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This summer, get hands-on experience in archeology working alongside Dr. John Kelly, at Cahokia, the most sophisticated prehistoric civilization north of Mexico. The Summer School offers students opportunities to take classes that are not available any other time during the year, such as the course L48 Anthro 393, “Introduction to Archeological Field Techniques,” May 19-June 27, 2008
Dr. John Kelly, senior lecturer in Archaeology the Department of Anthropology, is an expert in Eastern North American archaeology with a focus on the central Mississippi River Valley and the Mississippian culture, especially the Cahokia site, just across the Mississippi River in Illinois. A passionate explorer of this Native American society, Kelly has been involved in survey and excavation projects for over thirty years. At one site near Cahokia his work has yielded over 5000 prehistoric features and 600 structures, providing significant insights into the principles of community organization prior to the emergence of Mississippian culture at CE 1000.
Dr. Kelly's work is part of the "Redefining Cahokia" field mapping and testing project at Cahokia Mounds, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
The Cahokia Mounds have yielded many intriguing clues about prehistoric Native Americans. According to archaeological finds, the city of Cahokia was inhabited from about CE. 700 to 1400 and covered six square miles at its peak. Over time the area saw the construction of 120 mounds and likely was inhabited by 10-20,000 people.
This course has six credit units and meets mostly at the Cahokia site. Take this opportunity while you can!
Students with interests in Native American culture and history might also wish to consider the following Summer School courses:
L48 310C Anthro Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas: Ancient Civilizations of the New World
U69 3422 Anthro American Indian Art and Iconography
Registration for all 2008 summer courses opens on March 26.
For more information, visit summerschool.wustl.edu.
