New Certificate Courses in Archaeology
The popularity of archaeology continues to grow and while the opportunities to undertake excavation on a volunteer basis are perhaps not as great as they once were, there has been a steady increase in the availability of archaeological courses.
It is hoped that two new certificate courses will begin in Canterbury in the coming Autumn.
1. At Canterbury College, a GCE "A" Level Certificate in Archaeology will be offered. This course, taken during the day over two years, will supplement the existing one-year GCSE evening class, which will also continue. The A Level syllabus is wide-ranging both in time and theme. As well as undertaking a study of archaeology in general, the student will look at the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Early Neolithic developments in Europe and the Near East, along with the rise of civilization in the latter area. For Britain, the study of prehistoric periods will be supplemented by an examination of Roman Britain. The GCSE evening course can also be taken over a two-year period with a college certificate awarded in the first year.
Further details from the Programme Manager, Wyn Jones, Canterbury College, New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent.
2. At Christchurch College, Canterbury, which has been the venue for many one-day archaeological conferences, it is hoped that a Local Archaeology Certificate will be offered for the first time by the History Department. This certificate, for half a day per week over two years, will, as the title suggests, have as its main component the study of local archaeology. The first year will include a study of aims, principles, and development of archaeology along with Prehistoric and Roman Kent. The emphasis will, however, be on the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods which will be studied in some detail in the second year.
Further details from Dr. Sean Greenwood, Head of History, Christ Church College, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent.
No previous practical or theoretical experience is necessary, but students will be expected to undertake their own projects. Students from both colleges will also be encouraged to form a combined archaeological society. It is hoped that a long-term student training excavation will eventually take place, but for the near future, students will be encouraged to join well-established projects advertised by the Council for British Archaeology.
Alan Ward