What Are the Pros and Cons of Choosing an Archaeology Major?

The Department of Archaeology of Peking University is the first archaeology department established in China's colleges and universities, with a history of 50 years. In the 1920s, modern archeology, marked by field archeology, was introduced to China. Peking University, the pioneer of the era, set up an archaeological laboratory with Mr. Ma Heng as the director in 1922 at the Guoxuemen (later renamed the Liberal Arts Research Institute), and externally invited Luo Zhenyu, Bo Xihe, etc. as archaeological communication instructors. In 1934, Mr. Ma Heng became the dean of the Palace Museum, and Mr. Hu Shi became the director of the archeology department. In 1946, Peking University returned to Beijing 8 years after it moved south due to Japanese invasion of China, and established the Antiquities Arrangement Room of the Institute of Liberal Arts, with Mr. Xiang Da as the director.

Archeology of Peking University

Peking University School of Archaeology and Cultural Studies has considerable faculty, rich books and cultural relics, and good teaching and experimental equipment. The discipline level is at the leading position at home and abroad. It recruits students from all levels of undergraduates, masters and doctoral students from home and abroad, and has a post-doctoral mobile station. Over the years, Peking University's School of Archaeology and Culture has trained more than 2,000 students. They have been active throughout the country and in many countries around the world, and have become the backbone of cultural relics, archeology, museums, and other fields. The college has two departments (archaeology, museum science, and cultural relics preservation science and technology). There are four majors (or professional directions) in archeology, museum science, cultural relics construction, and cultural relics protection. The majors recruited in 2006 are:

Archeology major was founded in 1922.

In 1952, with the active support of the Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Department of Archaeology of the Department of History of Peking University was officially established. Mr. Su Bingqi was the director of the Archaeology Teaching and Research Office and hired Zheng Zhenduo,

The School of Archaeology, Literature and Art of Peking University grew up with Chinese archaeology. This means that understanding it is inseparable from the history of archeology in China. Like other modern academics, Chinese modern archeology is also from the West. The birth of modern archeology in China has a profound historical background and is even closely linked to the fate of the entire nation. It emerged under the triple crisis of China's state, nation and history in the early 20th century.

From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, European and American explorers and scholars' investigation activities in the northwest and Japanese explorers and scholars in China's archeology, exploration, and even digging activities continued. These activities not only show a world that has been silent for many years, but more importantly, excavated the national emotions of the Chinese. Against such a background, with the discovery of the "three major discoveries" in China in the early 20th century-the discovery of the oracle bone inscriptions in Yinxu, the Dunhuang cave in Dunhuang, and the archives in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, some domestic scholars have also begun to join modern archeological research Ranks. In the 1920s, modern archeology, marked by field archeology, was introduced to China. Early archeological work was concentrated in Yin Ruins, Anyang, Henan (1928-1937), and the process of using archeology to reconstruct ancient Chinese history began. This was the beginning of modern Chinese archeology. The first excavation of Yin Ruins was hosted by Oracle scientist Dong Zuobin (1895-1963), and from the second time onwards he was hosted by Mr. Li Ji, a graduate of the Department of Anthropology at Harvard University. Later, he was chaired by Mr. Liang Siyong, who was trained in archeology at Harvard University. Mr. Liang Siyong improved the field excavation organization and method, and established the professional direction of field excavation in early Chinese archeology.

In this era, archeology became the focus of attention of the Chinese academic community at that time, and deeply hit the souls of the people. Many archaeological practices have also spawned archeology majors in Chinese universities. The first two archaeological teaching and research institutions of colleges and universities were established: the Archeology Research Office of Peking University's Guoxue Department and the Tsinghua University Research Institute's National Discipline. The latter was established in 1925, and only 4 years ago. It can be said that the Peking University Institute of Peking University, the predecessor of archeology, was established at the end of 1921, and was renamed the Institute of Liberal Arts (Figure 01). Although it only existed for four or five years, it can be regarded as the earliest in modern China. Established and successfully operated a humanities academic research institution. From the perspective of the organizational structure, the Guoxuemen system includes three rooms and five meetings. The "three rooms" refers to the registration room, research room, and editing room, and the "fifth meeting" refers to the folk song research society, the Ming and Qing historical materials arrangement society, the archeological society, the customs survey society, and the dialect research society. Among them, the archaeology research room can be said to be the predecessor of the School of Archaeology and Cultural Studies of Peking University. Well-known gold stone scientist Mr. Ma Heng was the first director of the laboratory. The laboratory also hired famous scholars such as Luo Zhenyu (1865-1940), French orientalist Bo Xihe (1878-1945) as communication instructors in archeology, and Actively seeking cooperation with foreign archaeological academia has a profound impact. Mr. Ma Heng is also known as a pioneer of modern Chinese archeology because he has promoted the transition of Chinese archeology from gold stone research to field excavation.

