Archaeology: Exploring the Foundations of Notre Dame

Archaeologists use many sophisticated scientific methods to learn about the past, but they still have to get their data the old fashioned way – they go out to the field and dig for it.  Combining participation in an archaeological dig with classroom sessions and lab work, students will delve into the methods and theories archaeologists use to understand the past. The field site for the course will be especially interesting for students with an interest in early American history, Notre Dame history, and Native American life. When Notre Dame was founded in 1842, the campus consisted of three run down log cabins near what is now the Log Chapel and Old College building (the first brick building on campus).  Today, an archaeological site containing rich evidence about daily life at the University’s founding and throughout its first century is hidden beneath the carefully manicured lawn. Deeply buried layers contain artifacts that were left behind when prehistoric Native Americans briefly camped by the campus lakes at least 3,000 years ago. This year we will explore the Old College site to see what new insights it can provide into Notre Dame’s foundational years. We may find physical evidence of Catholic missionaries who are said to have ministered on the campus in the early 1700s, almost a century and a half before Notre Dame was founded, as well as evidence of the prehistoric camp at the site. By the end of the course, you will know what archaeology is, how it is done, the resources that exist on campus, and how to talk about it to other students and to those who will visit the site while our class is at work. You will also learn about what a career in archaeology entails and how you might further explore this fascinating subject.