Anthropology 380: Archaeological Field School

Summer IA, 2008

Instructor:  Dr Jon Hageman

Class: May 16-June 26 (in Belize May 20-June 17)

Course Description and Objectives

      This is a six credit-hour course designed to introduce you to the methods used to collect and analyze archaeological data in a hands-on field setting. The course will take place over the span of four weeks at a remote archaeological field camp in Belize, Central America.  Archaeological field methods include mapping using measuring tapes and compasses as well as optical transits to record the locations of archaeological features and artifacts.  Excavation subsumes documentation and recovery procedures.  Artifact curation deals with processing and analyzing artifacts and samples in the lab.  In addition, you will have the opportunity learn a great deal about the Prehispanic Maya through lectures and field trips.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Required Equipment and Reading

Stewart, R. Michael

2002 Archaeology: Basic Field Methods. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.

I will provide heavier duty equipment such as shovels, picks, mattocks, etc. as well as forms, clipboards, and graph paper. Filtered water is available in camp and you will need to drink at least two quarts of water every day to keep hydrated.

Grading

      Your grade in this course will be determined by your demonstrated ability to perform basic and more advanced procedures in three facets of archeological field work, including mapping, excavation, and artifact curation/analysis.  A portion of your grade is also based on the quality of field notes you maintain in a daily journal, as well as your participation in camp duties and overall conduct.

      Mapping evaluation will assess your ability to map a small residential group of ruins using a tape and compass, as well as an optical transit.  Your ability to use this equipment and create a map will be assessed.

      Excavation evaluation focuses on your ability to lay out an excavation unit, dig and screen soil matrix, recognize changes in the matrix, and properly manage paperwork and artifact recovery, draw plan maps and profiles, and photograph features as they are uncovered in the field.  You will be assessed on your ability to coordinate and maintain track of these things, as well as demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the Harris Matrix recording system.

      Artifact curation and analysis (lab) addresses your ability to process and record artifacts and samples in the lab.  This includes the processing and recording of ceramic and lithic artifacts, as well as any bone, botanical, or Carbon 14 samples.  You may also be called upon to participate in flotation and dry screen analyses, or on other projects that may be underway in the lab (e.g., ceramic refit/reassembly, soil cores, photography, drawing, etc.).  Specific lab tasks vary; your tasks will be assigned after arriving in camp.

      Your journal will consist of field notes, which will detail the techniques you've used and your observations about the artifacts and features you've encountered. You may also ask questions in your notes about why things are being done the way they are, and are also encouraged to make your own interpretations.  As archaeological excavation is a destructive process, the accurate recording of fieldwork is an essential part of this field school.

      Camp duties vary and will rotate weekly.  These include disposing of trash, monitoring and replenishing the camp water supply, doing dishes, and maintaining and cleaning the latrines, showers, lab, and kitchen.  You will also be expected to pitch in on an as-needed basis.  Essential non-technical skills, including teamwork, punctuality, and ability to work well with others will also comprise a portion of the student assessment.

Grading breakdown is as follows:

Mapping: 20%                                                        A = 90-100%

Excavation: 20%                                                   B = 80-99%

Lab: 20%                                                                  C = 70-79%

Journal/Notes: 20%                                            D = 60-69%

Camp Duties/Conduct: 20%                            F = <59%

Plagiarism and Cheating

      The ownership or consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate, automatic flight home and an F for the course.  In addition, I expect that you will comport yourself responsibly whether in camp, in the field, or on a field trip.

Field Location

      Field methods will be taught at various locations within the Programme for Belize nature preserve, located in northwestern Belize. The site of Guijarral will be the focus of mapping and excavation efforts for the 2008 season. This season’s excavations will focus on recovering botanical and chemical evidence for food preparation associated with prehistoric feasting during the Late Classic (AD 600-850) period. These remains will be compared to remains recovered from locations thought to be devoid of prehistoric feasting activities. Several residential groups will be also mapped. In addition, students will have the opportunity to work with other researchers in the area.

Camp Life

      We will be staying at the rustic yet pleasant R.E.W. Adams Research Station, adjacent to the Programme for Belize ’s La Milpa Research Station. You will be assigned to share either a dorm room or a tent. The camp has showers and latrines, a large dining cabana (with two excellent cooks preparing our meals), and an extensive field laboratory. Students will be expected to participate in camp jobs (e.g., cleaning the buildings, maintaining the water supply, tending the latrines, disposing of trash) and to follow general camp guidelines (e.g., quiet after 8:30 pm, clearing your dishes, etc.). These jobs and guidelines make camp a fun and pleasant place for all, including you.

Typical Field Day

5:30 Wake-up call

6:00 Breakfast, make your lunch

6:45 Daily briefing and assignments

7:00 Leave for the field (with lunch and equipment)

11:00 Lunch (30 minutes)

3:30 Head back to camp

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Lectures (when scheduled), otherwise evening free

8:30 Quiet time

9:00 Lights out

Tentative Course Schedule