Summer Semester (US)

Summer 2007 not running

College of Social Science
Department of Anthropology

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This is an exciting program where students get training in a variety of basic archaeological and paleoenvironmental field techniques. They study prehistoric, Iron Age, and medieval settlement and economy in the North Yorkshire Dales National Park, England. Courses include training in archaeological excavation, field and geophysical surveying techniques, and landscape and environmental archaeology. Lectures in British prehistory and archaeology, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, Quaternary geology, and archaeological methods and techniques are provided.

This joint archaeological field-training course with the University of Bradford consists of almost equal numbers of students from both universities. The Bradford students come from all over the United Kingdom and Europe. Some past participants have been from Ireland, Greece, France, and Germany.

Where does it take place?

MALHAM TARN AND SURROUNDS

The archaeological study area lies on a limestone plateau within the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The plateau is bounded to the east by the River Ribble and to the west by the River Wharfe. Centered on the plateau is a shallow upland lake, Malham Tarn. The tarn (Norse for "lake") covers 52 hectares and is a source of the River Aire. It forms the focus for an internally important nature reserve with an astonishing complex of wetlands and open water embraced by woodlands, limestone pavement, moors, and species-rich grasslands. The tarn is surrounded by Mesolithic sites and the plateau is a wealth of later prehistoric and medieval settlement. Numerous cave sites, some occupied and some used as burial chambers, extend across the plateau.

Students will be offered day trips to visit various sites and cities of archaeological and historical significance. These may include the medieval cities of York and Chester, Bolton Abbey and Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters. Opportunities will also be made available to visit Skipton and the local English villages of Settle and Grassington. Students may also wish to take advantage of the marvelous English countryside of the Dales National Park, trek along part of the Pennine Trail or visit the various local natural monuments within walking distance of the center. Students can travel by train from the local village of Settle to the nearby industrial cities of Manchester, Leeds or Bradford.

What can I study?

Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of eight (8), maximum of nine (9), semester credits from the following courses:

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

Students will be housed at Hornby Laithe, a privately owned dormitory facility adjacent to the River Ribble near the quaint hamlet of Stainforth, and close by the market town of Settle. Hornby Laithe is a traditional North Yorkshire limestone structure with adjacent buildings housing laboratory facilities, lecture, and recreation rooms. The dormitory has common areas for relaxation, a large dining area, and an industrial style kitchen. Bedrooms house 4-6 students each in bunk beds. Washing facilities include separate community bathrooms/showers for both men and women. All meals except the end of week dinner are included in the program fee.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Randolph E. Donahue
Department of Archaeological Sciences
University of Bradford, England
Phone: 011-44-127-423-5531

Dr. Randolph E. Donahue is a lecturer at the University of Bradford, England, and an adjunct assistant professor at Michigan State University. He specializes in early European prehistory and has years of field experience in Italy and England.

William Lovis
Department of Anthropology
MSU Museum
Phone: (517) 355-3485

Dr. William Lovis is a professor in the Department of Anthropology and curator of anthropology at the Michigan State University Museum. His research interests include North American archaeology, hunter-gatherer economics, paleoecology and analytic methods.

Am I eligible?

Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. No previous experience is necessary. The program is aimed at beginning students. Applicants do not need to be anthropology majors but should be in good health. Because it is organized in conjunction with a significant archaeological research project, it offers numerous training and research opportunities for more experienced students.

Enrollment is limited to 14 students.

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission - additional eligibility criteria may apply.

An applicant's participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $1,852 and includes the following:

• application fee
• deposit
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees
• airfare
• personal spending money

Once enrolled in courses, students will receive a bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the Study Abroad program fee and MSU tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available when students make appropriate arrangements with MSU's Office of Study Abroad and Office of Financial Aid. All students planning to use financial aid toward a study abroad program must indicate their intentions on the study abroad application form.

Scholarships are available to qualified MSU students on a competitive basis. Check the MSU Study Abroad web site under "You can't afford NOT to study abroad" for additional funding ideas.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received by March 1st for summer programs. We strongly recommend that students apply early as programs may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

The selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis. Applicants are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year based on the eligibility criteria for this program and not necessarily on a first-come, first-served basis.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive a bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student is admitted into the program. Once admitted into a program, students will also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Detailed information about billing and withdrawal procedures is provided in the application materials.

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport is required for entry into most foreign countries. Some countries may also require a visa. Students are responsible for inquiring about all entry requirements for this program, as well as other countries they plan to visit before or after this program. It is important for students to understand that they may be denied entry into, or be deported from, a country for which they have not obtained the required documentation.

Are there special health issues?

It is strongly recommended that students consult with their personal physician or a travel clinic at least three (3) months prior to their departure. Students need to ensure their routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries they will visit (including any countries they will visit that are not part of this study abroad program's itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to their personal health and well being.