Field Schools
SPIN is a 5-week program in which students are able to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Nepal and to learn anthropological techniques to understand the culture of the people there. Students spend the bulk of their time in locations in Lamjung District, several hours bus ride west of the city of Kathmandu. They engage in projects related to Folmar’s ongoing research on the relationship between various dimensions of identity and mental health, as well as the effects of the 2015 earthquake on mental health. Students learn about Nepalese culture by engaging deeply in it and through home stay. Students live in pairs with families, participating in daily life and conducting research on issues of Dalit status in the caste system and how it is affected by development and the shifting political situation in Nepal. They focus on understanding how health, gender, education and housing are affected by changes in the caste system. While spending most of their time absorbing the culture and conducting research, students will also be taught the basics of Nepali language and are expected to take two courses (ANT 393/394) on Nepalese Culture and Field Method.
Steve Folmar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
Wake Forest University
Phone: 336-758-6065
Email: folmarsj@wfu.edu
European Prehistory and Archaeological Field School in Portugal
Wake Forest University’s Portugal Summer Program is an intensive European prehistory and archaeological field school in which students explore the different regions of Portugal while studying variation in prehistoric human adaptations across past landscapes. The program is based in Rio Maior, a small town situated one hour north of Lisbon in a region known for its diverse biological, geological and cultural resources and rich, well-preserved record of the prehistoric human past.
Academic Program
Hands-on training provided in a wide range of archaeological field skills. Courses include guest lectures and field demonstrations by professional archaeologists. A Wake Forest faculty member certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists serves as resident professor and travels and stays in Portugal to oversee program academics and teach required course(s). Field work performed by teams of Portuguese and American students.
- Majors in all disciplines are welcome to apply.
- There are no course prerequisites for enrollment.
- All lectures are taught in English.
- Participants must be in good physical health as this course involves hiking, digging, and exertion in warm temperatures.
The European Prehistory and Archaeological Field School in Portugal is organized and led by Dr. Paul Thacker, Associate Professor and Director of the Archaeology Laboratories at Wake Forest University.
Paul Thacker, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Archaeology Laboratories
Department of Anthropology
Wake Forest University
Phone: 336-758-5497
Email: thackep@wfu.edu