Kuwait University Students’ Awareness and Perception of Archaeology

Abstract

Archaeology is commonly perceived by layman and students by mass media depictions. The aim of this study is to determine what level of awareness and knowledge Kuwaiti students have about the field of archaeology. Furthermore, this approach is designed to assess what level of public engagement is necessary to attract students to engage in the field of archaeological research. A questionnaire was designed to sort levels of engagement into three main domains: 1) awareness, perceptions, and knowledge; 2) interest and participation; and 3) importance and value. A survey of Kuwait University students (n=529 students) was conducted. The study resulted in a positive relation between students taking an anthropology course and a level archaeology awareness. Additionally, the study demonstrated the significance of the student’s gender and the sources of information about archaeology.