Archaeology

The professionally oriented study program provides professional education to archaeological workers at the middle level (technicians, etc.) within two specializations: Landscape Archeology and Archeology of the Middle Ages and Modern Ages. This requirement is met by the composition of study plans, which is focused on practical subjects and twelve-week professional practice, carried out in professionally recognized professional workplaces. Students will acquire the necessary knowledge during their studies, enabling them to master the methods and techniques of the archaeologist's work on a practical level (field, conservation, deposition, records).

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of archaeological sources from prehistoric times to modern times;
• orientation in the history of archaeological research and historical realities;
• knowledge of the principles of acquisition, processing and preservation of archaeological findings;
• independently carry out archaeological surveys, minor surveys and rescue operations in the field;
• conduct field research under supervision (excavation, documentation, administration, record of findings, findings report);
• work with spatial data within GIS (collection and processing, analysis and visualization);
• carry out initial treatment of archaeological finds in the field, adjustment and temporary storage;
• knowledge of laboratory treatment, deposition, registration and documentation of findings in collections;
• popularization and publication of the results of field, laboratory and depository activities;

On the basis of professional experience with the qualification of a bachelor's archaeologist (the so-called middle cadre), the graduate can work in all types of institutions connected with archeology (Archaeological Institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institutes of Archaeological Monument Care, National Monument Institutes, museums of all types, non-profit companies dealing with archaeological activity, in state administration and local government, or in tourism establishments).

The study plan is based on the standards and methodology recommended by the National Accreditation Office and the rules of the ECTS credit system. The standard duration of study is three years and the standard number of credits is 180; this corresponds to 60 credits per completed year at the standard pace of study.

During the course of their studies students should follow the Course catalogue for their year of matriculation (selective and elective courses). They can access the Course catalogue through the faculty website.

The study plan maintains a balanced ratio between the theoretical and practical part of the teaching, which includes compulsory practice in the 1st year of the semester, and in the WS and the 2nd year of the semester, after 20 days / 160 hours in each semester, with one half carried out during the semester, from in the second half during the holidays, both at SU and at other competent external institutions.

A qualifying bachelor's thesis with a standard range of 72,000 to 90,000 characters presents the skills acquired during the course of study. In terms of content, it is based on a thematic assignment that emphasizes working with archaeological data based on standard procedures. In the theoretical part, the ability to work critically with professional texts, information and spatial data is demonstrated, in the practical (project) material analysis and evaluation of the given topic is performed. The formal aspect of the work is governed by the methodological instruction available on the university's website.

Graduates can continue their studies as part of follow-up study programs in the field of Historical Science education at the University of Silesia or in follow-up master's study programs in the field of archeology at our and foreign universities.