Anthropology

Máire Malone

Sandra Kofler — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:00:25 +0000

Máire Malone

Sandra Kofler Thu, 09/19/2024 - 15:00

Máire

Malone

Instructor

Courses Taught

ANTH 215 - Human Origins & Adaptations

ANTH 282 - Primates of the World

ANTH 339 - Paleoanthropology

Research Interests

Human and Non-Human Primate Life History Evolution; Dietary and Ecological Variability in Primate Evolution; Evolutionary Developmental Biology; Hard Tissue Evidence for Biorhythmic Variation; Stable Isotope Ecology; Dental Histology; Dental Anthropology; Trace Elemental Records of Dietary Transitions; Bioarchaeological and Forensic Skeletal Pathology, Paleoecological Reconstruction

Education

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Ph.D. (Anthropology)

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL; B.A. (Anthropology)

m-malone11@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Fall 2024 - Second 8 Weeks

Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Campus

Sandy Kofler

Sandra Kofler — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:00:51 +0000

Sandy Kofler

Sandra Kofler Thu, 01/26/2023 - 10:00

Sandy

Kofler

Office Administrator

s-kofler@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings: Econ/G&ES Office, Room BBH 346C, (773) 442-5690
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: Anthropology/GS Office, Room BBH 134A, (773) 442-5860
Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Remote; find me by email

Anthropology

Economics

Geography and Environmental Studies

Global Studies

Room BBH 346C & BBH 134A
91Porn
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5690

Matilda Stubbs

Lauren DeMaat — Fri, 21 May 2021 15:24:53 +0000

Matilda Stubbs

Lauren DeMaat Fri, 05/21/2021 - 10:24

Matilda

Stubbs

Instructor

Expertise

Cultural and linguistic anthropology, ethnographic research methods.

Courses Taught

ANTH 212 Cultural Anthropology

ANTH 363 The Anthropology of Tourism

ANTH 307 The Anthropology of Gender, Sexuality, and the Body

ANTH 109E First Year Experience, Sweet Home Chicago: Identity and Culture in the Windy City

Research Interests

U.S. state social service administration, child welfare, adoption, fosterage, semiotic theory, ethnographic methods, digital, visual, and material culture (cars, tourism, ASMR).

Education

2018 Ph.D. Anthropology, Northwestern University
2012 M.A. Anthropology, Northwestern University
2005 B.A. Anthropology, Cultural Track, Honors, University of California, Santa Cruz

Selected Publications

Stubbs, Matilda. 2021. “Slimefulness as Self-care.” Anthropology News, 62 (3).

Professional Affiliations & Membership

Assistant Editor, Neos: A Publication of the Anthropology of Children and Youth…

m-stubbs@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Fall 2024
Monday and Wednesday: 9:50 a.m.-2:10 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:10-3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:10-2:50 p.m.

Anthropology

Honors

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Wenner Gren Foundation Dissertation Research Grant

Central States Anthropology Society Beth Wilder Dillingham Award

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Campus

Shimelis Gebru

Lauren DeMaat — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:51:30 +0000

Shimelis Gebru

Lauren DeMaat Tue, 10/15/2019 - 14:51

Shimelis

Gebru

Instructor

Courses Taught

Anthropology 215

Anthropology 376

Research Interests

Humans and Nonhuman Primates

Education

PhD: Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

M.A.: Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

Background

Shimelis B. Gebru got his M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Gebru is an anthropologist whose research interests are multifaceted, including both humans and nonhuman primates. His recent research focuses on the relationships between traditional natural resource management practices and food security in Ethiopia. Specifically how the introduction of new technologies, programs and policies affect traditional livelihood practices as well as food security, nutrition and heath outcomes of highland farmers and lowland pastoralists.

s-gebru@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Spring 2022
8:30-9:20 a.m. and 1:40-2:25 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment.

Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Campus

Lauren M. DeMaat

Lauren DeMaat — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 19:20:43 +0000

Lauren M. DeMaat

Lauren DeMaat Mon, 07/22/2019 - 14:20

Lauren

DeMaat

Office Administrator

lmdemaat@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Anthropology BBH 134:
Tuesday: 1-5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-noon
Thursday: 1-5 p.m.

