Harvard Summer Program in Ashkelon, Israel
At a Glance
Dates:
June 5–July 16, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$5,000
Accommodations:
Hotel
Physical activity required
Slideshow
Related Links
Contact
- Ashkelon Excavations, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend the study abroad fair to learn more about this program.
An archaeological excavation of an ancient Mediterranean seaport
Faculty: Lawrence E. Stager
In this summer field school, Harvard Summer School students work alongside volunteers and a professional archaeological staff of 20 to excavate ancient Ashkelon, one of the most important seaports in Israel and in the eastern Mediterranean. We focus on areas from the Canaanite era (2000–1200 BC), when Ashkelon was a Bronze Age metropolis surrounded by commanding ramparts and covering more than 150 acres. On site is the oldest arched gate in the world, which still stands 2 stories high. We continue with the excavation of Philistine fortifications located at the top of the Canaanite ramparts, and of Canaanite houses from the end of the Bronze Age. We also explore the remnants of the Philistine era (1185–604 BC), uncovering the city known from the days of David and Goliath, from the saga of Samson and Delilah. We search for the origins of the mysterious Sea Peoples and reveal their culture from the time of arrival until their demise at the hands of the Babylonian conqueror Nebuchadnezzar. Finally, focusing on the Roman through Islamic periods, we excavate monumental architecture from the forum in the center of the city.
Our field training focuses on methods of stratigraphic excavation, recording, and interpretation, and the study of ceramic typology and its applications. Staff specialists hold workshops on surveying, photography, ceramics, geology, faunal analysis, and conservation of artifacts. Fieldwork is complemented by a series of lectures by staff and Israeli scholars.
Course of study
Students who are participating in the Ashkelon program for course credit take NELC S-198.
NELC S-198 Field School and Education Program for Ashkelon Excavations: The Leon Levy Expedition (32237)
Lawrence E. Stager.
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This is an interdisciplinary course of archaeological fieldwork supported by lectures and workshops by resident staff and Israeli scholars on the archaeology, geography, and history of ancient Israel, Phoenicia, and Philistia. Three field trips to other archaeological sites in Israel help students in this course to contextualize the work being done at Ashkelon and broaden participants' understanding of Israel and archaeological work being conducted therein.
Prerequisites: none.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Lawrence E. Stager, PhD, Dorot Professor of the Archaeology of Israel and Director of the Semitic Museum, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due no later than February 5:
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- The Ashkelon volunteer staff application form
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts and the volunteer form should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Students are notified of admission decisions by late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $5,000 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This covers the following:
- Tuition
- Room and board
- Field trips
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Ashkelon
- Independent excursions
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
Students stay at the Dan Gardens Hotel, a 5-star seaside hotel, with transportation to and from the site provided. Breakfast is served in the field, lunch and dinner in the hotel. Rooms accommodate 3 to 4 participants. See the 2009 Ashkelon Excavation Practical Information handout for more details.
Physical activity
Students are expected to participate in strenuous field activity with interest, precision, vigor, and attentiveness. Experience is not necessary, but enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and the ability to get along well with diverse personalities under field conditions are definite assets.
Additional information
Contact Ashkelon Excavations, leonlevyexpeditiontoashkelon@gmail.com, or Kristen Vagliardo, volunteer coordinator, (617) 495-9385, fax: (617) 496-8904. Also see the Leon Levy Expedition website.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.