The Department of Anthropology is pleased to announce that the application deadline for the Morton Village Fieldschool (ANP464) has been extended to April 27th.
May 21 – July 1, 2012; Anthropology 464: Field Methods in Archaeology
As in any archaeological field school, students learn through hands-on application of methods. Students are contributing members of the research team and work closely with the instructor, teaching assistants, and other professional archaeologists and specialists. We are fortunate to have the Dickson Mounds Museum of the Illinois State Museum as partners in this research endeavor. We utilize the museum as a place to learn about the rich archaeological record of the region, and draw on the considerable expertise of the archaeologists at that institution. Our field lab is also housed at the museum.
We excavate at the Morton Village Site, a late prehistoric village in the central Illinois River Valley near Lewistown, Illinois. This cooperative project with the Illinois State Museum will focus on the A.D. 1300-1400 community associated with a period of social integration and conflict among Oneota and Mississippian groups. Our work builds on prior research at the site, utilizes state-of the-art geophysical techniques, and has a strong public outreach component. Students will be exposed to survey work as well as excavation.
As in any archaeological field school, students learn through hands-on application of methods. Students are contributing members of the research team and work closely with the instructor, teaching assistants, and other professional archaeologists and specialists. We are fortunate to have the Dickson Mounds Museum of the Illinois State Museum as partners in this research endeavor. We utilize the museum as a place to learn about the rich archaeological record of the region, and draw on the considerable expertise of the archaeologists at that institution. Our field lab is also housed at the museum.
For more information about prehistory in the Central Illinois River Valley, visit the Illinois State Museum website Native Americansand go through the prehistory section. The Morton Village Site is in Fulton County; you will see that many of the artifacts featured are from this area.
For more information on prior excavation of the site, the following readings are recommended:
- Santure, Sharron K., Alan D. Harn, and Duane Esarey. 1990 Archaeological Investigations at the Morton Village and Norris Farms 36 Cemetery. Illinois State Museum Reports of Investigations, No. 45. Springfield. Most of this report is concerned with the mortuary site designated Norris Farms 36, but background information (chapters 1-3) and information on the Morton Village Site (chapters 6-8, 15, we are particularly interested in the Bold Counselor phase) are also included.
- Harn, Alan D. and Nicholas W. Klobuchar. 2000 Inside Morton House 7: An Oneota Structure from the Central Illinois River Valley. In Mounds, Modoc, and Mesoamerica: Papers in Honor of Melvin L. Fowler, edited by Steven R. Ahler, pp. 295-335.
Instructor: Dr. Jodie O’Gorman
Unique Learning Experience:
- Excavation, survey, laboratory, classroom and museum study, field trips, guest lecturers, inter-disciplinary research
- Learn survey and excavation methods using mechanical and laser equipment
- Class size limited to 15 students Six credits – undergraduate or graduate level
- Six credits – undergraduate or graduate level
- Additional credits available for subsequent laboratory work
- Workshops in faunal identification and flintknapping
The Field School Experience
This is a residential field school experience. Students, the instructor, and teaching assistants share lodging and meals during the six week course. Field work will normally take place 5.5 days a week with students doing laboratory rotations. Because of the emphasis on public outreach, we will work Saturdays. Field trips to Cahokia Mounds and other active field projects are planned.
Central Illinois River Valley
The Central Illinois River Valley is a beautiful, rural area where the vast floodplain is surrounded by bluffs. This rich ecological setting was home to numerous cultures throughout prehistory. As you stand on the observation deck at Dickson Mounds Museum, maps of the immediate area point you to numerous large villages. Visit the web site Of Time and the River to get a feel for the area and to read more about the prehistory and early history of the region.
Fees
Students register for 6 credits and there is an additional $750 course fee that includes food (5.5 days/week), lodging (7 days/week), and lab fees.
To Apply
In order to be considered for the Morton Village Fieldschool, students must submit an application by April 27th. Application form can be downloaded here (PDF)
Student Eligibility
Students presently attending any college or university may apply as life-long learners; credits are often transferred into their home programs. Previous introductory anthropology, archaeology or related course required.