GES and Econ BBH 346 C:
Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-noon
Wednesday: 1-5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-noon
Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Geography and Environmental Studies

Economics

Anthropology

BBH 346 C
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5690

Edward F. Maher

Mike Hines — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:02:26 +0000

Edward F. Maher

Mike Hines Tue, 10/16/2018 - 12:02

Edward

Maher

Instructor

Courses Taught

ANTH 212 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

ANTH 213 - Introduction to Archaeology

ANTH 306 - Rise of Complex Societies: Archaeology of State Formation and Urbanization

ANTH 309 - Egyptian Archaeology

ANTH 310 - Near Eastern Archaeology

ANTH 315 - Greek Archaeology: Bronze Age

ANTH 335a - Zooarchaeology

Research Interests

Regional Expertise: Archaeology with regional focus on Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Basin.
Research Interests: Iron and Bronze Age Levant, zooarchaeology, economies, empire, ethnicity, trade, ritual, animal sacrifice, site abandonment.

Education

Ph.D., Anthropology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2003

M.A. Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium 1997

B. A. Anthropology, University of Lethbridge, Canada 1993

Selected Publications

2018 Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age IB Fauna from Beqo'a. ‘Atiqot 90: 67-73.

2017a E. F. Maher and B. Hesse. The Iron Age II Faunal Remains. In: S. Gitin, ed., The Tel Miqne-Ekron Excavations 1985-1988,1990, 1992-1995: Field IV Lower – The Elite Zone Volume 9/2 Part 2: The Iron Age I Early Philistine City, pp. 357-363. Eisenbrauns.

2017b E. C. M van den Brink, R. Beeri, D. Kirzner, E. Bron, A. Cohen-Weinberger, E. Kamaisky, T. Gonen, L. Gershuny, Y. Nagar, D. Ben-Tor, N. Sukenik, O, Shamir, E. F. Maher, and D. Reich. A Late Bronze Age II clay coffin from Tel Shaddud in the Central Jezreel Valley, Israel: context and historical implications, Levant 49: 105-135.

2017c Flair of the Dog: The Philistine Consumption of Canines. In: Justin Lev-Tov, Paula Hesse, and Allan Gilbert, eds., The Wide Lens in Archaeology:Honoring Brian Hesse's Contributions to Anthropological Archaeology, pp. 117-147. Lockwood Press.

2016 E. F. Maher and B. Hesse. The Middle Bronze Age II and Iron Age I Faunal Remains. In: S. Gitin, ed., The Tel Miqne-Ekron Excavations 1985-1988,1990,1992-1995: Field IV Lower – The Elite Zone Volume 9/1 Part 1: The Iron Age I Early Philistine City, pp. 515-570. Eisenbrauns.

2014a Lambs to the Slaughter: Cultic Orientations at Philistine Ekron in the 7th century BCE. In: John R. Spencer, Aaron J. Brody, and Robert A. Mullens, eds., Material Culture Matters: Essays on the Archaeology of the Southern Levant in Honor of Seymour Gitin, pp. 111-130. American Schools of Oriental Research.

2014b Temporal Trends in Animal Exploitation: Fauna Analysis from Tell Jemmeh. In: David Ben-Shlomo and Gus W. Van Beek, eds., The Smithsonian Institution Excavation at Tell Jemmeh, Israel (1970-1990), pp. 1038-1051. Contributions in Anthropology Series. Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.

2013 Animal Husbandry. In: D. M. Master, ed., The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Archaeology. Oxford University Press.

2012 Mortuary Faunal Remains. In: David Ben-Shlomo, ed., The Azor Cemetery: Moshe Dothan's Excavations, 1958 and 1960 (IAA Reports 50), pp. 195-198. The Israel Antiquities Authority.

2006/07 Imminent Invasion: The Abandonment of Philistine Ekron. Scripta Mediterranea, Special Issue - Cyprus, The Sea Peoples and the Eastern Mediterranean: Regional Perspectives of Continuity and Change 27-28: 323-337.

e-maher@neiu.edu

Office Hours

Fall 2024
Via Zoom; please make an appointment.

