ANTH 3971/GEO3971
This 3 to 6 hour variable credit, undergraduate and graduate level course is designed to provide practical experience in archaeological and geographical field methods in a neotropical environment. The course will focus on archaeological field and laboratory methods geared towards developing a fuller understanding of the history and prehistory of the indigenous people of eastern Honduras. Formal lectures and field lectures will focus on the geography, prehistory, and history of Central America, ecology and culture-ecology of eastern Honduras, and field and lab methods in archaeology and geography.
Topics include:
- The geography of Middle America.
- The environment, natural history and ecology of eastern Honduras and Central America.
- Prehistory of Honduras and its neighbors.
- Conquest of the New World.
- Recent history of Mesoamerica and Central America.
- Culture and society in modern Honduras.
- Survey of Archaeology in Mesoamerica and South America.
- Theory in archaeology.
- Theories for the rise of complex civilization.
- Archaeology in Honduras.
- Culture-ecology and Human-environment relationships.
- Site formation processes and stratigraphy.
- Field survey methods in archaeology.
- Excavation methods.
- Dating methods.
- Ceramic analysis.
- Lithic analysis.
Auburn University Montgomery requires the following documentation:
1. A signed release of liability. Follow this link to download the required forms. Your completed forms must be returned to Dr. Terance L. Winemiller. 2. Valid passport. AUM requires a copy of your passport. 3. Proof of insurance ($25,000 minimum) prior to departure. Insurance may be purchased from Travel Insurance International at (800) 243-3174. 4. Proof of immunizations prior to departure for Honduras. 5. Permission of instructor.
Remember that: Students are responsible for all costs related to participation and completion of this course.
Traveling to Honduras: Some Guidelines
Participants of any of the P.A.G.E.H. Field seasons are encouraged to read the following suggestions before preparing to leave for Honduras:
1. Include in your luggage at least two copies of important documents such as your passport, I.D., medical prescriptions, record of vaccinations and medical conditions, as well as your health insurance when packing your luggage. For additional security, leave copies at home and with the course instructor.
2. Verify the requirements of your airline carrier for luggage (2 Checked Bags: Maximum 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) (total length + width + height) per piece). Be wary not to exceed carry-on luggage regulations [one bag (size: 51 linear in or 130 cm(L+W+H; width 40 lbs or 18 k] and one personal item on board). According to the guidelines posted on the Continental Airlines web page (http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/carry-on.aspx), if you are traveling with any liquid, gel or aerosol items, here are a few things you should remember:Travelers departing the U.S. may bring carry-on bags through security and aboard the aircraft with trial-size toiletries (3.4 ounces or less), which can be purchased at any drug store. Toiletries must fit comfortably in one, quart-size (7.5″ x 8″), clear plastic zip-top bag. Zip-top bags will be provided if needed. The zip-top bag may need to be presented separately at airport security so make sure it is easily accessible when you approach the screening area. Additionally, beverages or toiletries purchased inside the airport beyond the security checkpoints will be allowed onboard the aircraft. Items greater than 3.4 ounces and/or not contained in a zip-top bag may be allowed on board but must be declared to the TSA at the security checkpoint for screening. These items include baby formula, milk (to include breast milk), baby food, juice, medications and liquids/gels that are needed for diabetic or other medical conditions.Personal items include: A small briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item. Most knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-Acto knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, Leatherman or Swiss Army Knives). If you want to bring a field pocketknife with you, packed it on your checked baggage.
3. Pack light and wise. Although the average daytime temperature in Olancho is in the mid to low 80s, nights are cooler (low 60s) and afternoon rain showers are common. Jeans, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a rugged pair of boots are recommended for the field. Do not forget to include a light rain jacket, hat, and plenty of mosquito repellent on your checked baggage.
4. Make a list of electronic items, such as a notebook, digital cameras, CD or MP3 players, electric razors, and video games, among others, that you will be traveling with. Make several copies of the list, leave one at home and provide the instructor with another for extra security.
