LSU New Orleans-field school-Archaeology

Innsbruck & Matrei, Austria
July 2 – August 12, 2022

LSU New Orleans Department of Anthropology and Sociology and LSU New Orleans Division of International Education are pleased to announce plans for another archaeology field school in Europe, to be held in cooperation with the International Summer School in Innsbruck, Austria and with our partner institution, the University of Innsbruck.  The project named “Operation Trautson Castle” (OTC) is planning to research the ruins of Castle Trautson near Innsbruck from its beginnings in the High Medieval Ages until its destruction by American bombers during World War II.

Courses offered:

• ANTH 3201: Field Methods in Archaeology (3 credits) 
• ANTH 4991/5991: Advanced Field Research in Anthropology (3-6 credits)

This two course sequence will introduce students to the methods of field archaeology through hands-on experience, excavating at the site of Trautson Castle near the Brenner Pass, just south of Innsbruck, Austria.  The fortifications of this castle have their origins in the Middle Ages. Shortly before the end of the Second World War, the fortress was almost completely destroyed by allied bombers. In cooperation with colleagues from New Orleans, archaeologists from the University of Innsbruck are digging at the fortress hill to better understand the history and destruction of the castle.

The course is designed to give students hands-on experience in all aspects of archaeological field work, including site identification, survey, and unit excavation. Students will learn proper hand excavation techniques, characterization of soils, basic artifact identifications, and mapping techniques and develop these skills as part of a diverse and efficient archaeological team, working in a unique and exciting international environment.

The course will include lectures and orientations on the history of the site and region, on field work protocols and conservation, and on the material culture from the Middle Ages to the World War II era. The skills and techniques that will be learned by students are applicable to the practice of archaeology across the globe. 

Students will be accommodated in Innsbruck, Austria and will be able to participate in many events arranged for LSU New Orleans-Innsbruck International Summer School.  The central location of Innsbruck within Europe allows for easy travel and exploration on free weekends. 

Program Cost for LSU New Orleans degree-seeking students: $3,295.00*

*Eligible LSU New Orleans students can apply for financial assistance through the Anthropology Department. Additional scholarships and awards may be available. Click here for more information.

The program cost includes: tuition, university fees, transcript fees, accommodation in a double room in the dormitory in Innsbruck, breakfast and lunch on class/dig days, opening and closing ceremonies, train pass between Innsbruck and Matrei, public transportation pass for Innsbruck, round-trip bus transportation between the Munich airport and Innsbruck on arrival/departure day, comprehensive travel medical insurance, some field trips and/or extracurricular activities.

Not included in the program cost are the following expenses: transatlantic airfare, passport fees, telephone calls, meals other than those specified, weekend travel, laundry and any other items of a personal nature.

For payment terms/schedule and Refund/Cancellation Policy, please contact the program administration.

Click here to apply!