Room BBH 140
91Porn
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5794

Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Campus

Office Hours

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 14:38:26 +0000

Office Hours

Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/04/2016 - 09:38

(773) 442-5860

Anthropology

Lesa

Davis

Professor; Anthropology Coordinator

Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

(773) 442-5862

lcdavis@neiu.edu

Courses Taught

ANTH 109b - FYE: Skeletons in Chicago Closets

ANTH 200 - Writing in Anthropology

ANTH 215 - Human Origins: Introduction to Biological Anthropology

ANTH 261 - Biology of Behavior

ANTH 282 - Primates of the World

ANTH 290 - Graduating Anthropology

ANTH 302 - Human Osteology

ANTH 323 - Evolution of Skin Color

ANTH 343 - Anthropology of the Body (w/ T. Luedke)

ANTH 356 - Human Variation

ANTH 368 - Primate Biology and Adaptation

ANTH 371 - Forensic Anthropology

ANTH 376 - Primate Behavior

ANTH 397 - Senior Seminar in Biological Anthropology

ANTH 3871-6 - Field Museum Internship

ANTH 3891-6 - Lincoln Park Zoo Research

Research Interests

My research explores how evolution has shaped the bones and joints of different primate species, and the role of phylogeny and ecology in these processes. I just finished a project on the skeletal adaptations and evolution of locomotion of pitheciin primates with SE Walker-Pacheco and our work is featured in a Cambridge volume on the pitheciins. I also recently co-edited a Springer volume on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the marmosets and callimicos of South America (see above). I am working on a new collaborative project that focuses on the anatomy and locomotion of the night monkey (genus Aotus). Other ongoing projects include the analysis of faunal remains from Suriname harpy eagle predation, and the foraging adaptations of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia). Finally, I am collaborating with two students on two projects, one involving the faunal remains from Suriname, and the other on the origins of malocclusion in postindustrial populations.

Education

Ph.D. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 2002

M.A. Anthropology, Arizona State University, 1987

B.A. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1984

Selected Publications

Davis LC, Walker SE. 2013. Functional morphology and positional behaviour in the Pitheciini. In: LM Veiga AA Barnett, SF Ferrari, and MA Norconk (Eds). Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Titis, Sakis and Uacaris Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 84-96.

Ford SM, Porter LM, Davis LC. 2009. The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation. 508 pgs. New York: Springer.

Ford SM, Davis LC. 2009. The skeleton of Callibella humilis, a new species of marmoset. In: SM Ford, LM Porter, and Davis LC. (Eds.): The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation. New York: Springer.

Walker SE, Davis LC. 2007. Postcranial features of Cacajao with comparisons to Chiropotes and Pithecia.

Davis LC, Walker SE, Ford, SM. 2006. Locomotion and skeletal differentiation within the Pitheciini.

Davis LC, Fitton LJ, Nickels MK. 2005. The introductory course in physical anthropology: a status report on its current nature and role. American Association of Physical Anthropology Newsletter.

2005 Davis LC. Anatomical correlates for trunk-to-trunk leaping in the forelimb and hindlimb of Callimico goeldii. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:115-116.

Ford SM, Davis LC. 2005. The skeleton of Callibella humilis: functional and phylogenetic implications. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:128.

Davis LC, Ford SM. 2003. Comparative postcranial morphology of the marmosets. Am J Phys Anthrop Suppl. 36: 84.

Davis LC. 2002. Functional anatomy of the callitrichid forelimb and long bones. Neotropical Primates 10 (2):98.

1996 Davis LC. Functional and phylogenetic implications of ankle morphology in Callimico goeldii. In MA Norconk, AL Rosenberger, PA Garber (Eds.): Adaptive Radiations of Neotropical Primatess, New York: Plenum Press, pp. 133-156.

Professional Affiliations & Membership

Research Associate, Field Museum of Natural History

Chair, Anthropology/Archaeology Div., Illinois State Academy of Sciences

Treasurer, Illinois State Academy of Sciences

Honors

NEIU Student Choice Award, 2013

NEIU Faculty Excellence Award 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013

lcdavis@neiu.edu

Room BBH 144
91Porn
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5862

Office Hours

Fall 2024
Monday: Noon-1:00 p.m. and 3:00-5:00 p.m. by appointment
Wednesday: 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Other times, including weekend hours, by appointment.

Main Campus

https://neiu-edu.zoom.us/j/97403971124?pwd=c0VTZUZxcW5BU1V4dDV5MXc5SlZjdz09

Anthropology, B.A.

Timothy White — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:13:06 +0000

Anthropology, B.A.

Anthropology uniquely incorporates both cultural and biological perspectives in its study of the diversity of past and present humans, and the ecology and behavior of our closest primate relatives. With a strong commitment to teaching excellence, the Department of Anthropology offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts. The Anthropology Department provides a challenging curriculum in the sub-disciplines of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology that encourages field-based learning, data-oriented research, and a solid grounding in the theoretical constructs and ethics of the discipline. Students taking courses in Anthropology develop a multifaceted understanding of human diversity steeped in time, multicultural ethnographic comparisons, and the science of our physical form. This enriching perspective is not only well suited for subsequent graduate studies and professional careers in anthropology, but also for fostering the acceptance of others and negotiating the many facets of our modern global society.

