FAQ Page
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Why does someone take an archaeology field school?
There are many good reasons to take a field school. Some of them are:
Is prior experience
necessary?
No
experience is necessary or assumed. A prior class in archaeology would be
helpful, but we start with the basics, so it is not required.
I'm not a Notre Dame student, or I'm not enrolled at any
college or university. Can I still take the field
school?
Yes, you
can. Whether you are enrolled at another university, have just graduated,
or are not enrolled anywhere at all, you can register as a non-degree
student. More info about this topic is available on the
Summer Session web page (see Student Status ). Non-degree
students do not have to meet the regular admission requirements, so the Summer
Session application is a very simple process.
If I apply to the Summer Session Office, do I have to
make a separate application to the field school?
No, you do not
need to make two applications. You only have to apply via the Summer Session
office. They handle all our paperwork.
How does the flexible credit option work?
The basic field school is 3 credits and lasts 3 weeks. The couse number is ANTH 388.
You can sign up for 1, 2, or 3 additional credits in addition to the 3 credits from the basic fieldschool. The fieldwork for the additional credits can be done between June 24 and July 2 at the Collier Lodge site. The course number for additional credits is ANTH 498A. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.
What is a typical class day
like?
If the weather is good, we usually spend the day in the field. We meet on campus at 8:30 AM and go to the lab for a briefing on the day's work. Then we load our vans and head out to the site where we will spend the day. You will need to bring your lunch because we eat in the field. The day passes fast because there is so much to do. At the end of the day, we pack up our equipment, drive back to campus, unload the vans, and call it a day at 4:30 PM.
If the weather is bad (that usually means rain, but it can also mean excessive heat) we spend the day in the lab processing and identifying artifacts, preparing maps, listening to lectures on archaeological topics, and watching videos. We also take field trips to local museums and historical sites.
Throughout
the class, you will receive intensive personalized instruction from Professor
Schurr, who is on-site during the entire course. You will also work in teams and
have the support and assistance of your team members.
Where can I live?
Housing is available either on or off campus during the summer. The Summer
Session pages provide information on campus
housing . Information about off-campus housing is available on
the off-campus housing web
page, which also includes lists of apartments for sublet and
people seeking roomates. More information about housing is also available from
the Office of Residence Life and
Housing . Campus meal plans are also available for on- and
off-campus students.
What kind of equipment do I need?
A
description of working conditions, required equipment, and suggested optional
items is available on the Field School Basic Info
page.
Are there many exams or much
homework?
There are
no formal exams or significant homework except for background readings that you
will use in your daily work. We are in class eight hours a day, so there is
plenty of time to learn the material in class. There are no formal exams. You
will be evaluated on your field performance, written field documents, and
professional behavior as part of field team.
What if I am a graduate student at another university or
what if I have just graduated from college? Should I take the class for graduate
or undergraduate credit?
It depends
on what you want. If you want or
need graduate school credit, register for the graduate school version of
the class. Be sure to check that you home institution will accept credit from
elsewhere before you do. If you don't
need graduate credit, or are a recent graduate, I recommend signing up
for graduate credit as a non-degree student because it is less
expensive.
I have a question you haven't answered. How do I get an
I answer to it?
Send
Professor Mark Schurr your question via email . I will get back to you
as soon as I can. Chances are good that I will wind up adding your question to
this page!
Go to the Field School Home Page
Go to the Basic Info Page for information about work conditions and equipment