We strongly encourage all students interested in archaeology to participate in field work, which is the cornerstone of research. Through excavation, survey and other field techniques archaeologists gather the primary information they use to reconstruct past societies. In addition, field work provides students the opportunity to apply the concepts, methods, etc. they have discussed in class to real archaeological problems. Since archaeology is an eminently, practical science, field experience is an indispensable part of a students education.

Field Schools

Archaeological Research Experience

Research projects

    As with all Wooster students, archaeology majors are required to complete a one-semester Junior Independent Study and a two-semester Senior Independent Study. Many archaeology students elect to do their Independent studies on laboratory or field studies in which they have engaged. We encourage many of the students to present the results of their work at regional or national professional meetings. In 2002, students presented their research at the 79th annual meeting of the Central States Anthropological Society (CSAS) in East Lansing, Mich., and the 67th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) in Denver, Colo. The students were accompanied by their advisor, Nick Kardulias, assistant professor of archaeology, sociology, and anthropology at Wooster. 

Representing Wooster in East Lansing were Jeanne Harrington, Leslie McCluskey, Michael Ludwig, and Courtney Anson. In Denver, Michael Miller was the lone Wooster representative. 

Harrington, an anthropology major, presented "Gravestone Style Analysis at St. Genevieve Cemetery, Calmoutier, Ohio," while Anson, a sociology major, discussed "The Effect of Tuberculosis on Rib Bones: A Case Study." 

McCluskey, an archaeology and geology double major, presented "The Great Serpent Mound: Using GIS to Determine Cultural Affiliation and Ritual Landscape," and Ludwig, a classical studies and anthropology major, addressed "Aniconic Images in Ancient Aegean Cultures." 

The Central States Anthropological Society of the American Anthropological Association was founded in 1921 to promote the cause of anthropology by means of a closer fraternization of persons interested in anthropology in the central United States. 

At the SAA meeting, Miller presented "A Lithic Reduction Strategy of the Archaic: Manufacturing and the Use Traces in the MacCorkle Bifurcate Tradition of Ohio." He also served as the chair of the session. "This is a singular honor, especially for an undergraduate student," said Kardulias. "The SAA conference is one of the premier archaeological meetings at both the national and international level." 

The Society for American Archaeology is an international organization of more than 6,600 members dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. Since its inception in 1934, SAA has stimulated interest and research in American archaeology, aided in the conservation of archaeological resources, opposed looting of sites, and served as a bond among those interested in the archaeology of the Americas. 

 In this way, students experience the whole range of archaeological work, from classroom studies, to field and lab research, and finally to formal presentation of results.