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Field School
Archaeology Field School (Anthropology 496) has been taught since 1970. We encourage our own majors to take this class, and we welcome both students in related majors at SIU Carbondale and students from other institutions. The instructional staff comprises one full-time faculty member or senior doctoral student and two graduate teaching assistants.
The Archaeology Field School offers full-time instruction in archaeological field methods with a special emphasis on basic excavation and laboratory techniques. Students are selected to participate in the program based on their previous coursework and fieldwork and general interest in archaeology.
Contact Information
Mark J. Wagner
Center for Archaeological Investigations
Faner Hall
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
mjwagner@siu.edu
618-453-5031
2024 Schedule
May 20—June 28. Investigations at Ft. Kaskaskia, instruction in analysis and curation methods at CAI curation center in Carbondale.
How to Apply
To apply for a spot in the field school please fill out and send us, by May 15, the Archaeology Field School Application (this form is for Anthropology use; it is distinct from the SIU Carbondale application form described above that non-SIU Carbondale students must fill out).
If you are not an anthropology major at SIU Carbondale, you will need to have a Faculty member e-mail or mail a brief letter of reference to Mark Wagner.
Why take a course in archaeological field techniques?
- Job opportunities - field school + a degree in anthropology or a related field = employability as an archaeologist straight out of college!
- Earn 6 400-level credits with NO on-campus fees - it is really inexpensive.
- Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates.
- Totally hands-on learning experience.
- No exams / No required readings.
- No prerequisites (yes YOU can do a field school!)
- You get to play in the dirt all day!
- Get a great tan and a great workout.
- Archaeology is fun fun fun!!!
What are the prerequisites?
There are no specific prerequisites, but an introductory course in anthropology is recommended, and additional coursework in archaeology is helpful prior to taking the field school. Permission of Anthropology is required to register, which is attained by completing and submitting the Application Form.
Students Enrolled at Other Institutions
The SIU Carbondale field school welcomes students from other colleges and universities. The tuition and other costs are the same as for existing SIU Carbondale students. To register for our course a non-SIU Carbondale student must be admitted to SIU Carbondale for the summer term.
Undergraduates: Please print and fill out this application form, then mail it to Dr. Mark Wagner at the address shown below. Parts that do not need to be filled out have been covered in gray rectangles, and a few entries have been pre-filled to ensure correct processing. There is a $40.00 application fee. Along with the application you will need to send a copy of your transcript (a photocopy of your transcript will be ok, it does not need to be an original).
Graduates: If you wish to transfer the credit hours back to your graduate program you should fill out this form and mail it to Dr. Mark Wagner at the address shown below. You will be billed for graduate tuition, which is roughly 30% higher than the amount shown above. If you do not wish to transfer the credit hours, you can apply as an "undergraduate" and pay the undergrad tuition rate shown above.