Kampsville

archaeology field and laboratory programs

June 9–July 19, 2013

Apply Now!

Check out the Kampsville/Center for American Archeology research blog!

Whether you are a beginning or an advanced student, you can earn credit through a wide variety of field and laboratory courses at Arizona State University's Kampsville Field School. Held at the Center for American Archeology’s research and education headquarters in Kampsville, Illinois, the program allows students to earn 9 credits of undergraduate or graduate coursework from one of three 6-week options.

Director of the program Dr. Jane E. Buikstra – winner of two lifetime achievement awards for her pioneering work in bioarchaeology – is joined by a team of specialized faculty, whose classes emphasize empirical and theoretical training in archaeological research design and implementation. Students learn much more than the routine methods of archaeological recovery and analysis – they learn to think like scientific researchers.

Students choose one from the following tracks:

• Bioarchaeology and Human Osteology
• Field Archaeology and Geophysical Testing
• Geomatics

Kampsville is more than an archaeology program; it's an experience!

• Gain insights into what being a real archaeological scientist entails: long hours, one-on-one collegial interactions and original research.
• Establish lifelong friendships with future peers in the field, as well as mentorships with senior archaeological authorities.
• Acquire an appreciation for the theoretical and practical aspects of archaeological research in the context of long-term, cutting-edge research.

“From the ASU Kampsville Program, I have gained tremendous insight into bones and the inspiring people who have excavated and found meaning in them. I have been challenged and pushed by both the field school’s administration and its constituents. Kampsville is so much more than a “summer program”; based in the heart of archaeology, it provides an experience that is educational to its core.” — Former Kampsville Student

collaboration

The Kampsville program is a collaboration of faculty and resources from Arizona State University, the Center for American Archeology, the Illinois State Museum and the Center for Advanced Spatial Technology (CAST) at the University of Arkansas.

faculty

Jane E. Buikstra (Bioarchaeology; Human Osteology)
Jason L. King (Field Archaeology; Bioarchaeology)
Mary Ann Vicari (Geoarchaeology)
Duncan McKinnon (Geophysical Testing)
Jason Herrmann (GIS)

Program Fee

The program fee for 2013 is $5,615 and will cover 9 credits of coursework (graduate or undergraduate), room and board, transportation to and from the site and maintenance of classroom and on-site facilities. Not included: optional excursions, transportation to Kampsville, additional meals, books and personal expenses.

Six-week courses are Bioarchaeology and Human Osteology; Field Archaeology and Geophysical Testing; and Geomatics.

Insurance

All participants must provide their own health insurance. Documentation of coverage is required before attending the field school. Summer health insurance can be obtained through the Arizona State University campus health service.

Immunization

Prior to attendance, by state of Illinois law, all new students are required to present proof of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases.

Student Eligibility

The field school in Kampsville, Illinois, is an annual Arizona State University program. Students presently attending any other college or university may apply to the ASU field school. High school juniors and seniors in the concurrent enrollment program are also eligible to apply. Applications for concurrent enrollment may be obtained through the ASU Center for Global Education Services.

All field school students are formally enrolled in ASU for the duration of the program. They receive Arizona State University credits that are transferable to other colleges and universities in most instances. Students should check with their university registrar or other official to determine transferability of ASU field school credits.

Registration in the field school does not constitute admission to any ASU degree program. Students other than ASU degree candidates may petition to apply field school credits toward an ASU degree only if they apply to ASU and are admitted as ASU degree candidates.

Because the field school is largely sponsored by student tuition, it is not possible to include non-enrolled volunteer excavators.

Students are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws. Noncompliance is grounds for immediate dismissal from the field school.

You must be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and be in good standing with your home institution.

Application Process and Requirements

Apply now! Priority consideration happens by March 1, but applications may remain open until early May depending on available space. Early application is always advised to be sure of securing space. Generally, if you meet this standard and apply by the due date there is every reason to expect you will be accepted into the program. See the Web page listed below for more information.

The online application submissions include a short questionnaire wherein you will be asked to submit a brief statement of interest. Applicants will also be responsible for uploading an unofficial transcript (you will be prompted to upload this) and contact information for a reference.

If you are not from ASU, you must first apply to be admitted as a non-degree ASU student (cost $25-50); this is for all programs. That means while you are participating in the program you will be an admitted ASU student. Once you have been admitted to ASU (this usually takes less than 24 hours), you will receive an 'ASURITE' login that will allow you to apply to the Kampsville program. You will be responsible for making arrangements if you wish to transfer that credit to your home institution, although our program assistant will certainly help with everything possible from our end to make it easy. Summer applicants can start applying January 1 because this is when you can first apply for admission as a non-degree student. If you are seriously interested in attending the program and concerned about getting a space reserved, please contact shesc.undergrad@asu.edu, and we will work with you to make sure a space is set aside until January.

housing

During the field school, students will reside in Kamp Store, a historical store and home that has been converted into a museum and dormitory. There are no single rooms available. Beds are provided, though students should bring a sleeping bag or bed linens (blankets, sheets and pillow), as well as towels. There is a public laundromat within driving distance. Transportation can be arranged to laundry facilities for those students who do not intend to drive.

dining

Meals are served Monday breakfast through Saturday lunch as part of your room and board fees. Students must provide their own meals Saturday evening and all day on Sundays. There are restaurants located in Kampsville where students may purchase meals. The meal plan begins with breakfast on the first Monday of field school and ends with dinner on the last Friday. Kamp Store includes access to a communal refrigerator, but no cooking appliances are available.

contact

Kampsville Field School
Arizona State University
School of Human Evolution and Social Change
PO Box 872402
Tempe, AZ 85287-2402

480-965-1366
shesc.undergrad@asu.edu