Archaeology Southwest/U Arizona Field School

Archaeology Southwest and University of Arizona
2012 Preservation Archaeology Field School at Mule Creek, NM

Archaeology Southwest (ASW, formerly the Center for Desert Archaeology) and the University of Arizona School of Anthropology (UA) are offering our second Preservation Archaeology Field School. The field school combines training in excavation and site recording skills with a curriculum highlighting the goals, ethics, and practice of preservation archaeology. We integrate research, education, and preservation within a community-based framework.

Mule Creek, New Mexico is located at 5,200 ft. above sea level in a scenic valley with a rich archaeological record. Recent work by ASW researchers has shed light on 13th through 14th century occupations in Mule Creek and the surrounding Upper Gila region. Students will participate in test excavations at Fornholt, a pueblo occupied during the poorly documented 13th century. Excavation data will contribute to the understanding of Mule Creek’s role in regional networks as well as the social context of migration into the Upper Gila region.

The field school runs from May 29- July 6, 2012. In addition to field work during the day, there will be evening lectures and instruction in artifact analysis. Students will have the opportunity to interact with distinguished faculty from several academic institutions. Field trips will include visits to Chaco Canyon and other archaeological sites. Days off will include optional trips to Silver City or other nearby attractions. Students and staff will camp at on a working ranch in Mule Creek.

The course is taught by Deborah L. Huntley and Jeffery J. Clark, Preservation Archaeologists at ASW. Dr. Clark is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the UA.

Enrollment is limited and applications received by March 2, 2012 will receive priority. Notification will begin by March 16, 2012. Students will be registered for 7 credit hours through the UA. Summer 2012 tuition and fees have not yet been set, but in 2011 were $315/credit hour (undergrads) or $2205 total and $350 (graduate students) or $2450 total. Non-UA students also pay a one-time application fee of $65. In addition, a course fee of $1200 is due at registration.

Applications are currently available online at: http://anthropology.arizona.edu/field-schools