higher education

Strollology, Hedonia and Eudaimonia

Can you guess which of the following is a genuine university discipline: Strollology, Hedonia and Eudaimonia, or Happiness Studies? The answer is all of them.

The pressure placed on academics to publish new books and papers has led to a dramatic increase in the number of works produced (LEFT), but has it also had a negative impact on their ability to address wider narratives? For example, perhaps Roman studies would benefit from more discussions of broader topics such as the nature of Roman urbanism (ABOVE).

Academic mass production

Every paper has to say something new. In the mass production of vehicle components, difference is defect. In the mass production of academic papers, difference is a requirement.

The heritage sector is central to the UK’s appeal as a tourist destination, which will be crucial in reopening our borders and rebuilding the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control.

The Past

‘Save British Archaeology’ campaign launched

‘The closure of world-leading departments of archaeology can only be described as short-sighted.'

The University of Sheffield (geograph 5189752 by Neil Theasby)

Don’t underestimate Archaeology

Too often, we are seen as ‘people who play in the dirt’ or very occasionally ‘finders of secrets’ rather than serious academics. - Dr Hugh Willmott

The Past

Why studying the past matters

The eerie experience of writing about quarantine whilst in quarantine truly highlighted the relevance of archaeology in the modern world.

The Past

This week: archaeology in peril

The news this week that the University of Sheffield is to press ahead with plans to close its school of archaeology has sent a shiver through the heritage world. It is a ‘devastating’ blow, said the Council of British Archaeology. Mary Beard, the eminent historian, called it ‘worrying in the least’. To date, more than 39,000 people have signed a petition calling for the decision to be reversed.

BELOW Universities should stress the importance of practical and transferable skills in an archaeology degree.

An oncoming archaeological crisis in universities

What price higher education? Mark Horton, Professor in Archaeology at the University of Bristol, assesses the impact of higher fees on university archaeology departments.