Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: First let me tell you I am a working mother and want to go back to school to become an Archaeologist. I talk to someone about online classes / they advised to start with Communications and Human Services. Before I sign up for anything I really want to make sure this is a good starting point of becoming an archaeologist. Please let me know if this is a good starting point, and give some advise as to which would be best. Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Lori,

Archaeology as you can well imagine is in large measure digging in the dirt and working in a laboratory environment curating the stuff that was dug up.  So only a limited amount can be done on line.  I believe that the Anthropology portion can be done and in this regard, a first step would be to take a course called Anthropology 101, this would give you the basics about the field of anthropology and should delve into aspects of archaeology as well.  (How  the two are tied together at least).  

Communications and Human Services is more sociology and has NOTHING to do with Archaeology.  Who ever gave you that advice has been drinking to much crystal light.  

You need a good foundation in understanding cultures and you can only get this from Anthropology and perhaps Ethnography classes.  Why is this important?  If you have an understanding of cultures and their processes, then when digging in the dirt, the objects found, their placement in the general scheme of things at the site and their manufacture, will help  to tie these objects to behaviors which links to their cultural behavior.  Thus when you see a spear point, and you have become familiar with a hunting and gathering culture, you can then understand how they may have used  this tool in their every day life.  Other wise it is just a pointy stone.  

If you tell me the state you live in, I may be able to direct you to a local chapter of your state's Archaeological Society where you may be able to participate in a dig this summer, as most chapters sponsor digs and some universities also sponsor digs where amateurs can participate and even get credit towards a degree (this usually costs).  

I hope that this helps and provides improved direction.  If there is any thing I can do to help you out, please don't hesitate to ask.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Fort Worth Texas, please send me any more information that you can I would very much appreciate it.
Thank you again

Answer
Hi Lori,

U of North Texas has a very good archaeology program.  Also your local chapter of the Texas Archaeological Society is quite active and I believe that they are planning several digs this summer.

Here is their web site:  http://www.txarch.org/index.html

Contact info is included at this web site.  

Tarrant County Archeological Society
Fort Worth, Texas
Regular Meetings—
Day: Second Thursday of the month
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Kiva Room in UNT Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
Contact: Jay Hornsby, President 1-817-496-5475 or jhornsby@sihometheater.com
Dues: $20 Individual, $25 Family, $10 Student
Mail to: Tarrant County Archeological Society
Box 24679, Fort Worth, TX 76124
TCAS Website

This is your local chapter and contact info.  Good luck and have fun!!  

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.