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Fall Archaeology

Fall 2023 Community Education Archaeology Courses

Learn more about the Community Archaeology Program.

View the Fall 2023 Course Book as a PDF.

Archaeological Research 

September 1 – December 31
By Appointment
CRN# 91819
CFP 100-51
Fee: $35

For Community Archaeology Program certificate students only.

This course is mandatory for students fulfilling the 60 experience hours required for the SUNY Schenectady Community Archaeology Program (CAP) certificate. Additionally, this course is required for all students engaged in archaeological research and laboratory under a SUNY Schenectady CAP instructor’s supervision. Students must speak with an instructor before registering. Register for Archaeological Research.

Native American Archaeology

Tuesdays, September 19 – November 21           
6-9 p.m.
CRN# 91821               
CFP 102-51
Fee: $165

In this hand-on course, students will explore, through research, interpretation, artifact study and field activities, current ideas about Native American Lifeways prior to European settlement in North America, with emphasis on the Greater Northeast. Register for Native American Archaeology.

New!  Palatine Germans 1

Wednesdays, September 20 – October 25       
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 92024
CFP 144-51
Fee: $95

This course covers the period from 1702-1726 and serves as an introduction to who the Palatines were, where they came from, and what caused them to arrive in the New York colony. Discussions will center on their struggles as refugees, the trails and tribulations leaving Germany and eventually settling on the New York frontier.  Focus will be on queen Anne’s colonial immigration policies, New York Governor Hunter’s efforts on behalf of the Palatines, the emergence of Palatine leaders like Johann Conrad Weiser, Conrad Weiser, and the Rev. Ehle. Register for Palatine Germans I.

Recording and Archiving Archaeological Data

Thursdays, September 21 – November 30
6-9 p.m.
No class November 23
CRN# 91822              
CFP 107-51
Fee: $165

This course addresses why detailed records are maintained during excavation, as well as how artifacts and records that form the basis for future research are processed. Hands-on activities include artifact illustration and description, photographic recording, the use of computers for databases and analysis, and final data archiving. The course is supplemented with a visit to an archive. Prerequisite: CFP 106 Historical Archaeology or CFP 102 Native American Archaeology. Register for Recording and Archiving Archaeological Data.

Archaeology of the Occult and Non-Western Culture

Mondays, October 2 – November 6 
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 91886
CFP 126-71
Fee: $95

This is an online course with several in person meetings.

Students will study the material remains and belief systems of past subcultures and counter cultures that were hidden from the secular world of past societies. Topics include recent investigations of vampire burials, voodoo shamanism, witchcraft, divination, secret society symbolism and much more. This course will include lectures, a site visit and guest presentations. Register for Archaeology of the Occult and Non-Western Culture.

Gravestone Cleaning

Saturday, October 14
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CRN# 91823                
CFP 123-01
Fee: $35

This course will be taught at Vale Cemetery, located at 907 State St., Nott Terrace, Schenectady, New York 12307.

Would you like to learn how to clean cemetery stones? Do you have a family plot with a stone that needs cleaning?  Are you having a difficult time reading the worn lettering on a stone? Melody Howarth will show you cleaning and reading methods that work. Join Ms. Howarth at Vale Cemetery for this informative workshop. Students will be contacted to the class with meeting instructions. Students are asked to bring gloves, bottled water and a bagged lunch. Materials fee: $10 to be paid to the instructor. Register for Gravestone Cleaning.

New! Reporting Archaeology Research

Wednesdays, November 1 – December 6
6-8:30 p.m.
CRN# 91856
CFP 139-51
Fee: $150

Using existing documentation from the college's Community Archaeology Program projects, students will engage in producing research reports. Examples of records include research and artifact publications, historic/environmental background, CAP field, lab, and conservation research documents, and others. Class activities will include instructor presentations on completed research report examples, student interaction selecting aspects and presentations of their reports. Register for Reporting Archaeology Research.