Akko: Archaeology, Heritage and History

The Project

Our courses will participate in the archaeological field school program of the Akko Archaeology, Heritage and History Project, which will explore the ancient and modern heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage city via “total archaeology.”  This approach recognizes that Akko’s rich past – both material and spiritual – is intertwined with the city’s present and future.  The focus of our excavations and field school will be the ancient tel of Akko that was occupied from the late fourth millennium BCE through the Hellenistic period. However in addition to our quest to uncover Akko’s past, we, as archaeologists, have a responsibility to the city’s present communities and the preservation of its past for the future. Thus we will also be working on conservation of historical remains at other sites in the city together and in coordination with Akko’s major stakeholders that include Old Acre Development Company (a government company subordinate to the Ministry of Tourism), Amidar (Israel National Housing Company; owner of abandoned properties), UNESCO, Israel Antiquities Authority, the local municipality, numerous local and diverse communities, pre- and post-1948 communities, private investors and local businesses.

The multidisciplinary courses involved in this project contribute to major and minor programs in Theology (Historical and Biblical), Social Justice, Anthropology, Classics and Classical Civilization, and Art History and students will find them to enrich work in history or international relations.

Akko: Archaeological Field Methods - TH 489.INTL/HP 399.INTL/CC 399.INTL/SJ489.INTL/SO 489.INTL (3 credits)
Spring 2012, July 1-14  2012

Students enrolled in Archaeological Field Methods will participate in four preparatory sessions in the Spring semester and the campaign’s field school for two weeks of excavation in July, during either Field School Module A or Module B (see Schedules). Excavation and laboratory will be supplemented by study trips in and around Akko, academic lectures by the team on the history and culture of the region, and presentations by regional experts. Students will submit written and photographic journals at departure from Akko, and a final research paper based on their Akko work after return to campus. Students are strongly encouraged to take Field Archaeology in Module A and follow with Public Archaeology in Module B in the same excavation season. This course may be repeated for credit in subsequent seasons.

Akko: Public Archaeology, Conservation, and Heritage - TH 489.INTL/HP 399.INTL/CC 399.INTL/SJ489.INTL/SO 489.INTL (3 credits)
Fall 2012, program in Module B, July 14-27, 2012

Public Archaeology, Conservation, and Heritage involves two preparatory sessions in the Spring semester and two weeks of on-site conservation in Akko’s historic Old City during July. Material conservation and laboratory will be supplemented by study trips in and around Akko, academic lectures by the team on the history and culture of the region, and presentations by regional experts. Students will submit written and photographic journals upon departure from Akko, attend two class sessions in Fall 2011, and submit a final research paper based on their Akko work by the end of fall semester. Public Archaeology is restricted to those who have taken Archaeological Field Methods in Module A or in a prior year. In 2011, it will take place only during Field School Module B. This course may be repeated for credit in subsequent seasons.

Permission of instructor and application is required for all courses. Contact Professor Graham for details. 

Instructor of Record: Susan L. Graham, Ph.D.
Office: Department of Theology
2641 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201.761.6143
E-Mail: SGraham@spc.edu
Curriculum Vitae: to be posted


Other Consortium Field School Faculty include:
Ann E. Killebrew, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, Director
Martha Risser, Ph.D., Trinity College (CT)
Tammi Schneider, Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University