Field schools
Field work is an important part of the student experience. You’ll have opportunities to spend time in the field locally as well as internationally.
Plains Archaeology Field School
Travel Dates May 5-June 12, 2025
Field school will take place in Edworthy Park (pending all permissions)
Costs: Tuition + $1150 supplemental fee (TBC)
The 2024 school will take place at several archaeological sites within the City of Calgary’s Edworthy Park (pending permission from the City of Calgary and Alberta Culture). Students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of archaeological excavation and survey as they test and excavate a Precontact campsite, document ongoing erosion at the historic site of Brickburn, and participate in archaeology survey to create an inventory of sites present within the park. This course provides important field experience for those looking to continue in archaeology.
Get UCalgary credit for: ARKY 306 or ARKY 506
African & Global Development Field Studies in Ghana (Spring 2025)
Info Session: October 31, 3-4pm in person: ES 614
Application Deadline: November 11, 2024
Travel Dates: May 11-June 2
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, history, and social dynamics.
As one of the first sub-Saharan African nations to gain independence, Ghana offers profound insights into African history and resilience. This program will immerse you in urban and rural communities where you will witness first-hand the development challenges and resulting grassroots innovations that have contributed towards Ghana’s societal growth.
In the pre-departure phase, you will come together with your classmates and instructors for introductory classes in Calgary, designed to give students from all academic areas the necessary background knowledge and research skills. You will then travel to Accra for three weeks of fieldwork. Engaging with local students, professors, NGOs, and community leaders, you will experience local traditions and ways of life. You will critically examine the ethical dimensions of development, grappling with questions of power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. Documenting your learning journey, you will find by the end of this program that you have gained deep cultural awareness as well as personal and intellectual growth.
Get UCalgary credit for: AFST 400, DEST 401