Virginia Commonwealth University / Shirley Plantation Archaeological
Field School
ANTH 375.001 (6 credits)
May 23 =96 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, abennett@vcu.edu (School of World Studies, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 312 N. Shafer St, Richmond, VA 23284), no later
than Wednesday March 23, 2005:

1) your personal information, including your full name, mailing address,
home, work, and mobile telephone numbers, and e-mail address

2) your resume -a one-page statement of personal and professional reasons for desiring
to participate a doctor's statement showing good physical health

3) 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