Archaeological Field School in Southwest Colorado

Fort Lewis College will again offer its six-week training course in field archaeology during the summer of 2009, under the direction of Mona Charles. Field work will be conducted at the Old Fort Lewis Campus near Durango, Colorado. Intensive instruction in archaeological inventory, compass and tape mapping, Total Station mapping, remote sensing (electrical resistance and magnetometer), GPS and GIS, and limited excavations will be the focus of this six week field school.

The Old Fort Lewis Campus began as a frontier military fort that operated from 1880-1891. In 1891 it was decommissioned and the land was transferred to the Office of Indian Education for use as an Indian Boarding. The Indian Boarding School operated from 1891-1910. Recently, with a grant from the Colorado Historic Fund, Fort Lewis College Archaeological Field School began a cultural resource inventory of the area immediately surrounding and including the Old Fort Lewis Campus. To read more about the results of this cultural resource inventory follow the link:Report_final.pdf

The inventory to date has resulted in recording 26 archaeological sites. Most of the sites are historic and related to the military period; however, as we expand the survey beyond the limits of the immediate campus, we are encountering prehistoric sites. Five prehistoric sites were recorded during the 2008 field school, and we anticipate finding more in 2009.

Plans for the 2009 field school include the following: continue with the archaeological survey; conduct remote sensing at some of the sites that may have buried foundations or buried features other than foundations; find and document a number of scarred ponderosa trees (culturally modified) across the reservation; complete intensive mapping of several historic sites; and place test units in at least one prehistoric site.

GIS data courtesy of Bill Ball and James Gustine

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the rich prehistoric and historic heritage of Southwest Colorado while gaining knowledge and skills in field archaeology. A field trip is planned to visit archaeological ruins and rock art across the Four Corners and along the San Juan River in Southeast Utah.

Depending on individual levels of experience and needs for field training, students may enroll in either ANTH-259 or ANTH-403. (See further course descriptions below.)

Dates:
May 18-June 28, 2009

Costs:
Resident tuition ($99/CrHr): $693.00 (for 7 credits after the resident stipend)

Non-resident tuition ($454/CrHr): $3178.00 (for 7 credit hours)

Note: In addition there is a $157.50 (total) student fee and tuition charge assessed. This student fee is 1/2 that of the regular student fees due to the field school being off-campus. J

Note: In addition, there is a $100.00 course fee for supplies and activities.

The Training

The 2009 field school will focus on techniques of archaeological survey, site documentation, field analysis of artifacts, remote sensing, and excavation. 

Participants will receive training in traditional and non-traditional aspects of archaeological field methods and techniques. Included will be:

• hypothesis generation
• field test propositions
• site mapping (total station)
• subsurface testing, grid, and feature excavation
• stratigraphic profile mapping and interpretation             
• soil and sediment identification and documentation
• feature recording and mapping
• collecting field samples
• field photography
• field artifact processing
• remote sensing or geophysical prospecting
• magnetic survey
• electrical resistance survey

Magnetometer map courtesy of Alexis Schank

During laboratory sessions in the classroom and at the site, students will learn artifact preparation, field classification, computer coding techniques (MS Access) and initial field analysis and interpretation. Survey laboratory work will include UTM coordinate designations, recording environmental variables, and standard site survey documentation. In laboratory sessions, students will learn how to classify the different artifact types. Theoretical and methodological components of the training will emphasize environmental (ecological) archaeology and geoarchaeology.  Further, students will be trained in interpreting the results of archaeological fieldwork to lay audiences.

Enrollment Information

ANTH-259: Field Training in Archaeology (7 credit hours)

• This course is designed for undergraduate students who have had no prior training in archaeology. Basic survey, excavation and mapping skills will be highlighted. Introduction to Archaeology preferred. This class is a requirement for the Cultural Resource Management Certificate.

ANTH-403: Advanced Archaeological Field Techniques (7 credit hours)

• Designed for students who have taken ANTH-259, or who have had prior experience in archaeology.  Advanced survey and excavation techniques are undertaken, along with practical instruction in field supervision, research design implementation, and reporting functions. The upper division credits may transfer as graduate credits at the discretion of the student's home institution. This course if an optional requirement for the Cultural Resource Management Certificate.

  • Prerequisite: ANTH-259 or permission of instructor.

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Historic Barracks at the Old Fort Lewis site. The fort was decommissioned in 1891. The buildings were converted to an Indian boarding school that operated from 1891 - 1911.

Please Note:

Enrollment in the field school is limited. Students are selected on the basis of the application enclosed and other information they may be asked to supply on request. Please return applications as soon as possible, but by April 15. Students will be notified of acceptance in late April.

For further information write or call:

Mona Charles
Department of Anthropology
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO 81301

(970)247-7295 (Office)
(970) 382-6952 (FAX)
CHARLES_M@fortlewis.edu