The primary objective of this program is to provide students with instruction and practical experience in the basic
techniques of archaeological fieldwork. Instruction includes a rigorous four-field Anthropological
approach to archaeological methodologies that is focused on ecological and cultural resources survey,
Archaic through Historic period rock art recording, and historic excavations on the historic Ranchos de
Taos plaza in Taos New Mexico.
While on the plaza, students will conduct their excavations in the shadow
of the historic Saint Francis de Asís church, erected in 1815 as a spiritual and physical refuge from
raiding Apache, Ute, and Comanche Indians. Rock art recording and survey encompasses spectacular vistas
and one of the largest petroglyph districts in the northern Rio Grande.
The residential character of SMU's Fort Burgwin Research Center facilitates the development of a
"community of scholars" comprised of students and staff. Each studenttherefore is not only furthering his
or her own education, but is part of a larger research community and project that is designed to
produce significant new knowledge about the past in addition to permanent archives,
collections and publications for future scholars and local descendant communities. Students will relate their work in the field to the
overall research design of the SMU-IN-TAOS Archaeological Field Program.
Our commitment to involve descendant communities and other stakeholders in our work gives students the
opportunity to experience the larger social context of archaeological research in New Mexico.
Supporting lectures and discussions emphasize the complexities of heritage management, the importance of consultation
in the creation of knowledge, and our ethical obligation to promote good stewardship of archaeological
sites and materials.