We have developed many individualized and field learning opportunities for our majors that take advantage of the many resources in Chicago and beyond. These include the Field Museum Internship, Archaeological Field School, Lincoln Park Zoo Research, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Internship, Fieldwork in Anthropology, and Independent Study in Anthropology. These experiences allow students to apply their anthropological knowledge and perspective outside of the classroom and learn about different careers and graduate study in anthropology. Most of these individualized and field experience courses require a minimum GPA, a proposal, departmental and College level approval. See an anthropology advisor for more information.

If you are a first year student interested in learning more about Anthropology, consider taking one of our First Year Experience classes: ANTH 109b - Skeletons in Chicago Closets or ANTH 109c - Skin of Chicago. Both of these courses count towards General Education Natural Science credit.

Timothy White Wed, 07/23/2014 - 11:13

Department

Anthropology

Affiliation

College of Arts and Sciences

Type

Undergraduate Major

Location

Main Campus

Take a closer look at the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and the courses offered toward the degree.

Anthropology, B.A.

If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Anthropology at (773) 442-5860 .

Anthropology Department Homepage

91Porn is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.

We offer an education with value.

Apply to Northeastern

Anthropology, B.A.

/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/anthropology/anthropology-ba

Prog Desc Marketing Text

Explore what it means to be human.
Anthropology incorporates cultural and biological perspectives in the study of humans, and the ecology and behavior of close primate relatives.

FAQ

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 19:13:42 +0000

FAQ

Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/08/2014 - 14:13

Where is Belize and what's the weather like?

Belize is south of Cancun on the Yucatán peninsula, which protrudes into the Gulf of Mexico. Belize is bounded by Mexico on the north, Guatemala on the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea on the east. Since the prevailing winds are from the southeast, the coast is cooled by a sea breeze. It always feels tropical. Daytime temperatures average in the high 80s, (though sometimes it can be over 100) and it gets cool enough for a light blanket at night. Although we are there during the “rainy” season, we have had trips with lots of rain and trips with no rain.

What are the prerequisites for the class?

International Programs requires a 3.0 average; a 2.5 average is acceptable with faculty references. No prior coursework is required, though ANTH 213 Intro to Archaeology, ANTH 250 Latin American Archaeology, or ANTH 374 The Maya are useful.

What kind of places will we stay in?

You will share a tent or a room in a dorm building. Tents are on small platforms beneath zinc roofs. Other buildings include a shared latrine and a shower building (with refreshingly cool showers). These are all part of a larger field camp that includes an indoor lab and a dining hall. When we travel we will stay in local hotels with running water.

How do we travel around?

We will go to the field in pickup trucks. When going from camp to the airport or vice-versa, or on the trip to Tikal, we’ll be in a bus.

What language do Belizeans speak?

The official language is English, but as many immigrants from other Central American countries arrive, the use of Spanish is increasing. The Belizeans in this area speak Yucatec and Spanish and many speak English. Most Belizeans speak Creole, which sounds like a very fast colloquial English. Mennonites in the area also speak German.

What’s a typical day like?

We get up early in the morning, have breakfast by 6:00 a.m., leave for the field at 7:00 a.m., and get back at about 4:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and lights out at 9:00 p.m. During the day we are hiking, excavating, mapping, interacting with native Belizean workers in a rainforest setting, and discovering new aspects of ancient Maya life. We are scheduled to work six days per week, with one free day to visit a nearby general store to call home and buy the all-important salty snacks.

What’s the food like?

Typically includes stewed chicken, rice and beans, plantains, and garnachas for lunch and dinner, accompanied by cole slaw and/or potato salad. Breakfast often consists of scrambled eggs, beans, oatmeal, fruit, and marvelous local biscuits. We have meat for dinner every night, and vegetarian option is ALWAYS provided.

Is it safe to eat the food and drink the water?

The food you will be served in camp is safe to eat. When shopping in local markets, avoid all foods you can’t peel. Our drinking water, from a local well, is chlorinated and filtered. Kool-Aid is also available, as are sodas and the local Belikin beer. Though water and Kool-Aid are gratis, sodas and beer are not.

What are the academic requirements for the course?

There will be one class before and after the trip (dates to be determined), plus a textbook on field techniques and a minimal list of required personal excavation equipment.

Do I need immunizations?

