please circulate to all those you think might be interested...

Virginia Commonwealth University / Shirley Plantation Archaeological Field School
ANTH 375.001  (6 credits)
May 23 – June 23, 2005

            ANTH 375 is designed to provide participants with practical training and experience in historical archaeological research, principally but not exclusively for students with an interest in further education and/or potential employment in archaeology.  The instructor is Dr. Amber Bennett, Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the School of World Studies at VCU.  Field work will be directed by Mr. Dennis Blanton, Director of Archaeology at Shirley Plantation, Dr. Bennett, and Mr. Bernard Means. 
            This class will train you in archaeological field and lab techniques and will encourage a critical understanding of historical archaeological methods and approaches.  You will be involved in all phases of field excavation, will be trained in lab methods, and will be encouraged to critically examine how archaeological knowledge is constructed and expressed.  By the end of the course, you should have a good sense of how archaeological sites are excavated and how historical archaeologists understand and interpret historical cultures.
This summer’s excavations are part of long-term archaeological research at Shirley Plantation and VCU’s Rice Center.  Research at Shirley is presently focusing on Shirley’s 17th-century history.  This summer, excavation will focus on the “Hill House, “ the earliest 17th-century occupation at Shirley.  Research at the Rice Center is currently focused on locating archaeological resources from the historic period and identifying land use patterns.  This summer, Phase I survey will look at several acres of the property.   Taken together, research on the two adjacent properties seeks to identify and comment upon the role of the James River in the development of historic settlements from 1607 until the time of the Civil War, seeking responses to a range of issues, including:  the spread of European settlements and goods up the James River from Jamestown to the fall line; the effect of the movement of Europeans, and their goods and ideas, on James River Indian populations; land use histories and settlements patterns of historic James River properties; architectural, landscape, and style characteristics of James River settlements; and the role of the James in Civil War military and domestic strategy.
All those interested in participating in the field school must submit an application.  In order to apply, send the following information to Dr. Amber Bennett, [log in to unmask] (School of World Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 312 N. Shafer St, Richmond, VA 23284), no later than Wednesday March 23, 2005.
your personal information, including your full name, mailing address, home, work, and mobile telephone numbers, and e-mail address
your resume
a one-page statement of personal and professional reasons for desiring to participate
a doctor’s statement showing good physical health
two letters of recommendation addressing the following: 1) your academic and professional ability and performance, and 2) personality and ability to work well with others


Amber Bennett
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
School of World Studies
Virginia Commonwealth University