Discovering Ancient Mediterranean Spain: Excavation and Survey of the Iron Age site of Mestre Ramon & Environs
Program Dates: June 26, 2020 - July 27, 2020 (UW Summer A term, modified)
Location: Son Servera, Mallorca, Spain
UW Study Abroad listing and application (deadline: January 31, 2020)
Spain’s Mediterranean islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, collectively referred to as the Balearic Islands, have been a pivotal node in the history of the region. Spanning the last six thousand years, from the Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the Historic period (including Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Moors, etc), groups from around the Mediterranean have come and gone from the Balearics, interacting with local people and leaving important traces of their presence, both culturally and materially. This program offers students the opportunity to participate in the recovery of these traces through the science and practice of archaeology.
Video created and edited by Biel Capó 2015
|
This program offers students the opportunity to participate in the recovery of these traces through the science and practice of landscape archaeology. In this program, students will join a team of American and Spanish archaeologists in order to engage with various landscape archaeological fieldwork techniques (mapping, 3D modeling) and other experiential ones such as sketching, photography/video, field note taking as part of the ongoing Landscape, Encounters, and Identity Archaeology Project . Students will live in the town of Son Servera on the island of Mallorca and participate in nearby archaeological fieldwork for four weeks. During these weeks, students will learn how to the ins and outs of plan drawing, total station and DGPS mapping, field photography. They also will also experience with other forms of field description and investigation such as landscape sketching, peripatetic photography and video, and field note taking.
|
This season, particular emphasis will be placed on recording and describing experiential aspects of past landscapes that may be recovered through the archaeological record. We are interested in understanding how people in the past engaged with their everyday landscape, what were their movement patterns, why were monuments constructed at certain locations and what was their role and effect on people.
Students will live and work alongside a group of Spanish students, giving them a chance to interact with peers who have a different perspective and different traditions when it comes to archaeology. Students in past years have reported that this is one of their favorite elements of the field school.
Students will live and work alongside a group of Spanish students, giving them a chance to interact with peers who have a different perspective and different traditions when it comes to archaeology. Students in past years have reported that this is one of their favorite elements of the field school.
How to Apply
The application for the 2020 field school is now open. Complete the application on the UW Study Abroad website. The current deadline is January 31, 2020.
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the UW Study Abroad Application Instructions and Requirements and FAQs.
If you would like to speak with a program director before applying, contact us at [email protected].
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the UW Study Abroad Application Instructions and Requirements and FAQs.
If you would like to speak with a program director before applying, contact us at [email protected].
Excursions
|
In addition to the unique field experiences, students will be immersed in the local Mallorcan culture and will learn about the history of the Balearic Islands. Through a series of day-trips, students will also visit to other archaeological sites and museums on the island.
Weekend day-trips will include visits to some of the spectacular archaeological sites, museums, and towns on the island. The slideshow contains photos from some of our past excursions. Other attractions include the nearby Torre de Canyamel, the Roman city of Pollentia, the Museu D'Història de Manacor, and many many more. When we need a break, we are never more than a short drive or walk to the Mediterranean Sea. Students will also have free days which they can use to explore other parts of the island, including the big city of Palma, the many cave systems like the Cuevas del Drach, or picturesque mountain towns like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller. |
Who Can Apply?
Ideal candidates would be undergraduate or graduate students who have some background in archaeology (e.g. taken courses and/or have been involved in some project) or who are genuinely interested in archaeology and ancient history: Anthropology (at the UW, particularly those on the Archaeological Sciences track), Classics, History, Geography, or Spanish Languages and Literature. However, interested students from other fields are encouraged and welcome to apply as we value a multi-disciplinary team with diverse interests.
Non-UW students who can demonstrate a strong interest in archaeology are welcome to apply. This program is designed for people who want to learn and practice archaeology including those without previous fieldwork experience. You will work under the close supervision of professional archaeologists who will teach you what you need to know. |
Video by Thao Tran 2014
|
Prerequisites
This program is intended to introduce students to archaeological field techniques, archaeological analysis, and the (pre)history of the Balearic Islands. As it is an introduction, students are not expected to have experience in these areas. Some coursework in related fields is a plus (in particular any introductory course to archaeology), but all of the required training and instruction will be provided within the bounds of the program. Likewise, students are not required to know Spanish (or Catalan) to participate. All group leaders are bi- or multi-lingual. Nevertheless, the program will offer plenty of opportunities for those students who are willing to practice another language.
Candidates should be prepared for the challenges that come with living in a foreign country, being immersed in a new country, language and culture, eating new foods and lacking the comforts of home. They should also take into consideration the rigors of working on the archaeological site which can at times be physically and mentally arduous, as well as living with a small group of people in close quarters for four weeks.
Students will stay in an urban area, but the nature of archaeological fieldwork requires students who are willing and able to do physical work in outdoor conditions and under direct sunlight. Average temperatures for June-August very often rise to the high 90s °F with constant sun and high humidity. We will typically work 5 days a week, with fieldwork starting as early at 7:00 am and running until 1:30pm. After lunch and a break, we will conduct artifact processing and lab work through the late afternoon. Students should be very comfortable being dirty and sweaty.