Recommended immunizations include Hepatitis A and B, up-to-date tetanus shots, and anti-malarial pills.

Is Belize a safe country?

It’s as safe as they come! The people are extremely friendly and love Americans. A large number of Belizeans have been to the U.S. or have family members living here. Chicago has one of the largest populations of Belizeans living outside Belize.

What does it cost?

Costs for the field trip are $3,695, including all pre-arranged travel, site entry fees, and room and board in Belize. Tuition and fees for Illinois residents is $2,169, and $3,994 for non-residents. Financial aid can be applied toward all trip costs.

How do I apply?

Contact Dr. Jon Hageman, the field instructor, at (773) 442-5863 or jhageman@neiu.edu for an application form. A deposit of $1,000 is due Jan. 24 to Student Payment Services. Make a copy of your receipt and submit it to International Programs (LWH 0007).

Why should I consider this class?

Because it is the experience of a lifetime!

Field School Syllabus

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 16:43:38 +0000

Field School Syllabus

Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/08/2014 - 11:43

ANTH 380: Archaeological Field School - Summer IA 2015

Field Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Jon Hageman

Class: May 20, 2015 to June 17, 2015

Office: BBH 136, (773) 442-5863, jhageman@neiu.edu

Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description and Objectives

This is a six credit-hour course designed to introduce you to the methods used to collect and analyze archaeological data in a hands-on field setting. The course will take place over the span of four weeks at a remote archaeological field camp in Belize, Central America. Archaeological field methods include mapping using measuring tapes and compasses as well as total stations to record the locations of archaeological features and artifacts. Excavation subsumes documentation and recovery procedures. Artifact curation deals with processing and analyzing artifacts and samples in the lab. In addition, you will have the opportunity learn a great deal about the Prehispanic Maya through lectures and field trips.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Have a grasp of mapping equipment and procedures
Lay out, excavate, and record materials associated with an excavation unit
Describe natural and cultural impacts on artifact, ecofact, and feature preservation
Recognize artifacts and features for a given context
Process, inventory, and conduct a preliminary analysis on artifacts in the lab
Function as an integral part of a larger field research station

Required Equipment and Reading

Hester, Thomas R., Harry Shafer, and Kenneth Feder, 2008, Field Methods in Archaeology, 8th edition. Left Coast Press, Inc.
8 ½ x 11 inch spiral-bound notebook to record field notes and journal entries.
3-5 inexpensive mechanical pencils and 2-3 ballpoint pens (black ink only)
Trowel (flat, pointed, bricklayer-type, Marshalltown brand 4 ½-inch or 5-inch)
3-meter or 5-meter tape measure
Line level
Pruning shears/root clippers
Plate compass (Brunton, Suunto, or Silva model is good and inexpensive)
inexpensive trigonometric calculator (sine, cosine, tangent)
Day pack in which to carry your equipment, lunch, and water daily
At least one 2-quart canteen

Heavier duty equipment such as shovels, picks, mattocks, etc. as well as forms, clipboards, and graph paper will be provided. Filtered water is available in camp and you will need to drink at least two quarts of water every day to keep hydrated.

Grading

Your grade in this course will be determined by your demonstrated ability to perform basic and more advanced procedures in three facets of archeological field work, including mapping, excavation, and artifact curation/analysis. A portion of your grade is also based on the quality of field notes you maintain in a daily journal, as well as your participation in camp duties and overall conduct.

Mapping evaluation will assess your ability to map a small residential group of ruins using a tape and compass, as well as an optical transit. Your ability to use this equipment and create a map will be assessed.
Excavation evaluation focuses on your ability to lay out an excavation unit, dig and screen soil matrix, collect botanical samples, recognize changes in the matrix, properly manage paperwork and artifact recovery, draw plan maps and profiles, and photograph features as they are uncovered in the field. You will be assessed on your ability to coordinate and maintain track of these things, as well as demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the Harris Matrix recording system.
Artifact curation and analysis (Lab) addresses your ability to process and record artifacts and samples in the lab. This includes the processing and recording of ceramic and lithic artifacts, as well as any bone, botanical, or Carbon 14 samples. You will also be called upon to participate in flotation and dry screen analyses, or on other projects that may be underway in the lab (e.g., ceramic refit/reassembly, soil cores, photography, drawing, etc.). Specific lab tasks vary based on what is recovered in the field; your tasks will be assigned after arriving in camp.
Your Journal will consist of field notes, which will detail the techniques you've used and your observations about the artifacts and features you've encountered. You may also ask questions in your notes about why things are being done the way they are, and are also encouraged to make your own interpretations. As archaeological excavation is a destructive process, the accurate recording of fieldwork is an essential part of this field school.
Camp Duties vary and will rotate weekly. These include disposing of trash, monitoring and replenishing the camp water supply, doing dishes, and maintaining and cleaning the latrines, showers, lab, and kitchen. You will also be expected to pitch in on an as-needed basis. Essential non-technical skills, including teamwork, punctuality, and ability to work well with others will also comprise a portion of the student assessment.

