The field course is open to “for credit” students and graduate student volunteers. “For credit” participants will register in ANTH 3000 (Belize) at Trent University (there is an extra Trent University tuition fee for credit students). ANTH 3000, “Field Methods and Techniques”, is equivalent to a full-course at most universities. All participants will take part in a five week field session, the main goal of which is to provide an introduction to, and training in, archaeological field and laboratory techniques. Field work will run Mondays to Fridays (7:30 am to 3:00 pm). This will include site reconnaissance, surveying, setting up units, general excavation, screening, drawing of plans and profiles, and data recording. Lab work, which includes the washing, cataloguing, drawing, and classification of artifacts will be conducted once per week, on scheduled lab days. In addition, emergency lab days may be called, particularly during rainy days. The student’s lab work will provide them with a detailed understanding of the various material culture items produced by the ancient Maya.

During the first few days in the field students will participate in a series of “workshops” designed to introduce them to the archaeological skills that they will be required to learn. These workshops will be conducted within the controlled setting of the base camp. We find that this is the most effective way for students to acquire the skills that they will employ on a daily basis while in the field. These first few days also allow for a period of acclimatisation.