ANTH 33: Archaeological Field Methods

Community and Captivity in Early African American New York

African Americans held captive in Long Island crossed boundaries imposed by slavery, race, and property to construct communities. These networks built ties between people of varied backgrounds and interests, and help today to describe some of the multiple ways of creating freedom within and against slavery in early New York.

The 2008 Hofstra University summer Archaeological Field School will examine the diverse lives of enslaved Africans on Long Island through the excavation of the remains of a slave quarter at the Joseph Lloyd Manor site in Lloyd Neck, NY.

Lloyd Manor was home to Jupiter Hammon, one of the earliest published African Americans, whose work addressed enslaved Africans and challenged the injustices of slavery. Archaeology presents an opportunity to compare the words of Jupiter Hammon with the evidence left behind by others laboring at the site during the time of slavery. This interdisciplinary study offers unique insight on the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the enslaved community in Long Island.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Anthropology 33. Archaeological Field Methods
Section 1 (6 credits) June 2 - July 18
Section 2 (3 credits) June 2 - June 24
Students will take part in an intensive hands-on introduction to the archaeological field research that provides a foundation in the techniques of archaeological site survey, excavation and recording and artifact analysis. The course runs 40 hours a week and involves strenuous daily outdoor activities. Participants must provide their own housing and transportation.

Tuition: The course may be taken for either 3 or 6 credits at $785 per credit plus fees.

For more information, please contact:
Professor Chris Matthews
Department of Anthropology
Hofstra University
E-mail
(516) 463-4093