29th October 2005, 11:51 PM
A degree in most subjects can have two purposes -
1. The "educational" purpose, in which the course of study is intended to further the intellectual development of the student without necessarily training them for a specific career;
2. The "vocational" purpose, in other words training an individual for a specific career.
Both are perfectly valid, and there is no reason to disrespect students studying archaeology for purpose 1. However, most university courses tend to emphasise that approach rather than the vocational training one. Where they do think in vocational terms, the vocation they have in mind is an academic career in archaeology - an option available to very few.
I wouldn't complain about the quality of graduates coming out - I'd complain about the quality/appropriateness of the training they have received.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
1. The "educational" purpose, in which the course of study is intended to further the intellectual development of the student without necessarily training them for a specific career;
2. The "vocational" purpose, in other words training an individual for a specific career.
Both are perfectly valid, and there is no reason to disrespect students studying archaeology for purpose 1. However, most university courses tend to emphasise that approach rather than the vocational training one. Where they do think in vocational terms, the vocation they have in mind is an academic career in archaeology - an option available to very few.
I wouldn't complain about the quality of graduates coming out - I'd complain about the quality/appropriateness of the training they have received.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished