Archaeology of the French and Indian War and American Revolution

(Summer) ½ credit

Hudson Falls High School

Instructor: Archaeology Field School Supervisor Matthew Rozell 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and instructor permission

Class Size- 12 students maximum-first come basis

The class is limited to twelve students. You must pre-register by handing in registration form to Mr Rozell and pick up books and notebook from him.

                                                                Website: www.hfcsd.org/marozell

contact: marozell@hfcsd.org

747-2121

Course Location:

Rogers Island Visitors Center

11 Rogers Island Drive

Fort Edward, NY 12828

747-3693

Course Description:

Archaeology is much more than searching for buried treasure.

This course is designed for the highly motivated history student to have the opportunity to participate in ongoing historical research focusing on the state and national importance of our region in colonial history.  In addition to lectures from nationally known experts and daily outside readings, students will be trained in archaeological methodology by working with professionals in the field atop old Fort Edward, utilizing the laboratory facilities of the Rogers Island Visitors Center in Fort Edward.  Students will learn to properly excavate, process and analyze artifacts and their findings will be preserved for future generations.

Successful students will be encouraged to apply to participate in Adirondack Community College’s Archaeological Field School later in the summer for up to six college credits.

 This course is limited to 12 students during the summer field season.

Session 1:         7:30am-12:00pm   

Session II:          12:30-5pm      

Course Evaluation: Daily readings and journal questions. Written tests, field journal, daily participation in discussions and field work, work ethic and desire to work as a team.

Final Evaluation: Students will be required to turn in their synthesis of the archeological experience as specifically outlined and directed in their field journal.

 Attendance: Daily attendance is required.

Required text:

Starbuck, David. 1999.The Great Warpath: British Military Sites from Albany to Crown Point.
 University Press of New England $19.95. (Available at Rogers Island Visitors Center, Amazon .com, major booksellers.)

Supplemental readings:

• Deetz, James. 1977. In Small Things Forgotten: The Archaeology of Early American Life. Anchor Books.
• Hill, William. 1929. Old Fort Edward. Privately published.
• McMillon, Bill. 1991. The Archaeology Handbook: A Field Manual and Resource Guide. John Wiley and Sons.
• Schlampp, Frank. 1995. Field Excavating, Mapping, and Recording. Privately published pamphlet.
• Starbuck, David. 2004. Rangers and Redcoats on the Hudson: Exploring the Past on Rogers Island, the Birthplace of the U. S. Army Rangers. University Press of New England.       
• Todish, Timothy. 1988. America’s First World War: The French and Indian War, 1754-1763. Eagle’s View Publishing Co.

Required preparation for the course:

Students will acquire supplemental readings from the instructor prior to the beginning of the Field School and read the assignments to be published. Student observations will be recorded in the Field Journal for the first day of class, in the following format:

• Proper heading should be included for each set of questions, including title of book discussed, your name and the date you recorded your entries.
• You must write legibly and you must use complete sentences to record your observations at all times.
• Lines should be skipped between each journal question and response. Write out the question, underline it, and record your response.
• Each set of questions must begin on a new page in the journal.

Scoring guide for the journal

Eckert, Allan, 1969. Wilderness Empire. Little, Brown and Co. Download map exercise here.

Todish, Timothy. 1988. America’s First World War: The French and Indian War, 1754-1763. Eagle’s View Publishing Co. 31 pages.

Journal questions for discussion: 

Starbuck, David. 1999.The Great Warpath: British Military Sites from Albany to Crown Point.
 University Press of New England.

Journal Questions for discussion:

McMillon, Bill. 1991. The Archaeology Handbook: A Field Manual and Resource Guide. John Wiley and Sons. Pages 1- 34.

Deetz, James. 1977. In Small Things Forgotten: The Archaeology of Early American Life. Anchor Books.