Faculty-led, world-focused

The 6-credit excavation and public archaeological program in Israel will integrate the multifaceted aspects of twenty-first-century archaeology that combines excavation, conservation, heritage studies, and community involvement. In 2010, Akko will be the location of this unique and cutting-edge field school. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on the Mediterranean Sea, north of the modern port city of Haifa. Boasting the only nature harbor in the region, throughout its history Akko has served as a major emporium for the ancient world. Bronze and Iron Age Akko appears prominently in ancient Egyptian, Ugaritic, Assyrian, Greek, and biblical accounts. Excavations on Tel Akko, the ancient mound located to the east of the modern city of Akko, have uncovered remains of Canaanite, “Sea Peoples,” Phoenician, Persian, and Greek culture. During more recent times, it is famous as the city that withstood Napoleon’s two-month siege and marked the end of his campaign to conquer the Middle East. Today Akko is a major tourist destination, well-known for its picturesque and historic Ottoman period town that is constructed on the ruins of the best-preserved Crusader city in the world.

This program will include beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of archaeological fieldwork. The introductory-level excavation course (CAMS/JST 499C [3 or 6 credits]) will introduce students to archaeological field methods, a general overview of the history and material culture of Ancient Israel and the eastern Mediterranean, and hands-on artifact processing. The conservation and public archaeology course option (CAMS/JST 499D [3 credits]) will entail conservation of on-site architectural remains and interaction with the various communities and shareholders involved with the preservation and interpretation of these sites. Intermediate- and advanced-level fieldwork (CAMS/JST 597 or independent study [3 or 6 credits]) will include training for professional staff and supervisory positions, field documentation, surveying, and artifact analysis. Lectures, excavation, lab work, and field trips to archaeological sites and museums will comprise the course content. These courses or combination of courses will fulfill the 6-credit archaeological fieldwork requirement for the CAMS archaeology option.

In short, a beginning student can take the following:
CAMS/JST 499C (6 credits)
or
CAMS/JST 499C (3 credits) and CAMS 499D (3 credits)

An intermediate or advanced student can take:
CAMS/JST 597 (6 credits)
or
CAMS/JST 597 (3 credits) and CAMS/JST 499D (3 credits)

The 3-credit CAMS 012 course following the field school will focus on the archaeology of the Levant and biblical Israel from the rise of urbanization (ca. 3200 BCE) to the emergence of ancient Israel (ca. 1200 BCE), through the Second Temple and Roman periods, concluding with the development of the region as the "Holy Land" for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. During their study abroad experience in Israel, with travel to relevant archaeological and historical sites, the students will examine cultural, social, and political developments and transitions in Israel and the eastern Mediterranean in antiquity. The CAMS 012 course will fulfill CAMS major, GH, and IL requirements. The independent study credit is possible with the permission of the instructor.

Accommodations: The Akko Field School will reside at the Naval Academy, located in the modern city of Akko on the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms will be dormitory-style accommodations with three to four students per room. The CAMS 012 study tour will reside in youth hostels or three-star hotels, with two to four students per room.

 

Courses Offered

For the 6-credit archaeological field school, choose any combination of 6 credits:

CAMS/J ST 499C Archaeological Field School (3 or 6 credits)
This course will introduce the students to the basics of archaeological field methods, will give a general overview of the history and material culture of ancient Israel and the eastern Mediterranean, and will include hands-on artifact processing. The students will participate in daily excavation on the tel, afternoon labs and pottery processing, and lectures.

CAMS/J ST 499D Conservation and Public Archaeology (3 credits)
The conservation and public archaeology option will entail hands-on conservation of on-site architectural remains and interaction with the various communities and shareholders involved with the preservation and interpretation of Israel’s archaeological sites.

CAMS/J ST 597 Advanced Field Archaeology (3 or 6 credits)
This course is designed for students with prior archaeological field experience. Students may register for this course only with the permission of the instructor and director of the project.

Independent study credit is possible with permission from the instructor.

An additional, post-excavation study tour is also available for 3 credits:

CAMS/J ST/RL ST 012 Archaeology of the Lands of the Bible (3 credits)
This study tour will focus on the archaeology of the Levant and biblical Israel from the rise of urbanization (ca. 3200 BCE) to the emergence of ancient Israel (ca. 1200 BCE), through the Second Temple and Roman periods, concluding with the development of the region as the “Holy Land” for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This course can be taken independent of the archaeological excavation program.

Eligibility

The program is open to all students with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

Dr. Ann E. Killebrew, director of the Akko Archaeological Project in Israel, is an associate professor of archaeology in the Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, the Jewish Studies Program, and Anthropology at Penn State. She has participated in numerous archaeological expeditions in Israel and co-directs the Cilicia, Turkey, Landscape Archaeology Project. She is a noted expert on cultural interconnections in the eastern Mediterranean region and has authored and co-edited several books and numerous articles.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2010 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• passport
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,500 plus tax)
• lunches on the excursions and lunches on the study tour

Estimated Tuition

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $613 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.

Dig: $3,678 (6 credits)
Study tour: $1,839 (3 credits)
(in-state/out-of-state)

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.

Class Fee

The class fee (TBD) includes insurance, lodging, transportation to Akko, textbooks for the course, field trips, and all costs directly related to the excavations at Akko. All meals will be provided, except for lunches on excursions. Students participating in the study tour will be provided with half board (breakfast and dinner) and will be responsible for paying for lunch.

Fee will be posted soon.

Estimated Total Program Fee

The estimated program fee (TBD) will be posted soon.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $78; 5 to 8.5 credits, $170; 9 or more credits, $230

For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

Financial assistance: The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2010. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in the required short essay you will submit with your application. Include the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.

Online registration will be available soon.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 18, 2010

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-1738.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

 

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Dr. Ann E. Killebrew
The Pennsylvania State University
319 Weaver Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-231-7780
Fax: 814-867-6294
E-mail: aek11@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
The 329 Building, Suite 213
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1738
Fax: 814-865-3749
E-mail: ConferenceInfo2@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.