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US - California - San Bernardino Archaeological Field School PDF Print E-mail

Field School

San Bernardino Archaeological Field School



Application Deadline: April 1
Field School Dates: June 26 - July 21, 2006

University, College, Institution

California State University San Bernardino/Statistical Research, Inc./

Field School Location

San Bernardino National Forest, California
USA

San Bernardino Archaeologic Field School Photos
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Field School Overview

  • Field School Type: Excavation and survey
  • Time Period(s) Mostly prehistoric
  • Field School Conditions: Rural/remote
  • Field School Access: Short hike
  • Number of years for field school: 6
  • Professional certification of this field school: Certified by RPA

    Project Directors

    Drs. John Douglass and Kathleen Hull, Statistical Research, Inc.

    Field School Description

    In 2006, in coordination with SBNF, the class will be conducting data recovery excavation at CA-SBR-485, a prehistoric Native American site adjacent to Deep Creek on the northern side of the San Bernardino Mountains. Deep Creek is one of the few wild trout streams in southern California. Recently, portions of the site were inadvertently disturbed by construction of a public day-use area. Several artifacts are visible on the surface, and bedrock features are present.

    The site is located within the burn area from the 2003 Old Fire, but both the site and the field camp (about 300 meters away) were only minimally burned and retain their natural beauty. Both the camp and site are located along a stream flanked by a healthy growth of alder, willow, black and live oak, jeffrey pine, and other native vegetation. Because this portion of the forest has been officially closed due to the Old Fire, the field school is anticipated to have the area to itself.

    The course will be taught Mondays to Fridays over a four-week period from June 26 through July 21, 2006. Fieldwork will run from early morning until mid-afternoon every day, followed by evening lectures.

    During the 2005 field season, the field school excavated test units at CA-SBR-485 and surveyed surrounding areas. The testing at the site resulted in the recommendation that the site be found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. During the 2006 field season, the Forest Service would like the class to perform data recovery excavation of the site and conduct additional survey of the surrounding area to more fully understand the nature, extent, and integrity of the cultural deposits.

    Most of the work during the 2006 field season will focus on excavation of units at CA-SBR-485. In addition, field techniques, including survey, will be taught and practiced during the month. Once excavation begins, students will do a variety of tasks, including field excavation, survey, laboratory work, mapping, and other important tasks associated with a data recovery excavation. During evening sessions around the campfire, experts in archaeological methods and material culture from SRI and local universities will lead discussions about such topics as survey methods, field cartography and navigation, historical archaeology, lithic analysis, ethnobotany, and rock art. In addition, there are plans for specialists in other fields to offer lectures on the larger prehistoric and historical landscape. These informal seminars provide a unique opportunity for students to interact with a variety of specialists. Classes and activities occur from Monday to Friday; weekends are free.

    Students will pay activity and registration fees. The activity fee, to be paid by every student, is 25. This fee will cover, among other things, the cost of all meals and transport during the course of class work. Students from institutions other than Cal State San Bernardino must enroll through Open University; the registration fees will be $875. These fees are in addition to the 25 activity fee.

    For an application form, contact Dr. Peter Robertshaw, Chair of Anthropology, CSUSB. Email - proberts@csusb.edu


    Field school web site: csbs.csusb.edu/anthro/fieldschool.htm
    Field School Size: 1-15
    Minimum age: 18
    Is prior experience required?: No
    Evening Lectures: Yes, including many invited speakers

    Is travel during free time restricted?: No

    Academic, Credit Room and Board, & Tuition

    Academic Credit: Yes
    Number of Credits: 5 quarter units
    California State University San Bernardino

    Room and Board Information: The site is located in a remote area of the forest and no lodging or other amenities are close by. Consequently, SRI will maintain a field camp for the duration of the field school where students will be expected to live during the week. Students are responsible for their own tents and bedding. We regret that RVs are not permitted in this campground. Meals prepared by a professional camp cook (not a student) are provided. Water will be provided for drinking and for primitive showers. After registration, students will be sent a list of suggested equipment and clothing to bring.

    Archaeology field school contact

    To obtain an application form for the field school write Dr. Pete Robertshaw, Department of Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397, or email proberts@csusb.edu.

    For additional information, please contact either Dr. John Douglass, Statistical Research, Inc., P.O. Box 390, Redlands, CA 92373-0123; phone 909/335-1896; fax 909/335-0808; email jdouglass@sricrm.com or Dr. Pete Robertshaw, Dept. of Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397; phone 909/880-5551; fax 909/880-7645; email proberts@csusb.edu.

    Summary

    This field school has been certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists. It provides great training in archaeology, particularly for students considering a career in cultural resources management and contract archaeology. The course is run and taught by a large archaeological consulting firm working in collaboration with the National Forest Service.

    Evening campfire talks are given by local archaeologists, historians, Native Americans, ecologists, etc.


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