At a glance
Dates:
June 8–July 21, 2012
Application deadline:
The application period is now closed.
Cost:
$5,500
Accommodations:
Hotel
Physical activity required
See also
Contact
- Ashkelon Excavations, e-mail
Harvard Summer Program in Ashkelon, Israel
Harvard Summer Program in
Ashkelon, Israel
An archaeological excavation of an ancient Mediterranean seaport
Faculty: Adam J. Aja and Lawrence E. Stager
Work alongside volunteers and a professional archaeological staff of 20 to excavate Ashkelon, one of the most important ancient seaports in Israel and in the eastern Mediterranean.
In 2012, we will uncover Ashkelon’s history from the Bronze Age through the Crusades. One area will continue to trace Canaanite courtyards and Philistine houses, another will focus on Hellenistic villas, and a third will trace the history of the monumental architecture at the heart of Ashkelon's Roman forum.
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, GIS analysis, and conservation of artifacts. Fieldwork is complemented by a series of lectures by staff and visiting or guest 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 and Adam J. Aja.
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
This is an interdisciplinary course of archaeological fieldwork based in experiential learning. Rigorous hands-on participation is the defining aspect of the Ashkelon experience. The level of full participation in all site activities—an archaeological "boot camp"—sets this program apart from other dig experiences. Students work five full days plus a half day in the field uncovering artifacts and learning the skills necessary for all students and scholars interested in continuing active fieldwork or advanced studies in archaeology. The fieldwork aspect of the course is supported by lectures and workshops by resident staff and visiting/guest 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. Students will have several introductory readings to complete before they come to the field and can expect to leave with a deep understanding of method, theory, and history.
Prerequisites: none.
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Adam J. Aja, PhD, Assistant Curator of Collections, Semitic Museum, Harvard University
Lawrence E. Stager, PhD, Dorot Professor of the Archaeology of Israel and Director of the Semitic Museum, Harvard University
Additional instructional staff on site.
Application
The application period is now closed.
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.
Program directors may ask for interviews.
Cost
There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The cost of the program is $5,500 and includes the following:
- Tuition
- Room and board
- Field trips
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($195; 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
Suggested budget
See a sample budget for estimated expenses.
How to pay and funding options
See Funding and Payment 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 Leon Levy Expedition website for additional information.
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 important in this intensive program.
Specifically, participants are expected to:
- Perform manual labor in extreme heat of up to 100 degrees F for up to 8 hours a day (with breaks)
- Walk continuously for a half hour over uneven terrain
- Lift up to 20 pounds
- Climb up and down stairs and navigate in and out of deep dig sites without assistance
Additional information
Contact Ashkelon Excavations, info@digashkelon.com, or Sandy North, volunteer coordinator, (617) 495-9385. 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.
