Author: k997g678@wichita.edu

The next Global Learning Center event will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at First Unitarian Universal Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st Street North in Wichita. Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, vice-dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, will speak on protecting cultural heritage during the Syrian crises.

Tasked with managing Syrian cultural heritage during a time of significant violence across the country, Abdulkarim and his team developed proactive plans to safeguard Syrian museums and archaeological sites from theft and damage. Their primary objective was preserving Syrian heritage, transcending religious, sectarian, and political differences. By 2015, the team was able to transfer 95% of artifacts to safe locations in Damascus.

Doors for this event open at 6 p.m. with Abdulkarim’s talk beginning at 6:15 p.m. and a dinner at 7:45 p.m. The event will also be available virtually via Zoom.

Are you passionate about archaeology and eager to delve into the rich history of indigenous North America? The Department of Anthropology is thrilled to announce the Wichita State University Archaeological Field School, taking place at the site of Etzanoa (Arkansas City, Kansas) June 2-27.

During this four-week immersive experience, students will have the unique opportunity to excavate at Etzanoa, an Ancestral Wichita archaeological site. Students enrolled in the archaeological field school at Etzanoa will learn essential archaeology skills, including excavation, artifact identification and curation. In addition to the traditional suite of archaeological skills, students also have the opportunity to enroll in an optional one credit-hour workshop in digital archaeology, which provides training in cutting-edge geospatial recording techniques utilizing GIS, 3D imaging and aerial photography.

Key details:

• Dates: June 2-27
• Location: Arkansas City, Kansas
• Credits: four to five credit hours, offered at both undergraduate and graduate level
• Review of applications begins Friday, Feb. 28

Organizers are committed to making the experience accessible to all aspiring archaeologists. All excavation equipment is provided. Students will reside at Cowley Community College in single-student rooms with private, attached bathroom. Tuition at Wichita State is one of the most affordable and students can receive in-state tuition along the I-35 corridor. Scholarships may be available; more details will be forthcoming. Only 20 students will be accepted.

To learn more about the field school, visit the field school website or contact Dr. Crystal Dozier at crystal.dozier@wichita.edu. Applications will be reviewed after Feb. 28.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Wichita State University Archaeological Field School and embarking on this enriching adventure together!