With many program types
and locations available to UCLA Archaeology Field Program participants,
we recommend that participants ask four questions before deciding what
program is best for them:
1) What type of program best fits my needs?
2) What region of the world is interesting to me?
3) How many credit units will I get and will my university accept them?
4) How will I pay for the program?
1) What type of program best fits my needs?
The UCLA Field Program will offer three types of field experiences during 2010:
Field Archaeology –
Designed for students to learn how archaeological data are recovered,
collected, documented and preserved in the field. This type of program
allows students to participate in primary research alongside leading
scholars, and to partake in well-established archaeological projects.
Travel Study
– Designed for students who are interested in broadly learning about
ancient cultures on-location. This type of program integrates lectures,
readings, and a wide range of site visits in order to explore the
emergence of complex societies in a specific region.
Science and Archaeology
– Designed for students interested in analytical studies of
archaeological materials. This type of program teaches participants the
scientific principles of data acquisition using analytical instruments
and the analysis of data generated by these instruments in the field.
2) What region of the world is interesting to me?
One
of the important components that will influence your decision is the
location of the field program. While the discipline of archaeology has
field methodology shared by archaeologists across the globe, regional
variations do exist. Furthermore, the cultural histories of a specific
region, including the languages spoken or local traditions, may be more
attractive to you. Finally, the field projects focus on different
levels of social complexity and this may affect your decision. For
example, are you interested in imperial strategies of the Inca, chiefly
societies in Panama, or contact period indigenous complex societies of
British Columbia? Read the program descriptions to identify the region
and culture that most intrigues you.
3) How many credit units will I get and will my university accept them?
Each
of the UCLA field programs awards 12 UCLA credit units. If you are a University of California (UC) student, program courses are
UC-transferable and will automatically transfer to your UC transcript
in October (for applying specific credits to your major/minor, please
consult your department advisor). Non-UC students should consult with
an academic advisor and the Registrar's Office at their home
institution. Students may take the program as an undergraduate class
(C159) or at the graduate level (C259), which will include the
submission of a paper in addition to fieldwork. With the number of
credits attained by the completion of a field program, our programs not
only enhance your worldview, but also increase your progress to degree
in a cost-effective manner. We offer numerous scholarships and
financial aid packages and encourage students to explore these options.
4) How will I pay for the program?
The
UCLA field programs range in price depending on location, duration, and
whether or not you are an UC student. In general, our North America
programs are less expensive than international programs. Program fees
do not cover airfare to and from the field. To assist with financing,
the UCLA Archaeology Field Program offers a range of scholarships and
financial aid packages. Most scholarships have no restrictions and
non–UC students are eligible to apply. Visit www.archaeology.ucla.edu for more information.
