Deck 15: So You Want to Become an Archaeologist

Question 1

Modern-day archaeology is often fascinating and is sometimes conducted in remote lands. The discipline is also

A) highly technical.
B) somewhat technical.
C) analytical.
D) monotonous.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

The spectacular discoveries made by archaeologists are

A) common occurrences.
B) few and far between.
C) a unique reward.
D) a group effort.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered to be one of the personal qualities of archaeologists?

A) adaptability
B) wealth
C) enthusiasm
D) a sense of humor

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Archaeological research today is

A) somewhat specialized.
B) broad-based.
C) highly specialized.
D) individualized.

Question 5

An education in archaeology should include a thorough and broad education in

A) ecological studies.
B) biological and cultural anthropology.
C) environmental studies.
D) physical sciences.

Question 6

While pursuing a degree in archaeology as an undergraduate, students should gain experience in

A) advanced methods and theories.
B) the field and the laboratory.
C) related disciplines.
D) archaeology.

Question 7

As undergraduates, students pursuing a degree in archaeology will find that the opportunities to go in the field are

A) better than ever before.
B) good if you know where to look.
C) better after graduation.
D) good only if you have personal contacts to use.

Question 8

Because jobs are rare and the competition for those jobs is intense, now is not a great time to become

A) an archaeologist.
B) an academic archaeologist.
C) employed in the private sector.
D) employed by the government.

Question 9

Most archaeology in North America is administered or carried out by

A) academic archaeologists.
B) self-employed archaeologists.
C) government and the private sector.
D) teams of academic archaeologists.

Question 10

Undergraduate and graduate training in archaeology is dominated by

A) academic archaeology.
B) government and private sectors.
C) research archaeology.
D) field archaeology.

Question 11

Most academic archaeology in American universities is NOT carried out in

A) Europe.
B) Mesoamerica.
C) the Andes.
D) North America.

Question 12

A career in public archaeology involves managing and saving the archaeological record. Most of the activity in public archaeology is done through

A) academic archaeology.
B) the private sector.
C) larger companies.
D) the government.

Question 13

All archaeologists are concerned with careful stewardship of

A) conservation of artifacts.
B) archaeological sites.
C) the human past.
D) the prehistoric past.

Question 14

Entry-level archaeologists will find the best opportunities and career potential in

A) academic archaeology.
B) the private sector.
C) larger companies.
D) government.

Question 15

An undergraduate degree in archaeology qualifies students to work

A) as faculty members at a research university.
B) in government and the private sector.
C) at most larger companies.
D) as gofers at excavations and digs.

Question 16

A Master of Arts degree in archaeology qualifies students to work

A) as faculty members at a research university.
B) in government and the private sector.
C) in research only.
D) as gofers at excavations and digs.

Question 17

The Ph.D. is a specialized degree that will qualify students to work

A) as faculty members at a research university.
B) in government and the private sector.
C) in research only.
D) as gofers at excavations and digs.

Question 18

The destruction of archaeological sites continues through the demand for antiquities. Even modest antiquities fetch high prices in international markets because

A) archaeologists seldom sell what they have found.
B) supply far exceeds demand.
C) demand far exceeds supply.
D) artifacts are worth their weight in gold.

Question 19

One of the tasks of a beginning teacher of archaeology is to

A) recruit people to the field.
B) create an "in-group" that knows about radiocarbon testing.
C) create what the National Science Foundation calls "an informed citizenry."
D) teach all you know about American archaeology.

Question 20

Archaeology could not function without informed amateur archaeologists who work on excavations, in museums, and in laboratories as

A) technicians.
B) government officials.
C) investors.
D) volunteers.

Question 21

Outline the opportunities in academic archaeology in the near future. Compare and contrast with the potential future opportunities in Cultural Resource Management. Why is there a discrepancy?

Question 22

Discuss how a serious student of archaeology might receive field experience or training in archaeology. Do you know of any potential opportunities associated with your school or your community?

Question 23

Explain the requirements to enter graduate school in archaeology. What does one study in order to obtain a graduate degree in archaeology? Why is it necessary for a person with aspirations to do serious research in archaeology to obtain a higher degree?

Question 24

Write about the values of taking an introductory course in archaeology, assuming that you are not going to be a professional. What have you gained from the experience of this course?

Question 25

Discuss the basic ethics of archaeology. How can you imagine applying these ethics to your own life?