CAA University Field School

Location: Center for American Archeology Main Office, Broadway, Kampsville, IL, USA

Season: June 16, 2024 to July 27, 2024

Application Deadline: May 15, 2024

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.caa-archeology.org/programs/university-field-school/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Center for American Archeology

Project Director:
Jane E. Buikstra, PhD; Jason L. King, PhD

Project Description:

The CAA’s Advanced Field School is a six-week program for students ready for an immersive, experience in Bioarchaeology or Field Archaeology in the Lower Illinois Valley.

Bioarchaeology & Human Osteology

The Bioarchaeology and Human Osteology track enables students to work first-hand with skeletal remains in an intensive 6-week immersion course. An important aspect of this class involves learning about skeletal analysis in a problem-oriented context that is suitable for students interested in a variety of subjects: bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, medical and dental science or skeletal biology. The course is offered at 3 different levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), each tailored to the student’s prior experience with relevant subject matter. This class allows students an exciting opportunity to study osteology, as well as to learn about the archaeology of North America. Visits to regional archaeological sites and research centers supplement the program, as do a series of lectures from archaeologists working around the globe. Students will attend daily lectures given by Dr. Jane Buikstra covering topics such as skeletal anatomy; osteological techniques for estimating age and sex; paleopathology; and genetic relatedness, among others. In addition to lectures, students will have access to skeletal study collections that facilitate learning about skeletal anatomy, analytical methods and engaging in independent research. Well-trained and knowledgeable teaching assistants also enhance the classroom and laboratory experiences.

Field Archaeology & Geophysical Survey

The Field Archaeology and Geophysical Testing track offers a unique, intensive archaeological experience for undergraduate and graduate students of all skill levels. Stationed at the Center for American Archeology in Kampsville, students gain experience in field and laboratory methods, theory and research design while engaging in problem-oriented research at the German site (11C377). Students work closely with professional archaeologists from a variety of backgrounds and institutions to help them master techniques and strategies for successful archaeological field and lab work in a variety of contexts. Field Methods students gain hands-on experience in geophysical testing, total station use, excavation and laboratory methods, including mapping, soil description, artifact and debris processing, water flotation collection and processing and curation. Practical experiences are supplemented by reading assignments and lectures by field school staff and guest lecturers.

Period(s) of Occupation: Woodland Period

Notes:
Late Woodland, geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, Kampsville, bioarchaeology

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
During the field school, students will reside in Kamp Store, a historical store and home that has been converted into a museum and dormitory. There are no single rooms available. Beds are provided, though students should bring a sleeping bag or bed linens (blankets, sheets and pillow), as well as towels. There is a public laundromat within driving distance. Transportation can be arranged to laundry facilities for those students who do not intend to drive. Meals are served Monday breakfast through Saturday lunch as part of your room and board fees. Students must provide their own meals Saturday evening and all day on Sundays. There are restaurants located in Kampsville where students may purchase meals. The meal plan begins with breakfast on the first Monday of field school and ends with dinner on the last Friday. Kamp Store includes access to a communal refrigerator, but no cooking appliances are available.  

Academic Credit:
Those who wish to enroll for university credit may earn credits through Illinois State University (ISU). This program is run as a joint CAA-ISU program. The schedule, requirements, and program are the same as the non-credit option, however this option does include additional costs for the ISU credits. In order to earn ISU credits, you must apply using ISU’s application process.