Students who are particularly sensitive to the sun, heat, or dirt and/or students who are uncomfortable with physical, outdoor fieldwork will not enjoy this program.
Candidates should be prepared for the challenges that come with living in a foreign country, being immersed in a new country, language and culture, eating new foods and lacking the comforts of home. They should also take into consideration the rigors of working on the archaeological site which can at times be physically and mentally arduous, as well as living with a small group of people in close quarters for four weeks.
Students will stay in an urban area, but the nature of archaeological fieldwork requires students who are willing and able to do physical work in outdoor conditions and under direct sunlight. Average temperatures for June-August very often rise to the high 90s °F with constant sun and high humidity. We will typically work 5 days a week, with fieldwork starting as early at 7:00 am and running until 1:30pm. After lunch and a break, we will conduct artifact processing and lab work through the late afternoon. Students should be very comfortable being dirty and sweaty.
Students who are particularly sensitive to the sun, heat, or dirt and/or students who are uncomfortable with physical, outdoor fieldwork will not enjoy this program.
Academic Credit
Students participating in the Study Abroad Program will receive 12 credits of ARCHY 270: Field Course in Archaeology.
Non-UW students: 12 UW credits (quarter system) is usually equivalent to about 8 credits at semester schools.
Students who have already had an archaeological field school may instead be able to enroll in ARCHY 499: Undergraduate Research. ARCHY 499 students will take on more leadership responsibilities within the ongoing research project. It might also be possible for 499 students to carry out an individual research project while in the field. Students who wish to pursue the ARCHY 499 option should contact the program directors BEFORE applying.
You should always consult with an academic adviser before making final decisions about course registration.
Non-UW students: 12 UW credits (quarter system) is usually equivalent to about 8 credits at semester schools.
Students who have already had an archaeological field school may instead be able to enroll in ARCHY 499: Undergraduate Research. ARCHY 499 students will take on more leadership responsibilities within the ongoing research project. It might also be possible for 499 students to carry out an individual research project while in the field. Students who wish to pursue the ARCHY 499 option should contact the program directors BEFORE applying.
You should always consult with an academic adviser before making final decisions about course registration.
Housing and Food
Students will stay in dormitory-style housing very near the center of the town of Son Servera. Each room has bunk beds for two to four students. Students will have access to WiFi, hot showers, a washing machine, and kitchen facilities.
The housing is located conveniently in town and near to grocery stores and other businesses, but away from the tourist-dominated coastal area. It is a short 10 minute drive to the fieldwork sites. It has also been used by the team in previous years and served us well. It can also be noted that these accommodations and their location are on the “luxurious” side of things when it comes to archaeological field projects.
We will eat almost all meals as a group. All meals during the week will be provided to the program by local partners. Students may be responsible for a small number of meals on the weekends. It may be possible to cater to students with special dietary needs, but because the food is provided by a third party, this cannot be guaranteed. Contact us if you have questions.
For more information on Mallorca and the Son Servera area, visit the Location section of the site.
The housing is located conveniently in town and near to grocery stores and other businesses, but away from the tourist-dominated coastal area. It is a short 10 minute drive to the fieldwork sites. It has also been used by the team in previous years and served us well. It can also be noted that these accommodations and their location are on the “luxurious” side of things when it comes to archaeological field projects.
We will eat almost all meals as a group. All meals during the week will be provided to the program by local partners. Students may be responsible for a small number of meals on the weekends. It may be possible to cater to students with special dietary needs, but because the food is provided by a third party, this cannot be guaranteed. Contact us if you have questions.
For more information on Mallorca and the Son Servera area, visit the Location section of the site.
Traveling to Spain
There are no visa requirements for U.S. citizens to travel to Spain for stays lasting fewer than 90 days. However, American students must have a U.S. passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. That means your passport must be valid at least through October 2018 and preferably into 2019.
Non-U.S. citizens may or may not need a visa to enter Spain. Non-U.S. citizens are strongly advised to review the terms of their own visa and the visa and passport requirements for Spain before applying.
Non-U.S. citizens may or may not need a visa to enter Spain. Non-U.S. citizens are strongly advised to review the terms of their own visa and the visa and passport requirements for Spain before applying.
Program Cost
Estimated Program Fee of $4,600 includes the $450 study abroad fee, academic credit, meals, housing, and some museum entrance fees. The fee does not include the airfare, UW Study Abroad Insurance (~$62/month), or visa fees (for some non-U.S. citizens). Non-UW students will incur a further $200 fee from the UW Study Abroad office.
For comparison, 12 credit hours on campus during Summer Quarter at UW in 2018 cost $3,658 for residents or $11,846 for nonresidents.
The UW Study Abroad website contains a Finances section with information about financial aid and scholarships as well as a budget planning tool that will help you compare the costs of different programs.
For comparison, 12 credit hours on campus during Summer Quarter at UW in 2018 cost $3,658 for residents or $11,846 for nonresidents.
The UW Study Abroad website contains a Finances section with information about financial aid and scholarships as well as a budget planning tool that will help you compare the costs of different programs.