Anthropology 480/580: Archeological Field School

a group of people digging a hole in the ground

ANTH 480 (6 credits) Fieldwork

ANTH 580 (6 credits) Fieldwork

Purpose

This field school will be a unique experience in the Midwest: we are partnering with the Prairie Island Indian Community and members of their Tribal Historic Preservation Office to continue our research at the important Belle Creek site (21GD0072 and 21GD0200). The Belle Creek site is located on a high glacial outwash terrace above the north bank of the Cannon River, just upstream of its mouth into the Mississippi. It is in a beautiful valley with an unspoiled view, and it is almost completely undisturbed. The site consists of an extensive group of burial mounds and an associated village occupied between ca. 900 and 1400 CE. We have worked with the Tribe at the site for several years conducting non-invasive geophysical investigations in the burial mound area, and to the south, into the village. Our work this summer will focus on 1) expanding the geophysical data grid, and 2) conducting excavations in a large area containing dozens of refuse pits and house basins. We will also be helping the Community with conducting research in an area designated as a new repatriation/reburial ground for ancestral remains and grave goods.

Registration

Syllabus: Download here

Minnesota State University, Mankato students:

Prerequisites: Consent, or one of: ANTH 101, ANTH 102, or ANTH 220 Variable

Non-Minnesota State University, Mankato students: contact Dr. Ron Schirmer and follow the instructions found here.

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Ron Schirmer or Andy Brown with any questions or if you would like further information.