The Archeological Society was founded on May 24, 1923. The first name of the ancient monuments and antiquities survey will be chaired by Mr. Ma Heng. The participants are

The advantages of disciplines and the soft and hard environment of teaching are a professional attraction. As the first higher education institution to cultivate cultural relics and archeologists since the founding of New China, Peking University Institute of Archaeology and Culture has a relatively complete discipline in the long history of development through the unremitting pursuit and efforts of several generations of archeologists. System, excellent teaching strength, and rich teaching resources.

Archaeology is a national key discipline. There are 1 master's degree programs, namely, archeology and museum science, including Paleolithic archeology and paleoanthropology (including animal archeology), neolithic and Xia, Shang and Zhou archeology, Han, Tang, Song and Yuan archeology, Buddhist archeology, and cultural exchange between China and foreign countries. Archaeology, ceramic archeology, field archeology, museum science, museum collection research, ancient Chinese architecture, science and technology archeology, cultural relic protection science and other 12 research directions. There is one Ph.D. major, namely archeology and museum science, including Paleolithic archaeology, Chinese Neolithic archaeology, Xia, Shang and Zhou archaeology, Warring States and Qin and Han archaeology, Sui and Tang archaeology, Song and Yuan archaeology, ceramic archaeology, religious archaeology, Chinese and foreign cultural exchange archaeology, science and technology archaeology, ancient architecture, cultural relic protection science, ancient cultural relic research and other 13 research directions. The archeology major has the first batch of postdoctoral mobile stations in the national humanities and social sciences (shared with the Department of History of Peking University). The number of research directions and doctoral tutors that can be enrolled in a doctoral program is also the only among archeology majors in universities nationwide. Among them, Paleolithic archeology teaching and scientific research are among the highest in universities in the country, and the achievements in the excavation and micro-trace research of Paleolithic sites are domestically excellent. Neolithic archaeology, Shang and Zhou archaeology, Han and Tang archaeology, and Buddhist archaeology are the characteristics of the college's archaeological teaching and scientific research. Many teachers at universities at home and abroad have taken courses in the above-mentioned directions in the college. On the other hand, it shows that the college has advantages in the above-mentioned teaching and research fields. The above-mentioned directions are still domestically superior in terms of teacher strength and academic level, and the academic staffing is more reasonable.

The major of museum science was established in 1988. In 1998, a master's degree in museum science was established. Relying on the solid teaching and research foundation of archeology and its teachers, its curriculum is now relatively complete (Figure 06).

The ancient architecture major began to recruit undergraduates in 1999. Teachers are experts from the Archaeological and Cultural College, Tsinghua University, Beijing Institute of Architectural Engineering, and the National Cultural Relics Bureau. Since the establishment of this major, the college has continuously strengthened its construction, and external experts have long served as mentors, constantly exploring the improvement of courses and the enrichment of teaching content. At the same time, professional internship bases will be established in Shanxi and Zhejiang provinces (Figure 09).

Whether a discipline is really strong depends on the accumulation of talents. Since the establishment of Peking University's archeology major, it has focused on the training of teachers. Today, the Faculty of Archaeology and Cultural Studies College is a teacher. For more than 50 years, in the archeology profession, a stable, old, middle-aged and young faculty team has gradually formed. Among them, the leaders of various research fields over the age of 60 are the top people in the research field in the country. They have served as directors, executive directors, deputy directors, and directors of the Chinese Archaeological Society. The teaching materials edited by them have also been It has been used by other colleges and universities; young and middle-aged teachers brought out by them have gradually emerged in their respective research fields, and have formed a good ladder configuration. The strong lineup is the only among colleges and universities in the country. The disciplines of the School of Archeology and Culture are relatively complete, and this situation is rare in China. The College of Archeology and Culture has offered more than 100 courses of various types, the most of which are related to universities and colleges in China. Many of these courses are the first new courses in China and are groundbreaking. Some textbooks have also been adopted by universities and colleges across the country.

