help. We are planning to 
> develop a Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies are in the 
> process of getting--we hope--a faculty line in U.S. historical 
> archaeology, with emphasis on the Northeast and the Atlantic region, 
> approved by our administration.   For reasons that are too complicated to 
> go into here, the administration plans to place this position in the 
> History Department rather than in Anthropology or in some type of 
> crossover appointment.
>
> I'd appreciate any thoughts you all may have on
> (a) How often are such positions in History as opposed to Anthropology, in 
> your experience?
> (b) Which departmental environment do you think would be better for the 
> person (bearing in mind, of course, that not all  North American 
> archaeologists are cut from the same cloth)?
>
> Thanks very much.
>
> Tim Renner
>