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The University of Winnipeg

Course Details

ANTH-4230; Field School in Paleoanthropology and Paleolithic Archaeology
Credits: 6
Course Dates: May 05-August 31, 2019
Field Dates: June 21-July 20, 2019

The course is available to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students, and graduate students. The course is offered through The University of Winnipeg. Applications from graduate and upper level undergraduate students from other universities are welcome. Among the applicants from outside The University of Winnipeg, priority is given to students with a career interest in Paleoanthropology, Paleolithic Archaeology and Paleontology.

Students will participate in the excavation of the Šalitrena (pronounced Shalitrena) cave and the survey of the surrounding area, processing of artifacts and soil samples, as well as all phases of the documentation and basic analyses of the recovered material. In addition to the field and lab work, there will be several formal lectures in different aspects of the project by specialists working on the project and distinguished visitors. Students will be supervised by a team member, each of whom will be responsible for providing instruction and support for no more than three students at any time during the field work.

Lectures and workshops in data recording, lithic technology, human osteology and quaternary paleontology will be held throughout the field season. Spontaneous discussions and expression of individual interests are particularly encouraged.

Excursions:  Students will have free days to explore the cities of Belgrade and Valjevo, and excursions to notable archaeological sites in the region, including Balanica Cave Complex, will be planned.

Grading: Will be based on six reading assignments (30%) to be submitted before the field season begins; field performance (20%) and team work (30%) based on observations by the field supervisors and instructors, and a log book (20%). Each student will keep a log book of activities in the field with details of documentation. Registration and grading will be administered by The University of Winnipeg, which will issue a formal grade by the 15th of September. All required work must be completed by August 30th. Late submissions will result in reduction in mark at 5% of the mark per day for the first five days, after which submission of the material will no longer be possible. 

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited. To ensure a place on the team applicants should send their application before April 1st, 2019. While space might be available after that date, preference will be given to students applying before that time. Undergraduate students should list any relevant courses such as one of the following University of Winnipeg courses or equivalent courses from other universities:

  • ANTH 2220 (Archaeological Field School)
  • ANTH 3306 /4306 (Human Osteology)
  • ANTH 3308/4308 (Human Evolution) 
  • ANTH-3302/4302 (Primate Adaptation, Biology, and Evolution) 
  • ANTH-3206 (The Origins of Human Culture)
  • ANTH-3207 (Zooarchaeology)  
  • ANTH-3204 (Issues in Prehistoric Archaeology) 
  • ANTH-3210 (Archaeological Laboratory Methods) 
  • ANTH-4303 (Problems in Human and Primate Evolution) 
  • ANTH-4305 (Problems in Biological Anthropology) 
  • ANTH-4307(Advanced Human Osteology)

The course is offered through the University of Winnipeg based on an on-going field collaboration of the University of Winnipeg Professor Mirjana Roksandic (Paleoanthropologist) and the Museum Counselor Bojana Mihailovic (National Museum, Belgrade) and Belgrade University Professor Dusan Mihailovic. Participation of Canadian and International students will be governed by the rules and regulations of The University of Winnipeg, Faculty of Science. The students will be responsible for following the set practices of the field project, and reporting to supervisors, instructor, and the PIs.