ProArade Project
Anthropology 660
Summer 2003 - July 1st to July 30th
Dr. Filipe Vieira de Castro
Office 105 Anthropology Building, Tel. 845-6220, E-Mail: fvcastro@neo.tamu.edu
This course will teach de fundamentals of archaeological fieldwork, namely techniques of underwater excavation, artifact recovery, and preliminary analysis of ship timbers. It consists of an intense, fulltime participation in the excavation of a not yet dated Iberian vessel (probably from the 16th century), and the search for a second, clinker-built vessel, probably from the medieval era, that has been reported lying nearby.
Teams will work a minimum of five days a week, and attendance will be kept.
The students will gain experience with the various aspects of conducting an underwater field excavation. The different skills the students will be exposed to include:
Measuring and recording site details;
Development and preparation of site plans;
Tools and methodology of underwater excavation;
Appropriate techniques for the recovery of artifacts;
Cataloguing cultural remains;
Drafting of artifacts;
Artifact photography;
Timber recording;
Preliminary conservation of cultural materials;
Processing the data retrieved from the archaeological site (make computer databases);
Preparation of archaeological reports and records;
Ancillary work will encompass additional tasks performed within a field camp:
Cleaning the dormitories;
Cleaning the kitchen after breakfast;
Attending the morning briefing;
Preparing and maintaining the diving equipment;
Transport equipments and handle boats;
Diving (optional);
In all these tasks students will be supervised and directed by one of the co-directors of this excavation.
All diving safety rules will be scrupulously followed. No diving will be allowed outside the fieldwork without control of the diving safety officer.
Days off will be set in advance so that the excavation does not stop during the weekends.
Students who want to participate in this project you should attend a preliminary lecture on Portugal and the historical context to which the work pertains.
All paperwork related to the emergency plan required by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology must be submitted two weeks before the first scheduled work day. Students must be enrolled as a 660 student for the summer semester and provide the required paperwork to include:
A) Contacts in the US in case of emergency;
B) Relevant medical conditions;
D) Proof of a diving physical by a hyper baric physician.
Only graduate students can enroll in this course. All students must be approved by the instructor before enrolling.
Helpful Hints for Anthropology 660
I am a true believer in a fast and wide flow of information, clear reporting, and predictability.
During field works students are required to show maturity and flexibility when confronted with schedule changes - frequent in a work that depends largely from the weather conditions.
From previous experiences with international students working in Portugal I know that it is best for all to inform the project director about all details of your summer abroad before leaving the University. It is normal that students take a few days off to enjoy the culture where they are staying, to include the landscape, museums, and monuments, or simply to rest from the hard work that an archaeological excavation entails.
If you are confused, tired, homesick, or simply do not feel like doing the tasks that are distributed to you, you must talk to me, communication makes all things easier. I expect my students to enjoy their stay in Portugal, and I know many ways to solve the functional problems of an underwater archaeological excavation.
It is very rewarding to both instructor and student when field school participants continue to show interest in the project by producing articles regarding the summer field season, and the INA Quarterly is a perfect vehicle for well-written papers.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe that you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Office of Support Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Student Services Building. The telephone number is 845 1637.
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ProArade Project - Anthropology 660 - Summer 2003 - July 1st to July 30th
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