Summer Study Abroad

The class introduces archaeological field techniques and outlines a critical understanding of the methods and approaches by which the archaeological record and cultural heritage are understood and interpreted. Students will be introduced to the methods of archaeological survey, excavation, data and materials recovery, recording, and processing. Students will be involved in all phases of field excavation, will be trained in basic laboratory processing, and will assist with public interpretation when possible. Students will be encouraged to critically examine how archaeological knowledge is constructed and expressed. The remote location requires students to live and work together as a group while they contribute to the success of a long-term archaeological research project.

Faculty: Dr. Robyn Cutright

Dates: June 1 - July 5, 2025

Costs: $2,800 (includes $400 administrative deposit)

Students will trace the roots of mindfulness from Early Buddhism to Japanese Zen through surfing and meditation practice. This traditional understanding of mindfulness will be critically discussed alongside recent scientific research in psychology on the effects of meditation, and the longstanding philosophical Western tradition of the mind/body problem. Students will integrate these different perspectives to make sense of their own "mindful" experiences. Field trips will give students a broad understanding of mindfulness, such as mindful walking and therapeutic photography. Students will use key texts to understand the notion of mindfulness through a psychology and philosophy approach. Through this phenomenological and mindfulness lens local cultures will be approached. Instead of relying on a traditional anthropological 'objectivist' approach, students’ embodied subjectivity will be the main source of questioning, helping them to become conscious of the different sensations, emotions, cultural expectations, and biases that exposure to a new culture can trigger.

Faculty: Dr. Marc Démont

Dates: June 7 - June 28, 2025

Costs: $5,000 (includes $400 administrative deposit)

Yoga, and mindfulness more generally, helps to build a sense of belonging, of being in the moment, and of appreciating the way we perceive and affect our surroundings. This way is opposed to being constantly distracted, anxious, or hustling. This course is centered on knowledge and experience from the student perspective of being abroad, as we will initially be in a foreign environment. We will work toward achieving know-how alongside intercultural and social skills relating to engaging with the land, the lagoon, and the community. These activities are the focus and goal; it’s our “yoga”. Through careful structures and actions with local community partners, we re-center ourselves regularly to help them welcome us, which allows us to feel welcome in return. The type of yoga and meditation we will do is basic and inclusive. Being able to swim is recommended, although not necessary. This course will count for either French or Humanities credit.

Faculty: Dr. Christian Wood

Dates: May 27 - June 14, 2025

Costs: $4,738 (includes $400 administrative deposit)