ANTH-2050H FALL 2012 FIELD COURSE - OSHAWA

 

Introduction to Historic Archaeological Field and Laboratory Methods - Oshawa

Summer 2012 Field Work Dates

Monday, 20 August - Friday 31 August, 2012

Field work component:

Field work -  Daily, Monday to Friday - 9:00am-         4:00pm - Two weeks

Fall Laboratory Work – CLASS

Lecture and Lab component

Fall term - September to December 2012

      ( Day & Time will be posted when Time Table is ready)

Overview:

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of site excavation and artefact processing. It will also introduce student to the cultural history of southern Ontario. It will included two weeks of excavation at a historic house in the Oshawa area followed by a fall term in the lab learning artefact laboratory techniques through the processing of the recovered artefacts. The program runs for two weeks, between Monday 20 August and Friday 31 August followed by a fall laboratory course: Students must complete both portions of the course to obtain a credit.

Project Goals:

 The goals of the project are two-fold: first, to provide students, who for reasons of family or finance, might not otherwise be able to attend an in-depth full credit field school; second, to work with the Oshawa Historical Society (www.oshawamuseum.org) to further their understanding of Oshawa’s History and help promote heritage awareness.

Excavation Location:

Students will participate in excavating the lands and gardens of one of three early to mid-19th century history houses located in Oshawa’s Lakeview Park. These houses date to 1835, 1846, and 1849, and served as the residences for the harbour masters. Although all three homes have been restored (one serves as the Oshawa Community Museum), they sit on their original foundations. Consequently, subsurface remains in the form of middens, wells, and/or privies are believed to remain nearby. These features contain valuable information about the types of food and material possessions that would have been used in this area during this time. This information is important for understanding the early history of Oshawa as it directly relates to the types of trade and wealth available to the community members. All recovered materials will be give to the Oshawa Historical Society for curation and display in the community museum.

Excavation Work:

During the field season students will be introduced to the basic concepts of archaeological excavation, recording, and mapping. In addition to documenting their excavations on site forms, students are also expected to keep a journal of their activities and observations that will become part of the Oshawa Historical Archives.

Laboratory Work:

Activities in the lab will include assisting with processing and identifying recovered artefacts. Students will be taught how to label and catalogue a wide variety of artefact types. Classes during the fall term may include guest lectures and movies.

Course Pre-Requisites & Co-Requisites:
Pre-Requisite: ANTH-1000y, or ANTH-1010H and ANTH1020H,
and ANTH-2120Y

Application Procedures

1. Print and complete an application form, POSTED HERE
2. Upon admission to the 2012 Oshawa Field School, print and       complete the Registration Form POSTED HERE
3. Send your application and registration forms to:

          Professor Helen Haines

          Trent University Oshawa Office,

          55 Thornton Road South
          Room 101, Oshawa, ON, L1J 5Y1

OSHAWA Field School (FA 2012)application deadline:
                  3 August 2012
Please remember to include your $150.00 (CND) Course Fee with your application. Course enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

For further information please contact:

Professor Helen R. Haines
Department of Anthropology
Trent University Oshawa Office,

55 Thornton Road South
Room 101, Oshawa, ON, L1J 5Y1
E-mail
Telephone: (905) 435-5100 x5045