Archaeology Field School

The 2024 Towson University Baltimore Community Archaeology Lab (BCAL) Field School will be held in North Point State Park, Edgemere, Baltimore County, Maryland. Interested students are invited to take a 3.0 credit class in the summer of 2024.

Student screening soil
Students screening soil
Staff mapping ruins
Students examining artifacts
Staff mapping units
Student screening soil
Student excavating a shovel test
 

Program Goals

Students learn advanced techniques in archaeological research by performing as part of a research team. They will be trained in and gain experience with:

  • archaeological survey
  • mapping
  • excavation
  • public engagement
  • laboratory techniques

Students perform all functions as research assistants, including manual labor, recording and data synthesis. Work is conducted on legitimate archaeological sites under the direction of a principal investigator. All work is performed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and all federal, state and local regulatory restrictions.

Teaching Methods

Students conduct hands-on, participatory research in the field with the instructor and teaching assistants an average of 40 hours-per-week for 3.5 weeks (3 credits). In addition, reading assignments from a field manual are given. Students are taught shovel test survey, unit and feature excavation, mapping, geomorphology, documenting ruins and post-field laboratory processing.

Program Information

Two sections are offered in the summer 2024 term. Students may only enroll in one section.

  • Archaeological Field School (ANTH 393-020):
    Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., May 28 - June 21
  • Archaeological Field School (ANTH 393-021):
    Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., June 24 - July 18

Learn more about the 2024 BCAL Field School program.

Syllabus and Schedule

Complete your application for the 2024 field school by May 20.

Apply Here

Program Cost and Funding

This program is 3.0 credits. Check with the Student and University Billing Office for current tuition rates.

Enrollment

TU students can register through their Towson Online Services portal. Non-TU college students can register as Non-Degree Applicants. High School students can register through the High School Dual Enrollment program. Registration for Summer 2024 classes begins on March 11, 2024.

Housing

On-campus housing is available during the summer semester. Students can apply for housing through the Student Housing Gateway starting on March 9, 2024. 

For more information, contact the BCAL Director