Archeology and Tourism

GENERAL INFORMATION

The history of Archaeology in the University could be traced back to 1963, when Prof. D. D. Hartle was hired. Initially, Hartle was given a laboratory in the then Science Faculty Building. Subsequently, for some obscure reasons, he moved base from the Faculty of Science to the Faculty of Arts where archaeology became subsumed under the Department of History. Given the scientific nature of the discipline and the resultant disagreement between archaeologists and historians, it became clear that archaeology with its scientific methodology needed a separate existence. It was also hoped that this separation would enable the department to grow more rapidly. This dream was realized on August 1, 1981, when the Department of Archaeology was created. It began with a B.A. Combined Honours Programme, and in 1985, the Single Honours Programme was introduced. In an attempt to bring the departmental programme in line with current trends in Archaeology as well as the desire to equip students to face the challenges posed by todays globalized environment, the department of Archaeology in 2004 developed an embracing curriculum leading to B.A. Hons in Archaeology and B.A. Hons in Tourism.
The programme has currently been revised into an inclusive B.A. (Hons) Degree in Archaeology and Tourism. Thus, the Department of Archaeology and Tourism presents a revised undergraduate programme leading to B.A (HONS) degree in Archaeology and Tourism. Archaeology could be combined with the following subjects as both four-year and three-year Honours Degree programme: History, Linguistics, Languages,
Fine and Applied Arts, Religion, Sociology/Anthropology, Philosophy, Geography, Geology, Botany.
In addition to courses taught through formal lectures, students are required to do supervised laboratory practical and undertake at least three field trips, which involve participation in Archaeology or a combined discipline. Those offering the B.A. (Honours) Degree in Archaeology and Tourism are also required to undertake a minimum of two internship programmes to qualify for the award of the degree.
The department offers service courses to departments in the Faculty of Education, and to Departments of History, Fine and Applied Arts and other interested departments that may require some knowledge of the subject. For example, Fundamentals of Archaeology, Theory and Methods in Archaeology, Human Evolution, etc., give some insight of what Archaeology is all about.

PHILOSOPHY

The emerging realization of the relationship between Archaeology and Tourism and their values in today’s society has motivated the department to develop programmes in the disciplines.
The programmes focus on the development of knowledge, skills and values for undergraduate students to enable them to handle heritage and tourism-related matters. The above philosophy informs the decision of the Department to offer courses that will enhance students’ proficiency in these areas of human pursuit.

OBJECTIVES

The courses are designed to:
1. equip students for careers in schools, Heritage Institutions, Museums, Arts Councils, Ministries, Tourism Corporations and Boards, Hotels and related areas.
2. prepare students for postgraduate programmes/researches.
3. enhance students’ competency in tourism, archaeology and heritage management and build their capacity.
SCOPE
The courses cover Archaeology, Tourism and related areas in the humanities with special emphasis on Africa.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

(A) FOUR-YEAR PROGRAMME:
Candidates coming into the four-year programme must have obtained five credits including English Language and any science subject as well as a Pass in Mathematics at WASC or GCE O/L or its equivalence.
(B) THREE-YEAR PROGRAMME:
Candidates coming into three-year programme must have passed two papers in Higher School Certificate or GCE A/L and have the minimum entry requirements of the University of Nigeria including a Credit in English Language and a pass in Mathematics at WASC or GCE O/L or its equivalence.
Holders of Diploma or NCE recognized by the University of Nigeria also qualify for Direct Entry.
Students combining Archaeology with Science or the Social Sciences must satisfy the requirements in the respective faculties.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the programme can be employed as heritage/cultural attaches in embassies, heritage officers in Museum, Ministries of Information, Culture and Tourism. They can also be employed as tourism officers in tour operating agencies, airline establishments and other related areas. They will also be equipped to manage travel agencies, hotel outfits, courier and car hire services.

STRESS AREAS
  1. Theories and Methods in Archaeology and Tourism
  2. Science in Archaeology and Tourism
  3. Regional Studies in Archaeology and Tourism
  4. Fieldwork/Practical in Archaeology and Tourism
  5. Management in Archaeology and Tourism
  6. Conservation in Archaeology and Tourism
  7. Research Project in Archaeology and Tourism