The University of Chicago

Summer Archaeological Field Studies Program

San Pedro Valley

The Archaeological Field School has been CANCELLED for  2007


Table of Contents


Background, History

Archaeological Field Studies offer students an opportunity to participate directly in an ongoing research project while pursuing studies in archaeological theory, method, and data collection. Through field and laboratory work, students will receive closely supervised instruction in the basic skills needed to conduct archaeological research, including surface survey and documentation, transit mapping, excavation, artifact processing, and preliminary artifact analysis.  Students who enroll in advanced analytical methods will have an opportunity for intensive study of archaeological material.  Through evening seminars, guest lectures, and field trips, students will be given a background in archaeological, historical, and environmental studies in the North American Southwest, and introduced to current research questions and approaches in southwestern archaeology. Advanced students will also have the opportunity to pursue directed research projects in close consultation with the instructor. 

This summer will be the 11th field season of a long term research project based in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. Since 1996, we have conducted a program of testing, surface documentation and new excavations focusing on the organization and transformation of indigenous and colonial societies in the late prehistoric and early historic Spanish Americas. Our research centers on the changing relationship between demography, economy, and society following European colonization of the Rio Grande in 1598.

Our work will build on a decade of research at LA 162 (or Paa-ko), a large pueblo settlement inhabited at various times between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. This site is associated with a short lived, seventeenth century Spanish mission named San Pedro.  Located at the head of the San Pedro Valley, one of three major drainage systems on the eastern slope of the Sandia Mountains,  LA 162 occupies an enviable situation: on a well watered flood plain,  adjacent to springs and timber, and at the cross roads between the Rio Grande Valley and the Plains.  It is no surprise, then,  that this place has many names and a long history of occupation, use, and incorporation into the varied cultural landscapes of Northern New Mexico. How places such as this one were inhabited, used and transformed through their use is one of the key questions we hope to address through our research.

In 2007 we will expand our focus from this large village to the surrounding  landscape.  This season, our field work will focus on documenting artifact and feature distributions in and around the colonial period settlement through surface survey, mapping, and excavations in a variety of contexts.  These efforts will tie together previous work done at the site with new observations in order to provide a fuller understanding of the daily lives and long term histories of its prehistoric and early historic inhabitants. For more information on the site and our research, click on the director's home page.
 
 

Operation
During the six week field season, you will live in Northern New Mexico and commute on a daily basis to the field site. Our study area is located on the eastern slope of the Sandia Mountains, about 20 minutes from Albuquerque. During the working day, you will actively participate in field research, locating, documenting, and excavating ancient structures, surfaces, and material culture.

During the afternoons, we will hold informal discussions of our work while carrying the newly excavated artifacts through the preliminary stages of analysis. During the evening, you will have the opportunity to hear guest lectures from other researchers working in the region, participate in seminars on a variety of topics, and learn basic techniques of artifact analysis. The working week will normally last from Monday to Friday, although we may occasionally need to work on Saturday mornings.

Students should plan to arrive by 5:00 PM on June 24th.   Although formal instruction will end on July 27th, students may continue to participate in the research project through the first week in August.  You should not plan to depart any earlier than  noon on July 30th.

Weekends and free evenings offer a multitude of opportunities for study, exploration and recreation. Our location near both Albuquerque and Santa Fe is ideal for visiting historic sites, wilderness areas, and living southwestern communities. Farther afield, the many historic places, culturally diverse communities, and stunning vistas of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico are accessible by overnight trip.

During the course of the field season, we will take several field trips, including at least one extended  trip during which you will have the opportunity to visit important historical and archaeological sites with members of the University of Chicago faculty and staff.  In the last few years we have visited sites such as Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Bandelier National Monument, Salinas National Monument, Pecos, and Canyon de Chelley.  These excursions will emphasize the long tradition of research in which you will be participating.



  Eligibility

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from the University of  Chicago and visiting students from other colleges and  universities. We do not accept  high school students or casual volunteers. 

