US - California - UC Davis Summer Archaeological Field School

Mariposa County, California

University of California, Davis

9

Approximately $2000 for UC students and $3000 for non-UC students.

N/A

The tuition estimate is based on the 2009 field school tuition and is subject to change this year. See the field school website for the latest information on tuition.

The 2010 UC Davis field school will take place in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Mariposa County. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is 80 to 130 kilometers wide and extends northeast to southwest for more than 644 kilometers across eastern California. The western slope descends gradually from mountain peaks to rolling foothills along the edge of the Central Valley. The change in elevation creates distinct ecological zones between the mountain peaks and valley that host a diverse array of plant and animal species. This unique area has a fascinating record of human occupation stretching from about 10,000 years ago until after Euroamerican contact.      The field school will continue UC Davis' tradition of offering a well-rounded training program in archaeological field work. The crew will be under the direction of Carly Whelan, graduate student in archaeology, and will be investigating a variety of sites in the western Sierra Nevada foothills. The research will focus on detecting changes in prehistoric subsistence and mobility patterns through time. Students will be instructed in activities including excavation techniques, survey, lab work, cataloging, and analysis. The six week course will also include guest lectures from visiting professors and other professionals.     The field school welcomes anyone who is a college-level student. Non-UC Davis students are welcome. There are no prerequisites for this course, but an introductory archaeology class is highly recommended.      Mariposa County is situated in the foothills between California's Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada. Summers are hot and dry and typically reach a high of 97 degrees, but can get as hot as 110 degrees. Overnight lows average about 60 degrees, but can reach the low 50s. Rain and high winds are uncommon during the summer months, but you should be prepared in the event they occur. Also be aware that rugged terrain and the presence of poison oak, rattlesnakes, and other hazards together can dampen the enthusiasm of a field crew.     While the work we will be doing is not extremely physically challenging, it is important to keep in mind that it is still difficult to work in rugged conditions. Therefore, be prepared for hard, physical work and life without certain amenities and comforts during the duration of the six weeks. Layering clothing will be key for dealing with the environmental situation.      Students should be present the entire six week course and expect to work Monday through Friday, with potential work on Saturday morning. Students will also have the opportunity to partake in fieldtrips and weekend excursions to surrounding areas and attractions.      We will be camping for the entire six week field school. Students are expected to participate in cleaning and cooking at camp. All food will be provided by the field school but prepared by the students. Breakfast will usually consist of oatmeal/cereal, fruit, coffee/juice; lunch will be packed before leaving the camp, typically including a sandwich, crackers/chips, a sweet snack and fruit; dinner will be prepared by a rotation of student crews. We will accommodate vegetarians and will be sensitive to other basic dietary restrictions (within reason), so please include all concerns on the application!     We hope to create a pleasant camp community. Students will need to bring a tent that will be comfortable for the entire six weeks. A 4 person tent would be a good choice, so that you have plenty of room to move around inside. Cooking and camp meetings will take place under a large tent. There will be opportunities to shower at the campground. The town of Mariposa is also nearby.      The field school will provide transportation to and from the camp and work sites, as well as on weekend excursions. You are welcome to bring your own vehicle, but are responsible for all costs of doing so.     Tuition is TBA. The tuition covers UC Davis fees, 9 units of quarter system credit, food, lodging, and transportation to and from the site. Students enroll in the course Anthropology (ANT) 181 through UC Davis for 9 summer session units. Additional costs may include personal gear, equipment, and any additional personal items.     The application will become available on the field school website this spring (http://anthropology.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/field-school-1/field-school). The application deadline is April 30th, 2010.

Prehistoric

Late Archaic (3000-1100 BP)/Recent Prehistoric (1100-200 BP)

The site areas and camp site are located in rural Mariposa County, California, within 30 miles of the town of Mariposa (population 1400). Summers are hot and dry, with daytime high temperatures frequently topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Overnight lows are typically around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrain is rugged and some hiking will be required to reach the site areas and conduct survey.

Drive, short hike

Monday-Friday
7:00am-5:00pm

Yes

Principal Investigator: Carly Whelan
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Jelmer Eerkens
Field Director: Darren Andolina

Data recording methodsExcavation and surveying methodsMappingGlobal positioning systems (GPS)Total data station (TDS)Identification of cultural materialsField cataloging and analysisLaboratory techniques

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Carly Whelan
Department of Anthropology
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616