The Campus Archaeology Program and the MSU Department of Anthropology routinely offers a multi-week archaeological field school on the Campus of Michigan State University. Space is limited. The next field school will take place this summer (May 23rd – June 24th, 2022). Download the 2022 CAP Field School Application. Send applications to CAP Director Dr. Stacey L. Camp at campstac@msu.edu.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2022
Overview
In this course, students actively participate in archaeological research on MSU’s campus. MSU’s campus is a living laboratory where both anthropology and non-anthropology students can gain vital skills and fulfill their experiential learning requirements in the following areas:
- survey and excavation
- archaeological site identification
- GIS, survey, and mapping
- cultural heritage management and planning
- cultural resource management
- artifact identification, curation, and interpretation
- public outreach
- digital archaeology
- science communication and social media outreach
The MSU Department of Anthropology and the MSU Campus Archaeology Program are offering a 5-week archaeological field school investigating the stories and material culture of historic families who owned property that would later become Michigan State University. In 2022, we will be excavating the site of MSU’s post-World War II temporary housing area. In the summer of 2020, we recovered numerous artifacts, including porcelain, glass, and personal effects, associated with the mid-20th century temporary housing communities at MSU in a buried landfill on campus. Historical research identified the locations of these communities and archaeological research will be conducted to preserve and study any material remains of the people who lived there.
In addition, there will be opportunities to investigate other areas of MSU’s campus as they arise during construction work. Students will gain experience working in Cultural Resource Management contexts, as they will participate in the day-to-day operations of the Campus Archaeology Program’s ongoing relationship with Infrastructure, Planning, and Facilities. While conducting this work, students will learn about the cultural heritage of their own university. They will be expected to disseminate this knowledge through public outreach opportunities, archaeological tours, and blogs.
Course Requirements
Students will receive 6 credits from the MSU Department of Anthropology upon successful completion of the course. Students are expected to attend class Monday-Friday, from 9 am – 4 pm. Students are expected to be ready for work at 9am. Some weekend events may be required for public outreach. Archaeological excavations are physically strenuous; students must be in good health.
Director
Dr. Stacey Camp, Director of the Campus Archaeology Program and Associate Professor of Anthropology.
Costs and Application Process
The official application can be downloaded here: 2022 CAP Field School Application.
In addition to regular tuition costs, students must pay a $150 registration fee for equipment and supplies. Applications should be turned in to Dr. Stacey L. Camp at Michigan State University, Department of Anthropology, 355 Baker Hall, or via email to campstac@msu.edu.
Students will be admitted based on the material in their application. The field school is open to non-MSU students as well as current MSU students. Students do not need to be Anthropology majors to participate.
Scholarship Opportunities
The cost of a Field School can be expensive. Below are links to scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students:
Archaeological Institute for America: Jane C. Waldbaum Field School Scholarship
Society for American Archaeology: Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship (HUGS)
Commonwealth Heritage Group Diversity Scholarship Award in Archaeology