Archaeology Research Seminar

The Origin and Development of Ancestral Pueblo Society in the Central Mesa Verde Region

A special program for Archaeology Research Program alumni and Chairman's Council members

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Designed specifically for Archaeology Research Program alumni and Chairman's Council members, this seminar explores current themes in archaeological research, from the development of early Pueblo culture during the Basketmaker III period to the late-thirteenth-century depopulation of the Mesa Verde region at the end of the Pueblo III period. Discussion topics include the agricultural revolution, large-scale aggregation and depopulation, environmental conditions and their impacts on social structure, the Chaco-to-post-Chaco transition, and the development of social complexity.

Departing from the traditional excavation and laboratory experience, the Archaeology Research Seminar devotes a full day to each of the Pueblo time periods from Basketmaker III through Pueblo III. We spend each day discussing the most-pressing research questions and themes for that time period, while exploring archaeological sites that are most pertinent to those discussions. Most of the sites we visit are located on private land and are not accessible to the general public. Additionally, modern issues—including the curation crisis and how the past can illuminate the current social and economic environment in the United States—will be addressed.

Date

June 17–23, 2012

Tuition

Alumni: Member* $1,250; Nonmember $1,375
Super Alumni (10+ programs): $1,225
Senior Alumni (age 55+): $1,225
Super Senior Alumni (age 55+ and 10+ programs): $1,175

* Minimum $100 membership required. See Membership.

Deposit: $300

Lead Scholar

Susan C. Ryan, research archaeologist at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, has conducted prehistoric and historic archaeological fieldwork throughout the American Southwest and Midwest for 17 years. Susan received her Master's degree from New Mexico State University in 1998 and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arizona. A research archaeologist at Crow Canyon since 1998, Susan has directed two multiyear excavation projects at Shields Pueblo and Albert Porter Pueblo. Her major research interests include the Chaco-to-post-Chaco transition in the northern San Juan region and the "built environment."

Educational Focus and the Week's Activities

The Archaeology Research Seminar provides an in-depth exploration of ancestral Pueblo archaeology in the Mesa Verde region.

Your week will include:

Fascinating tours of rarely visited ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) archaeological sites in the Mesa Verde region, including the Dillard site, a Basketmaker III community center currently being investigated by Crow Canyon

A tour of Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Visits to ancestral Pueblo rock art sites dating from different time periods

A tour of the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum and grounds that includes exploration of a Chacoan great house and viewing the museum's extraordinary collection of ancient artifacts

Daytime and evening discussions led by Crow Canyon researchers and other Southwestern scholars that focus on current "hot topics" in the archaeology of the ancestral Pueblo people

Activities and schedules subject to change.

Archaeology Research Seminar Details

Tuition: Tuition covers accommodations, meals, entry fees and permits, and local transportation after your arrival in Cortez until your departure from Cortez. Transportation to and from Cortez is your responsibility.

Balance due: Full amount is due 45 days before the program start date. Cancellation at any time: $150 handling fee. Cancellation within 40 days of the program date: forfeiture of all payments.

Accommodations: Our 170-acre campus provides space for relaxing, watching wildlife, walking through the pinyon and juniper woods, and enjoying panoramic mountain views from the rocking chairs on the lodge deck. We provide shared accommodations in comfortable, Navajo-style log cabins (hogans). Private rooms are not available and, depending on enrollment, couples might not be housed together. Shared, modern shower and toilet facilities are located in a separate building adjacent to the hogans. You will need to provide your own bedding and towels.

Be sure to see Plan Your Visit to learn more about Crow Canyon and our campus.

Sharing the Campus: The Crow Canyon campus is a center of learning for children, teens, and adults! During the Archaeology Research Seminar, you may be sharing the campus with others, including children in school group programs.

Meals: Three delicious meals are served each day. You'll be treated to delectable, healthy meals that feature hearty entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a salad bar. Most special diets can be accommodated.

General Information and Policies

Go to General Information and Policies for more information about tuition, cancellation and refund policies, and accommodations.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50

Copyright © 2012 by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. All rights reserved.