For more than 50 years, the School of Archaeology and Cultural Studies has fully utilized the advantages of Peking University Comprehensive University, and has trained thousands of middle and senior professionals engaged in cultural relics and archeology for the country, accumulated rich teaching experience, and built a learned expertise. In addition, there are more than 20 teachers and professors who are well-educated and have a certain reputation in related fields at home and abroad. These experts have been in the front line of Chinese archeology for a long time, and not only have made great contributions to the archeology of China, but they are now all over the world. Su Bingqi, Su Bai,

A management department

Dean: Zhao Hui

associate dean:

Archeology

Founded in 1922, Peking University's archaeology discipline is now a national key discipline in this field. It has a group of professors and associate professors with advanced academic attainments and high teaching standards. Archaeology teaching and scientific research ranks first in China and has a large international reputation. Influence, known as the cradle of Chinese archaeologists and the center of Chinese archeological research. This specialty has a cross nature of arts and sciences, training students with solid professional basic knowledge and basic skills, a wide range of humanities knowledge and a certain artistic accomplishment, and can conduct preliminary research in archeology and cultural heritage. Graduates are able to work in both archeology, heritage and museums.

Museology

The major of Museology was founded in 1988. It relies on a large number of different types of museums and high-level expert teams in the capital Beijing. It now has a modern Peking University Sackler Archaeology and Art Museum, and has a wide range of academic circles at home and abroad Exchanges and close ties. The major focuses on the combination of basic theory and practical applications. In addition to the theoretical courses of museum science, it also provides highly practical courses such as museum display design and museum collection management. In addition, courses in cultural relics research, cultural relics protection, and arts and crafts have expanded the knowledge of students and improved their artistic accomplishments. Undergraduate graduates majoring in museum science can work in the administrative departments of cultural relics at all levels of government or become the backbone of various museums. They can also continue to study for a master's degree in museum science and related majors.

Cultural Relics Protection

The professional direction of cultural relics protection is the professional direction of professional treatment established by our hospital to meet the needs of the national cultural relics cause. It mainly trains professionals who are engaged in the protection and restoration of cultural relics. This specialty has its own cultural relics protection laboratory. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of analytical instruments and research equipment, and has good teaching and research conditions. Rich professional scientific research achievements, the protection of ancient bamboo slips, weathering protection of earthen sites, weathering mechanism of cultural relics and protection materials, fragile textile protection and reinforcement materials, and other urgently needed issues in China's cultural relics protection work, some of which have made breakthroughs. progress. The major of this major is to recruit science candidates. Graduates can not only engage in professional technical work and administrative management such as cultural relics protection and restoration in the national cultural expo system, but also continue to study for master and doctoral students.

Major in Archeology (Cultural Relics)

The major of cultural relics construction is a major established in 1998 in response to the urgent need of the national cultural relics cause. It mainly trains professionals in the protection, maintenance and research of cultural relics. The specialty has the characteristics of the intersection of arts and sciences and strong practical applicability. Students are required to master certain methods and basic knowledge of history, archeology, and cultural relics protection in addition to the professional knowledge and basic skills necessary for architecture. Have a certain artistic and aesthetic accomplishment. After graduation, he can be engaged in the protection and maintenance of cultural relic buildings, scheme design and construction management, and lay a solid foundation for engaging in architectural history and theoretical research. In addition to graduate students who can continue to study in the direction of cultural relics, graduates can also choose to work in institutions such as the Institute of Ancient Architecture, the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the administrative department of cultural relics, and institutions of higher learning.

Paleolithic archeology and paleoanthropology (including animal archeology)

It mainly studies the characteristics of Paleolithic culture, the physical characteristics and development of ancient humans, and the impact of changes in the human living environment on cultural development. It also studies the history of early humans. Paleolithic archaeology requires the use of natural science research methods such as geology, and is a fringe discipline that intersects social sciences and natural sciences.

Neolithic and Xia, Shang and Zhou Archaeology

The main research directions of Neolithic archaeology are: China s Neolithic revolution, agricultural origin, cultural systems, social complexity, civilization and the formation of civilization; the main contents of Xia, Shang and Zhou archaeology include: the formation of early Chinese dynasties, Xia and Shang Cultural Studies, Western Zhou Cultural Studies, Eastern Zhou Cultural Studies, Chinese Bronze Age Technology and Art, Archeological Observations on the Formation and Development of Chinese Political Hierarchy, etc.

