I always wanted to be an archaeologist | Summer School course

I always wanted to be an Archaeologist

An often-passed comment, when someone first hears that you are an archaeologist is ‘I always wanted to be an archaeologist’. There seems to be, for many, a mystery and/or a romance surrounding this quite uncommon profession. Perhaps the best-known ‘archaeologist’ is the intrepid Indy Jones who blazed across our cinema screens first in 1981, by coincidence the same year that I began excavations in the Middle East. Now although not as fraught with danger as the Hollywood epics would have us believe, being an archaeologist does indeed lend itself to adventures, amazing discoveries and living a ‘dream’. So if you are one of those people who ‘always wanted to be an archaeologist, join this course for a journey through all things archaeological.

Archaeology is a science and the approach to both its theory and practice has undergone many, many alterations over the years. However, having said this, much of the central themes remain static, held in place not only by an interest in what has gone before but also by a curiosity of how the past has shaped our present.

This summer programme, offered for the first time by Odyssey will;

• explore certain of the long-held theories of archaeology
• look at various approaches to the uncovering of past cultures.
• provide an appreciation of the role of Archaeology, but not equip the class attendees with the necessary knowledge and tools to head out and start your very own excavation,
• be able to view particular aspects of our past from a number of different, and perhaps illuminating perspectives.

Various themes will be explored within a fluid classroom context such as;

• excavation techniques,
• ceramic and stone implement identification,
• preservation
• and restoration.

Underwater and maritime archaeology is also to be included while ethno-archaeology and its application will also be touched upon, looking at such things as the symbolism used in weaving from Anatolia (Turkey).

The majority of topics presented and examined in the programme will be illustrated by reference to actual excavations from;

• Israel,
• Turkey,
• Jordan,
• Portugal,
• Greece
• and Germany.

The focus of the short 5 day program is to be informative and entertaining. Within a tutorial-type discussion around particular chosen themes as well as providing certain group-orientated activities.

Summer School classes for mature and senior travellers

Odyssey offers a collection of week-long learning programs offered each January in Leura, Bue Mountains, NSW. Courses are refreshed for each year’s programs. Classes are limited to 15 people.

Over the last twenty-five years, Odyssey’s small group Summer School Program has given countless travellers an unforgettable educational and travel experience. Each summer, we prepare and offer fun and challenging special interest courses and programs designed to give travellers the options and opportunity to learn about history, religion, Australian culture, and the arts, among many other topics. These courses are designed in such a way that enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge of a particular topic or be initiated into new understandings on a subject.

These programs offered are tailor-made for mature-aged and senior travellers who are eager to explore in-depth a particular topic. Summer school learning programs for mature and senior travellers who are and remain curious about the world. Read more about our philosophy of the Odyssey Summer Schools.