Ontario Archaeology Field School
In 2021 this course will be offered in Durham
The 2021 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 artefact processing.
Excavations will take place 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 identifying any historic or prehistoric remains on the property. Although there are both historic and prehistoric sites in the immediate vicinity, this is the first archaeological assessment of this land and consequently it is unclear what, if anything, will be recovered.
The program runs for five weeks, between 10 May and 11 June (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm). 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.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, in order to maintain safe working environment enrollment will be limited to 16 students.
Application Procedures
- Complete and submit the Application Form by 29 March 2021.
- Applications should be sent via e-mail to helenhaines@trentu.ca
- Students will be notified of a decision during the second week of April.
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), "Field Methods and Techniques" is a five-week course which operates Monday through Friday, inclusive.
Tuition fees
Summer Session - Financial Information (2021 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)
- Well-fitted durable work gloves
Participation in the project requires a waiver that will be provided upon admittance into the course. As weather condition in May are unpredictable and rapidly changing students are advised to come prepared for a variety of weather conditions (cold/wet and hot/sunny). They also should be prepared to get dirty.