Iain, this is a very important point.

Both anthropological and historical perspectives are vital components of
historical archaeology, and both should be encouraged in undergraduate
degrees.  As we know, historiography and historical methods are very
different in many ways to archaeology and anthropology, and developing
skills in the former area as well as the latter will result in more rounded
practioners. Learning to juggle the often contradictory messages one gets
from the two areas is certainly an interesting intellectual challenge to
students (and graduates!) as well.

Undergraduates are still exploring many areas that are of interest to them,
and while some anthropology/archaeology majors will happen upon history by
accident (as I did) it cannot be expected that all will.  If departments
are structuring degree programs specifically tailored for those interested
in historical archaeology, then history should be included.  In particular,
students should be directed towards the subjects that deal with
historiography and method, and not only to area histories.  Suggested
options in cultural geography (and architectural history/vernacular
architecture?  and folklore? and...) could be added too.

Susan

Dr Susan Lawrence
Senior Lecturer
Department of Archaeology
La Trobe University
Bundoora VICTORIA
Australia 3083

phone 61 (0)3 9479 1790
fax   61 (0)3 9479 1881