Archaeological Dig in Greece 2010

Archaeological Dig in Greece for Harvard Undergraduates 2010

The application for 2010 has closed.

The Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) offers Harvard undergraduates the opportunity to participate in the Kenchreai summer program.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The online application is available at http://chs.archaeology.questionpro.com. The application requires a completed online application form, a transcript (unofficial or official), and two letters of recommendation. Please also fill out a CARAT sheet for the Harvard OIP. The CARAT sheet requires that applicants submit a budget sheet. Please use this budget sheet. The CHS will contact your recommenders directly for their letters. The application deadline is February 12, 2010.

KENCHREAI

May 26-June 23, 2010 in Corinth, Greece

The Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) is offering a unique opportunity for two Harvard undergraduates to spend four weeks working on an archaeological excavation in Greece.

During the Roman Empire, Kenchreai, the port of the great city of Corinth on the Aegean Sea, was one of the busiest harbors in southeastern Europe. Frequent ships arrived from distant lands bringing travelers of diverse backgrounds and a bountiful cargo of wine, spices, marble, and exotic wares. Kenchreai flourished as a port where Greeks, Romans, and eastern immigrants lived together in prosperity. Their deities came from all over the ancient world. The community possessed not only one of the most famous mystery-cults of the Egyptian goddess Isis but also one of the oldest Christian congregations in Greece, nurtured by St. Paul. Roman Kenchreai was thus a place of vibrant pluralism: native and foreign, rich and poor, pagan and Christian.

This four-week summer program introduces students to the archaeology, history and culture of Greece through participation in a field school and accompanying seminars and excursions. The Kenchreai Excavations, directed by Professor Rife, provide a unique opportunity to learn about the past first-hand at one of Greece?s most spectacular seaside archaeological sites. Although the 2010 season will not involve digging, participants will learn about data analysis, artifactual processing, conservation, and architectural survey, all important components in archaeological fieldwork. Students will also attend a series of seminars by leading experts in several fields, from ancient religion to Mediterranean geology, and they will join excursions to major sites and museums in the region, such as Corinth, Perachora, Mycenae, Nemea, Epidauros, and Nafplion. The excavation team stays at a family-run boarding house in Archaia Korinthos, on the site of ancient Corinth, where we enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and the easy rhythms of a traditional village community.

Requirements: Each week students participate in research activities and attend seminars and excursions. Required readings cover the archaeology and history of Kenchreai and the Corinthia and archaeological methods and ethics. Graded assignments include quizzes on chronology and geography; a diary; one on-site oral report; and a final essay-test on interpretative themes. Students are evaluated on these graded assignments; regular and prompt attendance; positive and productive cooperation in a team effort; conscientious preparation; and thoughtful and appropriate response during discussions.

Cost: The CHS will cover the $1500 program subscription fee and $3600 tuition fee. Students will also receive a travel stipend of $1300. The budget sheet for the CARAT form (see above for more details) includes estimates for personal costs, such as meals and incidentals.

Credits: Students can receive a transcript from College Year in Athens recommending 4-6 credits.

For more information, please contact Professor Joe Rife.