Friday, March 12, 2010

Summer Archaelogy Program -- Mohegan-UCONN Field School

Note the emphasis in this program in a direction similar to what's been discussed in various courses at Mills under the name "public" (archaeology, anthropology, ethnography, sociology).

Mohegan-UCONN Archaeological Field School
Sponsored by The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The federally recognized Mohegan Tribe is conducting ongoing research into its long history in eastern Connecticut, particularly on the Mohegan Reservation in Uncasville, Connecticut (est. c.1671). As part of the process of investigating present and former tribal lands, the Mohegan-UCONN Archaeological Field School engages in archaeological research at pre-European contact sites as well as early historic sites and reservation-era sites. The Mohegan field school, now in its sixteenth year, works under the direct supervision of members of the Mohegan Tribe Cultural and Community Programs Department as authorized by the Mohegan Council of Elders.

Students participate in systematic subsurface testing, block excavations, and artifact processing. We also explore the historic and contemporary relationships between archaeologists and Native Americans through speakers, lectures, and the daily experience of working on the Mohegan Reservation. Together we are helping to build a new basis of cooperation and partnership between tribe and community as we explore the past for future generations.

COVENANTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
The relationship between Native Americans and archaeologists has traditionally been fraught with tension and conflicting goals. The mission of this archaeological field school is to rectify this discord. We practice a form of applied archaeology and community based research sometimes called Covenantal Archaeology. We pursue and serve the research goals and objectives of the Mohegan Tribe. Our students, including Mohegans and members of other tribes, help demonstrate how archaeology can contribute to contemporary Native communities and encourage trust, responsibility, healing, education, confidence, and pride.

FIELDWORK
During the course students will learn the basics of archaeological fieldwork, from survey and testing to more intensive excavation methods and interpretation. Most of the course is comprised of archaeological fieldwork at Mohegan sites, or land that is of historic importance to the tribe. Most years, students experience the opportunity to excavate at both pre- and post-European Contact sites.


COURSE WORK
In addition to the fieldwork, students will be responsible for attending guest presentations, completing assigned readings, maintaining a journal, and participating in occasional evening discussions. Distinguished speaker lectures, mostly representatives from regional Indian tribes, are held throughout the course. Students are required to take careful notes on all guest presentations.

2010 MOHEGAN-UCONN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL
Course Number: ANT 3090.11 PRA. Class # 1679
Academic Credit: Six Credits
Location: Uncasville, Connecticut.
Research: Mohegan Reservation (est.1663)
Experience Required: None
Previous Coursework Required: None
Dates: June 21 – July 30, 2010

Participant Cost:
Fees and Registration: The cost of the 6-week, 6-credit field school is $1,895. Summer Session courses are paid on a per-credit basis @$300/credit hour, and include an enrollment fee of $45 (non-degree students pay a $65 enrollment fee). Registration is through the Office of the Registrar: www.summersession.uconn.edu. Non-degree students register through the Center for Continuing Studies: www.continuingstudies.uconn.edu. A lab fee of $50 is also required as a check made out to UCONN. Housing is available. Contact Elaine Thomas at (860) 862-6393 for more information regarding housing and cost.

Craig N. Cipolla, Field School Director
Doctoral Candidate
ccipolla@sas.upenn.edu
Department of Anthropology
University of Pennsylvania

James Quinn
Mohegan Tribe
Archaeological Field Supervisor
Office # (860) 862-6893
jquinn@moheganmail.com

To request a field school packet required for registered students contact:
Elaine Thomas, Archaeology Coordinator
The Mohegan Tribe
Cultural and Community Programs Dept.
5 Crow Hill Rd.
Uncasville, CT. 06382
(860) 862-6393 (phone)
(860) 862-6395 (fax)
ethomas@moheganmail.com

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