Kampsville Program
Experience Kampsville: Archaeological Fieldwork, Master Classes & More
Expanded For-Credit Summer Field and Laboratory Programs
Whether you are a beginning or an advanced student, you can earn credit through a wide variety of field and laboratory courses. Held at the Center for American Archeology’s research and education headquarters in
Choose one of the following 6-week, 6 or 9 credit programs:
- human osteology
- geophysical archaeology (including modules in geophysical remote sensing, Global Information Systems [GIS] and Global Positioning Systems [GPS])
- field archaeology (with modules in field methods and geophysical testing).
In addition, you may also select a Master Class — a 2-week, 3-credit module — from the following diverse fields:
- paleobotany
- chronometry
- geoarchaeology
- geophysical testing
- faunal analysis
- historical archaeology
- pollen analysis
Directed by Jane E. Buikstra, the Arizona State University Program in Kampsville, Illinois, emphasizes 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.
Faculty and Collaboration
The Kampsville program is a collaboration of faculty and resources from the following institutions:
Arizona State University (ASU)
Center for American Archeology (CAA)
Illinois State Museum (ISM)
Center for Advanced Spatial Technology (CAST) at the University of Arkansas
Dr. Buikstra — winner of two lifetime achievement awards for her pioneering work in bioarchaeology — is joined by prestigious scholars who provide one-of-a-kind master classes in their areas of expertise, including Jason L. King (Field Archaeology; Bioarchaeology), Gayle J. Fritz (Paleobotany), Stacey Lengyel and Chris Widga (Chronometry), Mary Ann Vicari (Geoarchaeology), Duncan MacKinnon (GIS), Fred Limp (GPS), Terrance Martin and Bonnie Styles (Faunal Analysis) and Pietra Mueller (Pollen Analysis).
"My two weeks in the ASU faunal analysis program did so much in solidifying my decision to go into zooarchaeology and my commitment to research and academics. I'm currently applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship award and the work I did with Terry Martin of the Illinois State Museum is a big part of my essays." — Student in Faunal Analysis Master Class, Summer 2008
Experience of a lifetime
Kampsville is more than an archaeology program; it's an experience! 
- Gain a taste of what being a real archaeological scientist is all about: long hours, one-on-one collegial interactions and original research.
- Establish lifelong friendships with your 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 conducted in Kampsville.
A rigorous program doesn't always have to mean "all work and no play!"
- Enjoy a unique dormitory setting in the Historic Kampsville Store (on the national register of historic buildings), overlooking the Illinois River, AND excellent food!
- Explore the Illinois River Valley on your own during the weekends.
- Enhance your learning with field trips to other archaeological sites like the World Heritage site of Cahokia and the Illinois State Museum.
“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.” — Kampsville Student, Summer 2008
