VU Archaeology Field-School at Holmul, .

to be offered in 2007

 

A 3-credit hours course in archaeology for students interested in experiencing first-hand the methods and practices of field archaeology in a unique setting within the Maya rainforest.

 

Students will participate in the Holmul Archaeological Project for a 4-week period from May 8^th to June 5^th, 2005.

 

Program.

 

ANTH 213 The Archaeology of the Ancient Maya.  3 credit hours

A course about the cultural evolution of Maya cities and states from first-hand experience excavating the remains of ancient Maya ruins at Holmul in .  The instruction will include textbook readings and lectures during field-work at Holmul and during field trips to nearby outstanding Maya sites, including Tikal , Yaxha, Uaxactun and Caracol.    Additional instruction will be provided in the form of several lectures by visiting scholars and specialists. Students are expected to complete a final exam at the site and to submit a research paper two weeks after the end of the field school.

 

Accommodations and Transportation.  Students will stay at the Holmul field campsite for a three-week period. Accommodations are in individual tents. The project’s camp is rustic and remote from the comforts of modern towns but it is furnished with kitchen, dining halls, laboratory, outhouses and showers for a large crew. It is located in the midst of one of the largest expanses of rainforest in , the Maya Biosphere.  Students will live and work with a group of about 15 US and Guatemalan professionals and 30 workmen. Meals and laundry service are provided by a team of local cooks and assistants. The diet is based on traditional Guatemalan foods, fresh maize and flour tortillas, black beans, chicken, eggs and fresh vegetables.

The program provides for transportation to and from the airport. Lodging and meals in hotels in the nearby town upon arrival and prior to departure, as well as during field-trips to archaeological sites are included.  Soft drinks and extras are not included.

 

Eligibility.

The program is open to anthropology majors as well as non-majors with good academic standing, with specific interest in Maya archaeology and with consent of instructor.

 

Prerequisites

 

Students are expected to be in good physical health and fit for a three-week stay in an outdoors environment.  A medical bill of good health is required. Prior experience in camping and hiking is recommended.

Travel medical insurance, preventive anti-malarial medications and appropriate vaccinations are required.

 

 

Schedule

     TBA

 

 

Fees. $5900 (estimated)

 

Fees include transportation to and from the Belize Airport , meals, and laundry in camp, excavation supplies, hired laborers, lab materials and transportation during field work.  Fees also include meals and lodging and entrance fees during field trips.  Fees do not include airfares to/from , border fees, tents and personal camping gear or personal spending money.

 

 

For more information:

Email Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli f.Estrada-belli@vanderbilt.edu

Or contact Study Abroad program coordinator  (isabelle.s.christ@vanderbilt.edu)

Or view images from previous years at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/holmul/