2008 Summer Field Studies Classes
updated 04.16.08
The University of Wyoming American Studies historic preservation field studies curriculum is intended to supplement classroom academics with a wide variety of applied field projects. The field projects are carefully selected to expose students to
1) the broadly multi-disciplinary practice of applied historic preservation;
2) the great diversity of cultural resources found in the Rocky Mountain region; and
3) the dramatic scenic and cultural landscapes that contain so much of Wyoming’s history and prehistory.
Recent projects include interpretive planning for publicly owned historic sites; cultural landscape inventory and evaluation; historic log building assessment and stabilization; prehistoric rock shelter surveys; historic archeological investigations, including test excavations; and the collection of oral history among Euro-American and Native American communities.
These projects are typically conducted in close cooperation with government agencies, non-profit organizations or private owners. In addition to field work, students play a significant role in developing final products such as preservation plans, interpretive management plans, historic building assessments, excavation summaries and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The field experience, as well as the final products, are greatly enhanced by the ideas and enthusiasm generated by a diverse group of students working together with team leaders.
Summer field courses take place in various locations throughout Wyoming. UW/AMST provides transportation from Laramie. Accommodations may consist of campsites or rustic cabins. In addition to daily field work, students assist in writing project reports and submit a daily journal and a reflection paper at the end of the week.
For details contact Fred Chapman or Mary Humstone
2008 Summer Field Course in Historic Preservation
AMST 4900: Field Studies in Historic Preservation – 3 credits.
Dates: May 28 – June 10, 2008
About the course: This course will combine lectures, literature, writing, film, and field work to explore the life and legacy of Wyoming homesteader Elinore Pruitt Stewart. Students will visit the site of the Stewart homestead in Burnt Fork, Wyoming, learning of and participating in historic preservation and archeology efforts there. Students will read Stewart’s memoirs, Letters of a Woman Homesteader and other literature; see the film based on Stewart’s life, Heartland; learn about ranching and homesteading in Wyoming; learn about the importance of place in telling a story; hear guest speakers; conduct research on the author and the site, for future interpretive purposes; and write about what they’ve learned.
The course will be led by Mary Humstone, Research Scientist in American Studies, University of Wyoming; Kevin Holdsworth, Associate Professor of English, Western Wyoming Community College and author of Big Wonderful: Notes from Wyoming; and Jennifer Sorensen, Assistant Professor of English, Western Wyoming Community College. Guest speakers will include Marcia Hensley, author of Staking Her Claim (soon to be published), and Ruth Lauritzen of the Sweetwater County Museum. Housing will be available in WWCC’s residence hall. Transportation to and from Laramie will be provided.
Orientation: Wed May 28, 10 – 12, Cooper House, UW Campus
Field study: Rock Springs/Green River, June 1-10. Students will be contacted in advance with logistical information about the field study portion.
Costs:
Summer tuition for three credits:
Undergraduate: resident - $282; non-resident - $966
Graduate: resident - $492; non-resident - $1,410
Lodging (Western Wyoming Community College residence hall): $15/night double occupancy; $20/night single occupancy, plus a one-time $4 fee.
Meals: Students will be responsible for their own meals. Kitchen facilities are available in the residence hall.
For more information contact Mary Humstone: 307 766-4929; Humstone@uwyo.edu
