ANTH 35550/IRST 35550 Historical Archaeology of Irish America*
June 24-August 6, 2010
* This course fulfills the methods requirement or an elective for the anthropology major OR an elective for the Irish Studies minor.
Brief Overview
Millions of Irish people left their homeland in the 18th through the 20th centuries and emigrated to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, and countless other places around the globe. Since 2006, my students and I have been investigating Irish immigrant experiences in South Bend, Indiana through archaeological excavation as well as archival research and oral history collection in both Ireland and the United States. Beginning in 2010, this project will expand to include Beaver Island, Michigan, which was inhabited in the late nineteenth century by immigrants from Árainn Mhór off the coast of Co. Donegal.
At present, the lives of Irish immigrants to America are understood almost exclusively from investigations of large urban centers like Boston and New York. Smaller communities in the Midwest, such as South Bend (1865-1920) and Beaver Island (1870-1903), however, had economic, social, and political structures that were more fluid than those of the long-established urban enclaves in the east, offering different opportunities to immigrants. Consequently, archaeological and historical investigation of these smaller, more isolated communities will contribute significantly to our understanding of the Irish Diaspora in America by elucidating lived experiences in small towns and rural fishing villages not previously explored.
This course will consist of (1) a week-long cultural study in Ireland, (2) a field module of practical instruction in the methods and theory of archaeological excavation on Beaver Island, and (3) laboratory processing and preliminary analyses of artifacts collected during the excavation, both on Beaver Island and while in residence at the University of Notre Dame. Interested students may continue to explore Irish America through independent research projects during subsequent academic year.
Timeline for the course
June 24-July 1 Week-long cultural study in Ireland in partnership with the National University of Ireland Carna Center. Students will learn about Irish life, including céilí dancing, sean-nós storytelling, religion, political history, and agricultural lifeways. Students will begin to understand the richness of Irish culture and complexities of immigrant experiences as well as develop critical context for archaeological excavation of the Irish enclave on Beaver Island, Michigan.
July 5-23 Excavation and preliminary artifact processing/analyses on Beaver Island, during which students will master proper excavation methods and techniques as well as gain preliminary competency in basic laboratory processing and analyses of artifacts. Concurrently with the field excavation, we will collect oral histories from local residents about their Irish ancestors.
July 26-Aug 6 Continued analyses and website construction in residence at Notre Dame, wherein students will attain proficiency in laboratory methods and protocols, identification of main artifact types, and begin to develop an understanding of how we proceed from a pile of broken dishes to an interpretation of the past.
Costs
Grant funding has been secured to cover the costs of student participation in this exciting field program. The expenses that will be covered include:
For Ireland, round-trip coach to O’Hare, round-trip airfare to Shannon, ground transportation throughout the cultural excursion, accommodation, breakfast daily, some additional meals during field trips, and all entrance fees for museums and other local attractions.
For Beaver Island, ground transportation to/from the island as well as during the excavation, ferry fees, and full room and board for the three weeks we are in residence.
Students will be responsible for some meals while in Ireland, room and board during the two weeks on campus at Notre Dame, all tuition and fees charged by the University, and personal expenses. For information about housing on campus, see http://summerhousing.nd.edu/.
Application Process
Students interested in participating in this field project must submit the following to Dr. Deb Rotman (622 Flanner Hall) no later than noon, Wednesday, April 7, 2010:
- Completion of the attached cover page.
- Photocopy of the photo page of your passport (which cannot expire in 2010)
- Unofficial copy of your transcript from the University of Notre Dame
- A one-page double-spaced statement explaining why this experience is of interest to you.
- A one-page double-spaced statement describing a challenging experience or experiences that
have prepared you to be an intrepid traveler and adventurous field archaeologist.
Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Timeline for Applications
April 7
Deadline for applications is NOON.
Deadline for applications is NOON.
April 7-8
Review of applications
April 9
Notifications of acceptance
April 12-16
Accepted students must register for the course. Once you have registered for the course, you are committed to this experience. If you back out after April 16, 2010, you will be responsible for reimbursing the project for your non-refundable airfare mid-April-May Travel abroad authorizations will be completed with the Office of International Studies. you will receive more information regarding this at a later date.
June 24
Students will meet in 621 Flanner Hall at 9 am for a brief orientation before leaving for the airport!
Students will meet in 621 Flanner Hall at 9 am for a brief orientation before leaving for the airport!
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