Thursday, November 05, 2009

THE ECONOMIC CRISIS is not sparing academia: Jeffrey R. Zorn, The Economic Downturn Hits Biblical Archaeology. More from Biblical Archaeology Review:
In the current issue's Archaeological Views column, Biblical archaeologist Jeffrey R. Zorn reflects on the negative impact that the current economic conditions have had on academic departments around the country-particularly in the fields of Biblical archaeology and Near Eastern studies. With many senior professors' retirements accounts being hit by the downturn, many are electing to stay on instead of retiring, which means fewer open positions for younger colleagues just emerging on the job market. Combined with departmental budget cuts, a decrease in dig volunteers and fewer funds available for grants, it seems that Biblical archaeology is as susceptible as every other sector when it comes to the impact of the economic difficulties of the times