Using Archeology to Empower Undergraduates

Laura Cripps

At the May 8 CCASM meeting Dr. Laura Cripps talked about trying to develop a general course for those with no prior knowledge or interest in archaeology.  She showed parts of the on-line "virtual excavation" that she uses in her archaeological methods class.  (There is no Internet reception in our meeting room, so we couldn't see it live.)  While doing the excavation, students learn a wide range of skills from learning to use Excel to learning how to look for information.  Of course, she talked about more than this one class.  She also described several research projects involving the students.

 Laura has also put up a website where students can "publish" their papers as well as show what archaeology they have been doing.  The actual title of Laura's talk was "AURA: Applied Undergraduate Research in Archaeology".   To see the website and what the students are doing  Click for more about AURA

Dr. Laura Cripps is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD.

The talk was preceded by the annual CCASM business meeting and the biennial election of officers.  Below Barbara is giving the Treasurer's Report.

The new officers for  June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2016 are
President - Sarah Grady,  Vice President - Carol Cowherd,  Secretary - Sheila Geisert,  Treasurer - Elsie Picyk,  Board Members - Barbara Kane and Lindsey Denton.

Attendance: 16