Dr. Deborah Chatr Aryamontri holds a B.A. and a M.A. in Classical Archaeology from La Sapienza University of Rome, and a Ph.D. in Ancient Topography from the University of Salerno.  An experienced field archaeologist, she has participated in numerous excavations and laboratory activities in several countries, especially in Italy. She currently teaches in the Classics & General Humanities Department at MSU, where she is also an Archaeological Researcher in the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies (CHAS).  She has been the recipient of several scholarships and grants from academic institutions in Italy. Her main research interests include ancient Roman topography and urban planning, theory and methodologies of archaeological research, ancient technology and engineering, and numismatics.

Dr. Timothy Renner earned his B.A. in Classics at Yale University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Classical Studies at the University of Michigan.  He is Professor of Classics and General Humanities at Montclair State University, where he teaches Classics and ancient Mediterranean history, with a particular emphasis on the Hellenistic and Roman worlds.  In addition to Roman archaeology, his research focuses on ancient social history, particularly Roman imperial slaves and freedmen, as well as literary and documentary papyri.  He has traveled extensively in Italy and excavated in the Middle East.  Since 2007 he has directed MSU’s Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies, which brings together researchers and students in anthropology, Classics, art history, and earth science.

Each participant will register for 6 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate course credit offered through the Department of Classics & General Humanities at Montclair State University. No prerequisites or prior field experience are required.  Trips to Rome and other sites will form an integral part of the courses.

Undergraduate students
 GNHU 362: Field Methods in Mediterranean Archaeology  (3 credits)
This course is a practical introduction to how archaeology is conducted in the field. During the 4 week program each student will be introduced to fundamentals of field methods. Students learn basic techniques of background research, field work, and laboratory practice working directly on the archaeological site of the “Villa of the Antonines” in Genzano di Roma. The field class will offer direct, hands-on experience in on-site record keeping, mapping, graphic and photographic documentation, and artifact recovery. In addition to working at the excavation site, students will engage in laboratory activities related to the excavation workflow, such as washing, labeling, cataloguing and restoration of the artifacts (especially ceramics).

GNHU 361: Selected Topics in Mediterranean Archaeology:  Roman  Villas  (3 credits)
This course teaches research methodology in archaeology particularly as conducted by specialists in the field of Classical archaeology. It consists of in-depth study of Roman villas in general and of the archaeological evidence acquired during the excavation of the “Villa of the Antonines” in particular. Special attention will be given to the role which field archaeologists play in reconstructing and interpreting the past.

Graduate students
GNHU 552: Field Methods in Mediterranean Archaeology  (3 credits)
In addition to learning the fundamentals of field research in Classical archaeology as described for undergraduate students (see above), graduate students will specifically expand their familiarity with project design, field workflow, and laboratory management. Students will explore in more depth the implications of the role each archaeological field investigation plays in a broader research framework.

GNHU 551: Selected Topics in Mediterranean Archaeology:  Roman  Villas  (3 credits)
In addition to learning the fundamentals of field research in Classical archaeology as described for undergraduate students (see above), graduate students will specifically expand their familiarity with the research goals of an archaeological investigation. Students will explore in depth the archaeological data collected for the Villa of Antonines in the broader context of Roman villas.

Accommodations and Meals

Participants will be housed at a four-star hotel overlooking a crater lake near the excavation site. Each room accommodates from 2 to 4 people and has a private bathroom, free wi-fi, a TV, a telephone, and a hairdryer. Laundromat facilities are available nearby (laundry service is not offered by the hotel). The program cost covers all meals five days per week. Breakfasts and dinners will be taken at the hotel restaurant, while lunch will be eaten at the excavation site.  Breakfast is provided on Saturday and Sunday; other weekend meals may be arranged at additional cost.