Past participants in this project have gone on to graduate programs, professional schools, and professional employment in archaeology. Students with diverse interests, experiences, and backgrounds will both enhance and benefit from the field studies program. You need not have an extensive background in archaeology to participate in this program, however previous course work in anthropology and fieldwork or laboratory experience will be helpful. You must have the permission of the instructor before enrolling. Students will be accepted into the program on the basis of scholarly ability, professional motivation, and experience. Enrollment is limited to 16 students. There is no deadline for applications. We will begin evaluating applications in February, 2005 and continue to offer acceptance until all positions are filled.  Early applications, particularly from visiting students, are encouraged.  The deadline for visiting student registration is May 30.

Applications must include a completed application form, transcripts of all college work, and the name of at least one referee familiar with your academic or research experience. Visiting students should include a letter of reference with their application or ask their referee to contact us directly via letter or email.  
 

 


 

Course work and Fees

  The basic summer program is a two course sequence (400:364, Archaeological Field Studies: Southwestern Archaeology, and 400:365: Archaeological Field Studies: Design and Method).   In 2007 we will be offering an optional third course in advanced analytical methods of palebotanical analysis.  Students interested in independent  research opportunities may also register for a Readings and Research course with the instructor.  The cost of the program includes tuition, supplies, and local transportation.  Summer Quarter tuition rates for 2005 have not yet been announced by the University.  Applicants are urged to check directly with the Summer Session for accurate information about tuition rates.     Medical insurance is required, either through the university medical plan or equivalent personal medical plan. 


The University of Chicago does not offer  financial aid  to visiting students. Visiting students should consult the financial aid office of their own institutions for options and advice. 

Local arrangements for room and board have not been finalized.  We will be living in rental housing in Albuquerque, the nearest city to our field site.  Food and housing costs will be shared among all participants. Anticipated costs for food and housing during the summer are $800. These costs do not include transportation to New Mexico.

A $500 deposit is required from visiting students at the time of  registration.  The registration deadline for visiting students is May 30th.   Tuition bills for all Summer Session students will be mailed by the first week of classes by the University Bursar's Office. Payments are due as indicated on the bill, typically within two weeks.





  Preparation

Once your application has been accepted, you will receive additional information about the field program, transportation, local living arrangements, and items you will need to bring with you to the field. After your arrival in New Mexico, you will participate in a three day orientation session prior to the start of field work.  You can consult material posted at  the director's homepage for relevant background material and bibliographies.



 

  Supervision


As an active member of a research team, you will have direct responsibility for the collection and documentation of archaeological data. In the field, you will be responsible for completing both field forms and a personal field log that summarizes your activities, impressions and interpretations. Prior to the end of the season, you will be asked to complete a written summary of an excavation unit. These materials will be retained by the project and become a permanent part of the research record for use by future generations of archaeologists. Your work will be closely guided and regularly evaluated by the field school staff. We will expect to see improvement in the accuracy and completeness of your written work throughout the field season in response to these evaluations. In addition to your written work, you will be evaluated on the basis of your participation in evening discussion groups, seminars, and laboratory exercises.




  Staff and Consultants

  The field school is staffed by highly trained and experienced faculty and students from a number of  universities.  The director of the field school is Mark Lycett. He has conducted archaeological research in the North American Southwest, California, and South Asia, and has participated in archaeological field schools and summer training programs for more than 15 years. Dr. Lycett has extensive research experience in the late prehistoric and early historic archaeology of the Middle Rio Grande Valley. His work focuses on the impact of European colonial expansion on Native American society and culture.  Noah Thomas, a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona, is co-director of the project.  Noah has been a staff member of the proect since 1999.   Additional staff members will include doctoral students from the department of anthropology at the University of Chicago, the University of Arizona, the University of California and other institutions.

Students will also have an opportunity to interact with consultants pursuing a variety of specialized analyses in conjunction with our project. Dr. Diane Gifford Gonzalez , Professor of Anthropology at the University of California at Santa Cruz, is actively engaged in the analysis of faunal materials from the project.  Students may particpate in laboratory sessions led by Professor Gifford Gonzalez during the final two weeks of the session.   Dr. Kathleen D. Morrison, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago will act as special consultant for paleoecological studies. She directs the recovery and analysis of botanical, palynological, and sediment samples. 
 

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