Summer 2008!!

University of Texas at Arlington

Belize Archaeological Field School

Summer Session II (July 7 - August 4)

Anth: 4698.001

This 6-hour credit course is designed to be an intensive learning program in archaeology.  The field school will be investigating a Maya archaeological site in the Belize River Valley, Belize, Central America.  The participants will learn basic archaeological skills including: site survey, excavation methods, basic mapping techniques, recording of data, laboratory processing techniques, basic artifact analysis and proper curation methods.  Since the field school will be focusing on a Maya ruin, the course will also address the culture history of the ancient Maya civilization.  The participants will also be visiting several other archaeological sites in the region as part of the learning experience. 

Students will spend 8 hours each weekday conducting archaeological research.  Students will rotate between the field site and the field laboratory, so that they get to experience all facets of archaeological fieldwork.  Evening lectures, and selected readings on archaeological method and theory will provide background to students for their fieldwork, but most of the learning will be hands-on, experiential learning under the guidance of the Resident Director, Field Director, and other project staff. 

The fieldwork site is located near the beautiful town of San Ignacio.  Known locally as "Cayo," San Ignacio is located in west-central Belize, cradled in a picturesque valley between the Macal and Mopan Rivers.  The region around San Ignacio is an ecotourism paradise, known for its beautiful rivers, jungle caves, and important Maya sites. 

The program is directed by Dr. M. Kathryn Brown, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UTA.  Professor Brown has 16 years of field experience in the Maya area and has published widely on Maya archaeology, particularly on the earliest Maya villages, the evolution of Maya temples, and the roles of religion and ritual in the rise of Maya civilization.  The fieldwork that students will be conducting is part of her current research program.

The field school is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  There is no prerequisite, but some knowledge of archaeology is preferred.  All interested students must submit an application and go through a formal interview process.  Space is limited in this course and admission may be competitive.  Non-UTA students are welcome if there is space available.  

Costs

The program fee is $1670 (plus tuition for 6 hours and airfare) and includes all meals, lodging, international insurance, and much more!  All in-country transportation, guided site tours, and meals on excursions are included.  All excavation equipment will be provided as well as several experienced excavation staff members.  

**The fee also covers meals with the group, but students will be responsible for their own drinks and any meals they choose to have away from the group.  Students will be responsible for international airfare, any medical expenses, course reading materials, drinks, telephone and internet use, and entertainment costs.

 For more information please contact Dr. M. Kathryn Brown at Katbrown@uta.edu