I would agree with Vergil on this topic.  Moreover, given that
graduate schools, especially at the doctoral level, are structured to
allow flexibility in that the student and guidance committee essentially
design the students own curriculum, there would seem to be ample room to
include relevant "non-departmental" courses.  However, this is a
collaborative venture, so the student must take some initiative towards
including such coursework in his/her program.  I, fortunately, was in an
established historical archaeology program housed in an anthropology
department.  Part of my "program", readily agreed to by my guidance
committee, included coursework in US History and Geography.  A fellow grad
student, was interested in the preservation/public presentation of
historical archaeology, and took courses in the parks, recreation, and
tourism department (he may, in fact, have earned a masters degree in this
area, I'm not sure).  All of this was occurring in the late 70s-early 80s.
[BTW, my undergraduate career was suitable diverse, though I wished it
more so.  I also took time off between the MA and Ph.D. programs to work
at "real archaeology" just to be sure. . .}


        Tom






On Tue, 16 May 2000, Vergil Noble wrote:

>      As Bob Schuyler points out, the question of whether historical
>      archaeology belongs to history or anthropology is hardly new,
>      though it seems to crop up again at frequent intervals.  There is
>      no question, however, that historical archaeologists must be
>      trained in history, and the SHA has said as much on many occasions.
>      It is essential to be familiar with the primary documents relating
>      to one's research and know how to use them.  Knowing the secondary
>      literature--and the controversies debated by historians--is just as
>      important.
>
>      The problem with student training is that there are very few genuine
>      "programs" in historical archaeology.  In fact, when I was on the SHA
>      board, I objected to using that term in the title of our published
>      guide, which is now called the "Guide to Higher Education in
>      Historical Archaeology."  In any case, there are fewer than 20
>      institutions listed each year that claim to offer the opportunity for
>      students to pursue a degree emphasizing historical archaeology.  That
>      is a deplorable deficiency demanding remedy.  The SHA should, indeed,
>      be a vocal advocate for a much stronger presence of trained
>      historical archaeologists on university faculties.
>
>      As acknowledged in the Student Forum panel discussions over the past
>      two SHA conferences, however, each individual must take some
>      responsibility for his or her own education.  Coursework in history
>      may not be a degree requirement at some schools, but that does not
>      preclude one taking relevant classes as electives.  A true program
>      would includ credits in a variety of related disciplines (including,
>      perhaps, geography, urban planning, architectural history, etc.), but
>      in the absence of such guidance each student must take the initiative
>      in consultation with his or her committee.
>
>      [log in to unmask]
>

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