Temple University Department of Anthropology

 FIRST SUMMER SESSION, MAY 17 – JUNE 29, 2003

Field School Poster

Instructor: Bill Schindler is an archaeology graduate student at Temple University.  In addition to traditional archaeology, Bill has been trained in a variety of primitive technologies by experimental archaeologists including Dr. Errett Callahan, Jack Cresson, and Maria Sidoroff.  He is interested in all aspects of primitive technology and how they can be applied in structured experimental research to complement and improve archaeological interpretations and field methods.

Application and Registration: Permission to register for the field school must be obtained from the instructor (908)-996-6406. Interested persons should contact him by phone for a brief interview as soon as possible. Factors taken into consideration for acceptance include previous course work in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field, reasonable health, the willingness to perform manual labor outdoors, and willingness to live in a camp/primitive setting. The instructor will then provide information about how to register for the field school. Participants will register for two courses for a total of six college credits:

Field Session in Archaeology. 3 credits.

	Anthropology 320/Section 012 (for undergraduates) or
	520/Section 012 (for graduate students):

AND

    Methods in Archaeology. 3 credits.

	Anthropology 321/Section 012 (for undergraduates) or
	521/Section 012 (for graduate students):

The current cost per credit hour is $368.00 for in-state undergraduates ($2208 total for field school), $608.00 for out-of-state undergraduates ($3648.00 total for field school), $430.00 for in-state graduate students ($2580.00 total for field school), and $626.00 for out-of-state graduate students ($3756.00 total for field school).

Required Reading Material:

Both are required for the field school and will be available through the Temple University bookstore.

Wescott, D. (Ed.). (1999). Primitive Technology: A Book of Earth Skills. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith.

Course packet

Overview:  The Experimental Archaeology field school will take place in a variety of outdoor classroom settings in the Delaware Valley and be comprised of two phases.  The first phase will consist of the following: a full introduction to the world of experimental archaeology through readings, lectures, and discussions on the history, theory, value, criticisms, and major contributors of experimental archaeology; hands-on instruction in numerous basic primitive skills such as flaked and ground stone tools, fiber and cordage technology, primitive ceramics and cooking, edible plants and foraging, fishing and fish processing, and trapping; training in proper documentation strategies including data recording, artifact illustration, and photographing.  During the second phase, the students will be immersed in a reconstructed Middle Woodland fish processing station within which they will conduct various experimental archaeological investigations.  This phase provides the students with a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge they acquired during the first phase.  During this period, students will be living in reconstructed shelters, eat “period correct” food, cook in replicated clay vessels, use only replicated tools, etc. in order to create the proper context for experimental research.  In addition to participation in various pre-determined research goals, students will develop, carry-out, and document an experiment of their own. 

Living and Working Arrangements: During the first phase of the field school, students are welcome to either commute if they live close enough or camp at nearby Washington Crossing State Park.  Students are responsible for their own meals during this portion.  If camping, students will be responsible for providing their own basic camping supplies (tent, sleeping bag, etc.).

During the two-week experimental portion of the field school (second phase), students will be required to stay full-time at the experimental site on the island.  All meals will be provided during this phase.  It is important to note that food being consumed during the experimental portion will be “period correct” and the instructor needs to be informed of any food allergies and preferences as soon as possible so that they can addressed.  For this phase, students will only be required to provide the most basic of camping supplies (sleeping bag, pad, etc.), clothing, personal medication, and hygiene supplies.  All other necessary equipment will be provided and/or produced by the individual students during the first few weeks of the field school.

We will spend 8 hours a day in the field or involved in other instruction, Monday through Friday, during the four week instructional portion of the field school (May 17 – May 31 and June 14-June 29). During the two-week experimental phase of the field school (May 31 to June 14) we will be on the island for 15 consecutive days.

For more detailed project information, please see a copy of the project's proposal below ( PDF files require Acrobat Reader).

Project Proposal