Grading Breakdown

Mapping: 20% A = 90-100%

Excavation: 20% B = 80-99%

Lab: 20% C = 70-79%

Journal/Notes: 20% D = 60-69%

Camp Duties/Conduct: 20% F = <59%

Plagiarism and Cheating

The ownership or consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate, automatic flight home at your own expense and an F for the course. I also reserve the right to send you home at your expense if I believe you are a danger to yourself or others.

Field Location

Field methods will be taught at various locations within the Programme for Belize nature preserve, located in northwestern Belize. The site of Guijarral will be the focus of mapping and excavation efforts. This season’s excavations will focus on recovering botanical and chemical evidence from an area that appears to have been devoid of prehistoric feasting during the Late Classic (AD 600-850) period. These remains will be compared to remains recovered from locations thought to have supported prehistoric feasting activities. A residential group will also be mapped.

Camp Life

We will be staying at the rustic yet pleasant R.E.W. Adams Research Station, adjacent to the Programme for Belize’s La Milpa Research Station. You will be assigned to share either a dorm room or a tent. The camp has showers and latrines, a large dining cabana (with two excellent cooks preparing our meals), and an extensive field laboratory. Students will be expected to participate in camp jobs (e.g., cleaning the buildings, maintaining the water supply, tending the latrines, disposing of trash) and to follow general camp guidelines (e.g., quiet after 8:30 pm, clearing your dishes, etc.). These jobs and guidelines make camp a fun and pleasant place for all, including you.

Typical Field Day

5:30 a.m. Wake-up call
6:00 a.m. Breakfast, make your lunch
6:45 a.m. Daily briefing and assignments
7:00 a.m. Leave for the field (with lunch and equipment)
11:00 a.m. Lunch (30 minutes)
3:30 p.m. Head back to camp
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Lectures (when scheduled), otherwise evening free
8:30 p.m. Quiet time
9:00 p.m. Lights out

Tentative Course Schedule

May 14 Introduction, SCI 156, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
May 21 Arrive O’Hare International, 4:00 a.m. Depart and change planes in Miami at 6:00 a.m. and arrive at Goldson Int’l Airport (Belize City) at about 1:30 p.m., chartered bus to REW Adams Research Station, arrive at about 7:30 p.m.
May 22 Settle into camp
May 23 Tour lab and site of La Milpa, trip to Blue Creek for shopping
May 24 Fieldwork begins
May 25- Fieldwork continues
May 31 Readings:
- Chapter 2: Goals of Archaeological Investigation;
- Chap. 4: Site Survey; Chap. 9: Archaeological Mapping, and Site Grids;
- Chap. 5: Methods of Excavation
- Lectures: Dr. Brett Houk, Texas Tech University, Dr. Rissa Trachman, Elon University
June 1 Trip to Lamanai
June 2-11 Fieldwork continues
- Readings: Chap. 6: Data Preservation (Recording and Collecting); Chap 10:
- Stratigraphy; Chap. 7: Handling and Conservation of Artifacts in the Field;
- Chap. 8: Archaeological Field Photography; and Chap. 12: Excavation and
- Recovery of Botanical Material from Archaeological Sites
- Lectures: Dr. Jon Hageman, 91Porn, Dr. David Hyde, Western State College of Colorado
June 12 Backfilling
June 13 Day off, prepare for Tikal/Cayes trip
June 14 Chartered bus to Flores, Guatemala
June 15 Day in Tikal National Park
June 16 Chartered bus to Belize City, Water Taxi to Caye Caulker
June 17 Day at Caye Caulker
June 18 Water Taxi to Belize City and Taxi to Goldson Int’l Airport, Belize City. YOU MUST ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT NO LATER THAN 10:30 a.m. Depart Belize City 2:55 p.m., change planes in Miami, Arrive Chicago 11:14 p.m.
June 22 Debriefing and course evaluation, SCI 156, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.