Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 3-hour seminar 4 weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line exercises weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line lecture weekly
Prerequisites
1 Admission into GCARCH-Graduate Certificate in Archaeology
1a Admission into MMARCHA-Master of Maritime Archaeology [1.5 years]
1b Admission into GCMA-Graduate Certificate in Maritime Archaeology
1c Admission into GDPMA-Graduate Diploma in Maritime Archaeology
1d Admission into MMARCH-Master of Maritime Archaeology
1e Admission into GDPAHM-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology and Heritage Management
1f Admission into MAHM-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management
1g Admission into MAHMA-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management [1.5 years]
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g))
Topic description

This topic provides an introduction to professional archaeology in Australia for those students who are contemplating a career in this area. It aims to build a broader understanding of what it means to work as a professional archaeologist, regardless of sub-disciplinary focus, as well as the varied contexts in which professional archaeologists work, including for consulting firms, developers, community organisations and Government regulators. The topic specifically focuses on developing students awareness of the ethical, statutory, technical and administrative skills, knowledge and processes that are necessary for obtaining employment across these diverse contexts.

Educational aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce key knowledge and skills required to successfully work as a professional archaeologist in Australia across a variety of disciplinary and stakeholder settings
  • Develop students' practical and conceptual skills in terms of planning and managing professional archaeology projects including developing quotes and tenders, resource management, occupational health and safety requirements and project reporting
  • Increase students' awareness of the statutory frameworks, industry standards and legal and ethical expectations of working as a professional archaeologist in Australia
  • Understand key principals in monitoring and assessing CHM projects in line with stated project objectives
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of the ethical issues facing professional archaeologists in Australia and the ethical guidelines that practitioners are expected to work within
  2. Identify their key statutory and legal requirements relevant to working as professional archaeologist in Australia
  3. Plan a multifaceted cultural heritage management project in an Australian context
  4. Prepare high quality professional reports presenting the results of professional archaeological projects and review and critique reports prepared by others
  5. Reflect critically on professional archaeology and the potentially negative results of poor practice both for cultural heritage, for communities and for practitioners