Assemblage is a journal first and foremost for graduate students, intended to provide writers with experience in the process of publishing academic work, present readers with stimulating material to consider and debate, and forge stronger ties within an increasingly fragmented graduate population. Our primary mandate is to include a range of material written by graduate students, and articles from established researchers on topics of interest to graduates. We also aim to disseminate information of general relevance and interest to those making their way through graduate degrees in archaeology and related subjects (particularly anthropology, geography, folklore, classics, and history). We hope that the production of the journal will be a learning process for all concerned.

We are happy to consider contributions from anyone who has something to say, whether they are a graduate student or not. Just to start you thinking, here are some suggestions for the types of contributions we're seeking:

Of course, we're interested in thesis-derived work, provided that the length of the article does not exceed 5000 words. However, we are most interested in work which is not too data-heavy in essence; although databases are welcome, we feel that, ideally, there should be a central point to each paper which transcends the specifics of geography, time period, and material, and will be of relevance to a broad audience.

Are you doing a TAG paper or other conference paper? Why not write it up formally for us, too? The peer review process may give you valuable feedback on your work.

Do you disagree irreconcilably with someone in your department on an archaeological issue? Why not write together? Instead of pistols at 20 paces, try opposing essays of 2000 words each, and we'll let the readers decide. (For that matter, if you would like to write together with someone with whom you agree, that's fine too.)

We'll happily take articles in the style of investigative journalism, on issues pertaining to archaeology and to graduate students. Political commentaries on archaeology- or education-related topics are welcome.

Photo essays, interviews, and even fiction on archaeological themes are all welcome.

We may consider first translations into English of important papers published in other languages, or English summaries of such works.

We accept reviews, not only of books, but also of museums, software, computer games, educational CD-ROMs, conferences, tourist sites -- if it interests you enough to write a careful review of it, we're interested too.

Features on archaeological or academic themes which are designed to be primarily of entertainment value are also welcomed. Satire and cheek are definitely in.

You are positively encouraged to be experimental and provocative in your writing. Remember, too, to consider the medium of publication. Use the benefits of the Web to your advantage!

Want to get involved in a more substantial role than just writing one article? We'll consider guest-edited components for future issues. Write to us with a proposal.

The fourth issue of assemblage is planned for September 1998, and so the deadline for material requiring peer review is Friday 26th June 1998. Other contributions may be accepted somewhat later, but must, unequivocally, be in by Monday 3rd August 1998.

Please see our Notes for Contributors/Submissions Manifesto for details regarding our requirements and the publication process. If you have any questions for us, or would like to propose an article, contact us without delay! We look forward to hearing from you.

Go on, e-mail assemblage today!

© assemblage 1997