Introduction to Archaeology

June 21-July 1, 2027 Rose Hill

3 credits

Student in archaeological fieldwork

In this 3-credit course, students explore archaeology and the ways artifacts illuminate major cultural developments. Through discussions of current practices and themes, the course provides a foundation in contemporary archaeological approaches.

Students gain a working understanding of material culture, archaeological sites, and the archaeological record. Emphasis is placed on both fieldwork and laboratory techniques, offering insight into the diverse methods, theories, and activities that define the archaeologist’s craft. Visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and hands-on activities analyzing artifacts provide opportunities to connect archaeological theory with real-world practice.

Students will:

  • Understand the main concepts in the field of Archaeology and how it was developed.

  • Learn about different methods of fieldwork, analysis, and interpretation used in archaeological research.

  • Apply basic archaeological practices through brief experiences in fieldwork, experimental archaeology, and laboratory analysis. 

  • Develop and increase critical thinking skills.

Overall Takeaways

Students will learn how to think like archaeologists through the analysis of artifacts, replicas, and documentaries, developing a deeper understanding of the interpretation process of the past and learning to differentiate between scientific research and pseudo-archaeology.

Instructor's Bio

Dr. Maria Ester Venezia is an archaeologist expert in lithic analysis (stone tools). She is fascinated with different cultures, human behavior, and teaching techniques. She likes to spend her free time playing with her kids and enjoying the New York Public Library's audiobook catalog.

Course Schedule

Week 1

Monday

  • Objective, important information and expectations about the course, policies and evaluation method.

  • Brief History of Archaeology, theories, and methods

Tuesday

  • Formation of archaeological sites and the importance of context 
  • Archaeological record and preservation
  • Fieldwork activity: How are archaeological sites found?

Wednesday

  • Deconstructing with technique: Methods of excavation
  • How old is an archaeological site?
  • Laboratory activity: Processing, classification, and curation
  • Describing, analyzing, and reconstructing the environment

Thursday

  • Plants that “talk” - Analyzing botanical remains
  • Learning from faunal remains
  • What did they eat? Diet data from human remains
  • Classroom Activity: Testing your knowledge

Friday

  • Material remains and technology
  • Laboratory in the classroom - "Unaltered materials": How are stone tools analyzed?
  • Experimental Archaeology: Flintknapping demonstration
  • How are other "unaltered" materials and textiles analyzed?

Week 2

Monday

  • How are synthetic materials analyzed?
  • Experimental archaeology: Basics of ceramics hand-building techniques
  • Laboratory in the classroom: How is pottery analyzed?
  • Classroom Activity: Testing your knowledge

Tuesday

  • Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
    • Egypt (~5000 - ~2000BP)
    • Symbols, power, and representations
    • Early knowledge: Language, manufacturing, rituals, and writing
    • Measurements, maps, places, and memory

Wednesday

  • What can the dead tell us?: Analyzing human remains
  • Population, migration, and societies
  • Classroom Activity: Testing your knowledge

Thursday

  • Final assessment pt. 1: Critical analysis of the documentary Ancient Mass Production: How was the Terracota Army Made?
  • Final assessment pt. 2: Questionnaire

Course Details

Intro to Archaeology
June 21-July 1, 2027
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rose Hill Campus
Instructor: Maria Ester Venezia

Course Number: ANTH 1300 RT1
CRN: 17082

Please note that this is a college course and that Fordham students may also be enrolled in this class, which will be a great opportunity for you to learn more about life at Fordham. 

Tuition

Residential: $5,039.00 (2026 rate; 2027 prices will be available in December)
Tuition for the residential program includes the course, course materials, housing, meals, and excursions in and outside of class. Move-in is Sunday afternoon, the day before classes begin. Please click here for a more detailed calendar of important dates.

Commuter: $3,832.00 (2026 rate; 2027 prices will be available in December)
Tuition for commuters includes the course, course materials, lunches, and excursions in and outside of class. Additional meals are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Students may wish to bring funds for incidentals, shopping at the Fordham Bookstore, souvenirs, and any personal items they wish to purchase.

Apply

Application deadlines:

Course and housing: The deadlines for 2027 will be posted by December 2026. Please note that admission decisions are rolling until the class is full, and course caps are around 20 students. The deadline to be considered for a limited number of need-based discounts for 2027 will be posted by December 2026. We recommend early application.

Application Requirements: this credit-bearing course is open to rising high school seniors; exceptional rising juniors will also be considered. The course is recommended for those with a 3.0 or better. No prior experience with the subject matter is required.

To apply, you will need:

  • a copy of your high school transcript and your fall report card if the grades are not reflected on your transcript.
  • a writing sample from one of your high school courses.
  • a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor if you are a rising junior.

Please make note of the course details above because you will select your course as part of your application.

There is a $75 fee to apply and a $300 deposit to secure your seat. Housing requires a $50 deposit. All payments will be treated as deposits toward your final bill.

2027 applications will open in late November. Please sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy, or email us with questions!

Immersion 1 Resident Move-In/Move-Out

Date  Resident Information
May 29 All medical forms and consents due
Sunday, June 20 Move-in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 Move-out between 6 and 9 p.m., One-Week students
Friday, July 2 Move-out by 10 a.m., Two-week students
   

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