Han and Tang archeology

Archaeological observations of the formation of the Great Unification Empire in China, the study of archeological materials from the Qin and Han dynasties to the North and South Dynasties, the capital and tombs of the Qin and Han dynasties, non-Buddhist art from the Warring States to the North and South Dynasties. The archeological materials of Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties are divided into stages, the exchanges and interactions of different cultures, and the Sui and Tang social systems, human behaviors, and ideas reflected by archeological materials. The combination of physical materials and literature materials to explore the history of this glorious era.

Archeology of Song Yuanming

Song, Yuan, Liao and Jin archeological materials were divided and staged, capitals and tombs from Song to Ming and Qing, handicraft relics, and socio-economic, artistic achievements, and organizational structure of Song Zhiming.

Buddhist archeology

Through the analysis and research of Chinese Buddhist grottoes, Indian Buddhist grottoes, Gandhara and Datura arts, Buddhist temple sites, and Chinese Buddhist classics, they supplement and advance the history of Chinese Buddhism.

Chinese and foreign cultural exchange archeology

The main research objects are foreign culture, religion and art from the Bronze Age to Zheng He's voyages to the West. There are four main courses: First, archeology of cultural exchange between China and foreign countries; second, art archeology of western regions; third, archeology of foreign religions; fourth, cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries as seen in inscriptions. These courses are based on Chinese and foreign historical materials and archeological discoveries, discuss major archeological discoveries of the Silk Road and the latest research results at home and abroad, and help students gradually build a more systematic knowledge.

Ceramic archeology

The distribution law of ancient Chinese porcelain kiln sites; the production technology of ancient Chinese ceramics; the discovery of ancient Chinese ceramics abroad; the outline of foreign (mainly South Korea and Japan) ceramic archaeology; the new achievements of ceramic archaeological research.

Field archeology

Field archeology is the basic method for obtaining archaeological research data, including how to obtain archaeological data through surveys and excavations, and research methods that explain the formation process of site deposits through stratigraphy, burial science, and sedimentology.

museology

Grasp the challenges and opportunities of museum development in the real society, track the development trend of international museum science, learn systematically and research the basic theory of museum science, study the guiding ideology, norms, technology and development hotspots of the museum's main business work, and explore the museum as a society And methods of social development services, master the theory and working methods of museum science that are adapted to the conditions and development conditions of contemporary museums.

Museum Collection Studies

Combining archeological research and ancient documents, absorbing the reasonable elements of traditional antiquity, and studying the ancient artifacts such as jade, bronze, seals, inscriptions, ceramics, calligraphy and painting from the aspects of cultural significance, nature, social and historical functions, and shape evolution, etc. It also involves the identification of cultural relics.

Chinese ancient architecture

Special research on architectural archeology and architectural history, heritage site protection planning and design, traditional building repair and restoration design.

Archeology of Technology

Archeological chronology (accuracy of dating technology and diversification of dating methods), carbon thirteen and human recipes, agricultural origin, application of element and isotope analysis in archeology, metallurgical archeology, etc.

Heritage conservation science

Research on the corrosion degradation of cultural relics; research of cultural relics protection materials; research of cultural relics protection technology; basic theory of cultural relics protection and principles of cultural relics protection.

The advantages of the disciplines of the School of Archeology and Arts and the soft and hard environment of teaching

The construction of disciplines can best embody a professional tradition and innovation. Combining the development trends of tradition and archeology, the college now has four undergraduate majors and directions: archeology, museum science, cultural relics protection, and ancient architecture. Among them, the majors of cultural relics protection and ancient architecture majors were recruited in 1998 and 1999 according to the needs of the country after running the school jointly with the State Administration of Cultural Relics.

Graduates of the School of Archeology and Culture can not only engage in the work of archeology, cultural relics and museums, but also be able to adapt to all aspects of humanities and social sciences, and lay a solid foundation for further studies, graduate students in this major and related majors.

60% to 70% of the graduates of the School of Archaeology and Cultural Studies choose to continue their studies each year, and many of them are outstanding graduates who have won scholarships from famous foreign universities. Graduates who choose to find employment are found in industries such as national party and government agencies, museums at all levels, publishing agencies, China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, cultural relics market, and foreign companies.