Archaeology Field School

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:

●          Planning a career in archaeology and want to get some field experience.

●          Become qualified as an archaeology field technician.

●          Thinking about a career in archaeology and want to see if you like field work.

●          Always wanted to go on a dig.

●           Want to lean how to do geophysical surveys.

●           Interested in the native and historic cultures of eastern North America.

●           Would like six hours of college credit.

●          For ND Anthro majors, fufill the entire Approaches and Methods requirement with one class.

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.

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