Archaeology Field Course I & II (Arch 281/ 282) are archaeological field methods classes held in remote locations in Southern Appalachian and Pacific Northwest, each requires students to learn to live and work together as a group while learning field methods and contributing to the success of long-term archaeological research projects. Participants learn the basics of field archaeology including including excavation, survey, and mapping.

The primary objective of the course is to provide students with instruction and practical experience in basic methods and techniques of archaeological fieldwork as well as learn about aboriginal history/ prehistory of the Upper Columbia Region of Interior British Columbia and the New River in the Southern Appalachian Highlands in North Carolina.

The experience is gained in the context of a long-term research project designed to produce specimens, records, and data that will support further laboratory analysis and eventual publication of research results. Students thus will be making important contributions to the research while they are learning basic field methods. Through discussions and practical applications, students will develop a thorough understanding of how their work in the field relates to the overall research design of the two archaeological projects.

Nathan Goodale, Associate Dean of Faculty and Associate Professor of Anthropology, is the principal investigator of the Slocan Narrows Archaeological Project in Slocan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Alissa Nauman is the co-principal investigator at the site.

Colin Quinn, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, is the principal investigator of the New River Archaeological Survey located in Ashe County, North Carolina. Alice Wright, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Appalachian State University.