Information for applicants

Hana Kubelková (BA graduate): PANE focuses more on the practice, as is clear also from the names of courses. But I think that it is important to know both, as one pervades the other.

Lenka Tkáčová (PhD student): We try to combine theory and practice. It is often the first practical field experience that decides whether the student wants to do archaeology. Some find themselves attracted more to the excavation and some focus more on the abstract topics and theory. It is important, however, to be educated in both of them. Obviously, we focus more on the practical research instead of the "armchair research".

Barbora Kubíková (MA graduate): I think that currently is balanced just right. We have courses that are a must to understand archaeological theory but also a lot of courses focused on practical activities, such as excavation, organization of excursions, teambuilding, sometimes even exhibition opening or other social happenings.

Hana Kubelková (BA graduate): Yes, but you have to meet a couple of requirements.

Lenka Tkáčová (PhD student): Quite likely already during your studies. Although I think that it might be best to gain the first experience at one of the excavation of the Department of Archaeology and Museology in the Czech Republic - Těšetice, Pohansko or Rokštejn castle. Students get to learn the basics of archaeological work in a lot less demanding environment than the Near East.

Barbora Kubíková (MA graduate): It all depends on the individual - how he/she is active in class, helps out in the library or generally participates in activities related to guest lecturers ... Being proactive and good study results are rewarded by field research abroad.

Lenka Tkáčová (PhD student): I think that it is precisely this time when it's the most neeeded. I guess that would be up for a longer discussion, though.

Barbora Kubíková (MA graduate): The unfavourable political situation does indeed affect archaeologists worldwide, mainly in applications for research grants. However, our job is not to leave the area and be gloomy just because can't go there at the moment. To turn our backs in time of need, especially when we were welcome to conduct research there. Our knowledge about areas in the Near East might even help the competent in this difficult time. We also need to participate in salvation of the heritage and try to connect archaeology with the public, so they feel that it is their heritage to be proud of and feel responsible for.

Hana Kubelková (BA graduate): In that case probably not. The block lectures, contrary to how it might seem, have a number of advantages. You are able to really dive into the topic and create a unique relationship with the lecturer (especially the foreign ones). Well, had we not had block lectures, we wouldn't go out for a cold one with lecturer afterwards.

Barbora Kubíková (MA graduate): If you don't have the time to attend lectures, then you might want to reconsider your studies all together. Lectures are important. You'll learn a lot that you'd have no way of finding out on your own. The block lectures are intensive and time-consuming. However with the number of foreign lecturers we regularly invite, that is the only way.

Hana Kubelková (BA graduate): Good question. I think there is a bit of both in archeology. It depends on you what you put the focus on.

Lenka Tkáčová (PhD student): Each exciting find is preceded by hours of monotonous work. Even after you find the exciting thing, you need to document it, process it, etc. So it is not such an action as it might seem. On the other hand, participation on excavation in a different and interesting environment is in itself fascinating and brings unforgettable moments. You should never forget that excavations are a job, not a vacation.

Barbora Kubíková (MA studies): If you really love excavating, the field and archaeology as a science, if it's your passion, hobby, life style, then I believe you will never get bored. Even when it gets tedious, just the fact that you are responsible for you square, you need to do good work, i.e. uncovering pieces of information about our history, that is just amazing.