Ontario Archaeology Field School
In 2022 this course will be offered in Durham
Excavation period: 15 August to 2 September 2022
Laboratory period: September to December day/time TBD
Note: Students must complete both portions of the course to earn the credit
The 2022 Ontario Field School provides a focused and intensive introduction to archaeological field methods, from Stage Two (field survey) to Stage Three and Four (excavation). Students participating in the program will become familiar with a variety of survey methods and equipment, learn about the Standards and Guidelines that govern archaeological work in Ontario, gain practical experience excavating in Ontario, and artifact processing.
Excavations will continue on a recently acquired piece of property adjacent to the Trent University Durham GTA campus in Oshawa, Ontario. The property was part of a 19th century homestead and contains the main floor of a bank barn tentatively dated to the early part of the last century. Work at the site will focus on continuing to identify any historic or prehistoric remains on the property.
This is a non-residential field school; however, summer accommodations are available on the Trent University Durham GTA campus for additional cost (to be determined). Students should be aware that food services are not available in Durham over the summer, but there are kitchens in the residence that the students can use, along with many take-out/delivery restaurant options nearby.
Details for the 2022 Field School
This year the course will run in the Fall 2022-23 academic year. It will consist of a 3-week excavation period running Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 15 August to 2 September 2022, followed by a 3-hour laboratory class once a week during the Fall September/December term (day and time to be determined). Both components will be taught in Durham and students must be available for both field and laboratory portions of the course to earn the credit.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, in order to maintain safe working environment enrollment will be limited to 18 students.
Application Procedures
Complete and submit the application form to Dr. Haines, Dept of Anthropology by 8 July 2022 for consideration.
There is a $250 CDN course fee in addition to tuition. You will be asked to submit this fee (cheque payable to Trent University Department of Anthropology) upon notification of your acceptance into the field school.
Course enrollment is by permission of instructor.
Further Information
Please contact:
Dr. Helen R. Haines
Department of Anthropology
Trent University Durham-GTA
helenhaines@trentu.ca
905-435-5102 ext. 5045
Credit and enrollment
Students who enroll in ANTH 3000Y (Ontario) at Trent University will receive Full-Course credit (1 credit). ANTH 3000Y (Ontario).
Tuition fees
Summer Session - Financial Information (2022 TBA for Domestic & International Students)
There is a $250 CDN course fee in addition to tuition. You will be asked to submit this fee (cheque payable to Trent University Department of Anthropology) upon notification of your acceptance into the field school.
Students are responsible for medical expenses, personal insurance, personal equipment, their accommodation and meals, and transportation to the campus/dig site. In addition, students are expected to supply themselves with personal equipment consisting of the following:
- Pencil case with pen, pencil, eraser, and pencil sharpener
- Protractor
- Metal compass (the kind used for drawing a circle)
- Ruler (6-inch clear)
- Note: you may find it easier to buy the above items in a math kit
- Black Physics Notebook (this will be submitted as one of your assignments and become part of the project archive)
- Calculator (basic sums)
- Line Level (with ability to attach to string—may be known as hanging line level)
- 2 metre Metal Metric Measuring Tape (it needs to have metric measurements)
- 5 ½” Pointing Trowel (also called a masonry trowel – Marshalltown are the best)
- 20 oz preferred or 22 oz Mason hammer (also called a bricklayer’s hammer – Eastwing is the best)
- Well-fitted durable work gloves
Participation in the project requires a waiver that will be provided upon admittance into the course. As weather conditions are unpredictable and rapidly changing students are advised to come prepared for a variety of weather conditions (cool/wet and hot/sunny). They also should be prepared to get dirty and not wear anything they will get upset about if it is lost or ruined (i.e. good clothes, jewelry).