Training in archaeological fieldwork and data processing is based upon an ongoing research project in the Chenango Valley of Central New York. Each student has the opportunity to participate in various aspects of this research from excavation and field recording to cataloguing and analysis. The culmination of the course is a detailed report written by all students in the class based upon their research. This report is disseminated to the New York State Archaeologist and to other professionals. Visits to museums and laboratories are integrated into the course.
Class size is limited to fifteen students.
This course begins in Mexico between the fall and spring terms with guided visits to and lectures on Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology, the ruins of Teotihuacan and other sites. Students then participate with a team of archaeologists and anthropologists from other institutions in survey work at sites near the Mexican ruins. Of particular interest is determination of the placement of ancient architectural benchmarks used to lay out cities and ceremonial centers. Returning to campus, students work with data collected in the field and present an oral as well as a written paper on a specialized research subject relating to the field experience. This course is also listed as ASTR 354 and is offered each spring.