¿Por qué necesitamos una titulación de arqueología en el siglo XXI?. Why do we need a degree in archaeology in the Twenty-First Century?

Abstract

In this paper I analyse the state of the art of archaeology and prehistory at Spanish university from a recent historiographical perspective. On other hand, the present situation with two “knowledge areas”, prehistory and archaeology is explored as well as the European scene of university archaeology. Following the Bologna Process the majority of European countries will recognize degrees in archaeology but this, it seems, will not be the case of Spain. Several arguments for defending a Degree in Archaeology at Spain are presented and the negative impact of failing in this goal is discussed. The problems of not getting an own degree in archaeology are inevitable: degradation of teaching standards, divergence with Europe, and difficulties for having trained specialists that we need for protecting, conserving, and disseminating the knowledge of the rich and diverse Spanish archaeological heritage, one of the most important in the world.