Description

The Corpus Christi College Summer School in British Archaeology provides in-depth training in all of the major periods of British Archaeology (within a European context) and is taught by senior academic staff from Cambridge and other leading universities. The month-long summer school is based in the medieval setting of Corpus Christi College, founded in 1352, one of the oldest of the 31 historic colleges forming the University of Cambridge. The programme offers an exciting opportunity to study in England and will be of interest both to anthropology students and to students studying other subjects but having an interest in archaeology. The course includes field visits in the company of expert lecturers to many famous and fascinating archaeological sites. All students will have the opportunity to practise basic excavation techniques at a test pit. A limited number of spaces will also be available for those who wish to extend their stay and take part in a leading archaeological dig (at additional cost). Any student attending this course will obtain the latest, up to date knowledge; make new acquaintances, both student and professional; and learn new archaeological methods. It is anticipated that students will obtain six credits for completing the course.

Setting Description: Founded by the Guilds of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Corpus Christi bears the distinction of being the only college in Oxford or Cambridge to be founded by the town citizens, rather than a royal, rich, or other important person. One of the college's most famous assets is the Parker Library, named after Matthew Parker (1504-75), Master of the College and Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Treasures include the earliest copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles and a bound copy of the St Augustine Gospels from the 6th century. A special visit to the library will be made Former students of the college include the Elizabethan dramatist Christopher Marlowe, American author Christopher Isherwood, and the well-known seventeenth-century British archaeologist and antiquarian (and Druid advocate) Sir William Stukeley. Today the college is home to a very active, international community of 400 students (from all academic disciplines). The college is located in the historic centre of Cambridge and consists of the medieval buildings of Old Court, constructed around 1352, and the later New Court, built by the famous Regency architect William Wilkins in 1827. A recent addition to the college is the extraordinary Chronophage clock, designed by former student Dr John Taylor, now one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Cambridge! A short introduction to the Summer School will be provided availability permitting by the present Master of the College (and former British Ambassador to Kuwait) Stuart Laing, at a reception to be held in the college gardens. College Life Accommodation at Corpus Christi will be in single rooms (bathroom facilities are shared) in Newnham House, a delightful Victorian villa with private gardens, set in an excellent riverside location a few minutes' walk from the college. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be taken in the college dining hall and students will also experience a formal, traditional dinner, as enjoyed by generations of Cambridge scholars. The college social and library facilities, as well as computer rooms, will be available to students at no extra cost. Internet access is included in the cost of your accommodation for those who wish to bring a laptop computer. There will be opportunities to mix with local students as well as other overseas students visiting the University. Optional theatre visits, concerts and other cultural activities will be arranged or recommended. Unless otherwise stated (see later) these activities will not be included in the price. Of course, you will also have free time during which you can explore for yourselves the delights of Cambridge, a city which combines a wealth of history with an exciting and multicultural present.

Highlights

1. A series of 24 lectures given by senior academics covering the successive periods of British prehistoric and post-prehistoric archaeology, from the earliest settlement of Britain to the end of the medieval period ca.1500 AD.

2. An associated series of 6 lectures devoted to the major, relevant aspects of archaeological method and theory, combined with guided visits to the laboratories of the Cambridge University McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research and Cambridge University's Archaeological Field Unit.

3. A 4-day study tour of Ancient Wessex to visit many of the most important archaeological sites in southern England, including the famous Neolithic and Bronze-age sites of Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury, West Kennet and Durrington Walls, and the sites of Silchester (Roman) and Old Sarum (Neolithic to medieval).

4. Field visits to Sutton Hoo, West Stow & Ely Cathedral, amongst other Roman and Medieval sites. Shorter visits will be made to the principal medieval colleges of Cambridge and the collections of Cambridge University Fitzwilliam Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the British Museum (London) and the unique collection of Anglo-Saxon and early medieval manuscripts housed in the Parker Library of Corpus Christi College itself containing almost 25 percent of the known Anglo-Saxon manuscripts world-wide.

5. Tuition in practical excavation methods, including 2 days test-pitting learning the techniques of archaeological excavation and recording first-hand. Some lectures and field visits will be at the weekends but time will also be scheduled for individual study and exploration. For 2012 an optional 2-week fieldwork extension is available, in which you will be able to take part in an important archaeological excavation in the UK. The number of places is strictly limited so please contact us as soon as possible to receive further details. Ancient Wessex Tour In addition to the series of field visits closer to Cambridge, the Summer School incorporates a five-day excursion to the area of ancient Wessex, during which we will visit some of the most important archaeological sites in southern England, including Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury, West Kennet, Silbury Hill, Salisbury and Old Sarum.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Anthropology

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

The cost of the month-long programme is USD 5400. The price includes accommodation in single rooms at Corpus Christi College whilst in Cambridge, as well as accommodation (shared) on the Wessex field trip. It includes all meals, tuition, internet access, special University facilities and all field trips (including travel) and admission costs. The cost does not include travel to and from Cambridge, insurance, entertainments or other optional activities.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Australian and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

A number of part-scholarships of USD 1000 are offered by the ACE Foundation to students in genuine need of financial aid. A cumulative average of B-plus or better in college studies is a prerequisite for a scholarship. A letter of recommendation from a senior faculty member who knows well you and your work will also be required. For full details please contact us. All scholarship students are expected to sit the end of course exam and submit the paper within one month of the end of the summer school. Scholarship applications must be received by the 30 January 2012.

Application Process Involves

• Other

Year Founded

1958