Archaeological Field School in Peru

 

Current Undergraduate Course Websites

The Department is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for students to take part in an archaeological field school in Peru. The course will be led by Dr. Jean-François Millaire. Below you will find some information about the upcoming field course. For additional information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Millaire.



Anthropology 3320/3322 is a detailed, hands-on introduction to the practice of Andean field archaeology. Students will participate in intensive, problem-oriented, research excavations, and field laboratory work on an undisturbed archaeological site in the Virú Valley on the north coast of Peru. This is a course held in a remote location, requiring students to learn to live in a foreign cultural environment and to work together as a group while they learn field methods and contribute to the success of a long-term archaeological research project.

A preliminary course outline can be accessed HERE.

The Application Form for the 2011 field school can be found HERE.

Course Credit
1.0 credit, 4 weeks in May/June Intersession.

The Virú Polity Research Project is an archaeological investigation program that focuses on early statecraft in the Andean region of South America during the first millennium of the present era. It is a study of the distinctive political systems and institutions devised by early native societies of coastal Peru in response to demographic growth and interregional conflicts, in an oasis environment that was reaching its carrying capacity. 

The Peruvian north coast is a narrow desert strip cut by a series of fertile river valley oases. Squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andean Cordillera, the coast saw the development of sedentism, agriculture, urbanism, and the rise of the first states and empires in the Andean region. Because of its extremely dry climate this area is ideal for conducting archaeological investigation. Beyond its historical and ecological interests, the region is also culturally fascinating.

Students interested in applying should keep in mind that although northern Peru is very safe for travelers, living conditions are not what they are in London.  As such, in addition to a desire to learn more about Andean prehistory, participants should possess an intrepid spirit and a willingness to be flexible.

 

2011 Application Form [PDF]


For Additional Information Contact:

Prof. Jean-Francois Millaire  - Email