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The 'Sensible Archaeology' thing is interesting - but misses the point of The Van completely. We never intended it to be 'big' or 'clever' - and it was set up specifically to generate discussion on the nature and purpose of archaeology of all periods, not just the contemporary past. Given that the project is still so widely cited, and the film so often viewed via The Archaeology Channel (not to mention its use in HEIs around the world for teaching) I think it was successful in this regard. It caused a stir, and demonstrated that what makes archaeology great (and different) is its diversity. It was also fun to do, and those who see the film are entertained by it . and archaeology is supposed to be fun isn't it? To my mind, archaeology is better, richer and more interesting for this diversity. The latest issue of the University of York magazine, for example, features at least four archaeology stories involving people who work on the same corridor: compassion amongst Neanderthals, Star Carr, parish churches and contemporary homelessness. The same could surely be said for many an archaeology departmenty, as well as a number of agencies (including the one I previously worked for) and commercial units. Not sure if it will be accepted yet, but I have proposed a session for next year's IfA conference on Imaginative Archaeologies - maybe I should start a Facebook group as well! Sensible indeed - I'd hate to be labelled 'sensible! J --------------------------------- Dr John Schofield MIfA FSA Director of Studies, Cultural Heritage Management University of York Department of Archaeology King's Manor Exhibition Square YORK YO1 7EP Tel. 01904 323968 Email: [log in to unmask] http://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/staff/academic-staff/john-schofield/ http://www.york.ac.uk/docs/disclaimer/email.htm Docent in Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Archaeology of the Contemporary Past Department of Archaeology University of Turku (Finland) From: Discussion List for Contemporary and Historical Archaeology [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of James Symonds Sent: 07 October 2010 21:53 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [CHA] re. is contemporary archaeology crap? The success of the transit van project may be clearly seen in the way that it is still being cited, discussed, and argued about. I have made a point of using the project as a case study when teaching historical and theoretical archaeology in Scandinavia, and Central Europe, and it has always been received well, as an example of innovative thinking that pushes the boundaries of the subject. The world changes. Archaeology changes. Deal with it. -------------------------- contemp-hist-arch is a list for news and events in contemporary and historical archaeology, and for announcements relating to the CHAT conference group. ------- For email subscription options see: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/archives/contemp-hist-arch.html ------- Visit the CHAT website for more information and for future meeting dates: http://www.contemp-hist-arch.ac.uk --------------------------