Most archaeological degrees in universities do not emphasize a comprehensive training in fieldwork techniques and methods and field-related data analysis. Although most field schools expose students to fieldwork, they also provide a limited training in field methods and archeological material analyses. This requires a specific and intensive focus. Paleolithic field archaeology has been characterized by embracing a wide range of scientific methods and approaches to analyses of sites, spanning from geoarchaeological studies of archaeological contexts to the interpretation of archaeological lithic and bone materials and their collective interpretation within the framework of site formation processes.

The Paleolithic International Training School (PI-TS) has been created with the goal of providing intensive training in Paleolithic fieldwork and material analysis methods. It aims at providing a foundational basis for future Paleolithic archaeologists in understading how excavations are designed, implemented and how information is retrieved from sites and analyzed. This approach emphasizes that Paleolithic archaeologists should be knowledgeable in an array of techniques, which will enable them to be autonomous in decision making and interpretation.

Our international faculty has several decades of experience in Paleolithic research in three continents and they are prominent researchers in their fields. This is our best guarantee.

Read more...

Field school's sexual harassment policy as submitted

Code of conduct Archaeological fieldwork requires an environment of mutual respect, and the Paleolithic International Training School asks that all students and staff commit to a code of conduct for the duration of the field school. All team members must commit to providing a safe and welcoming environment to fellow team members, as well as to members of the host community in Spain, regardless of the sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical ability or disability of an individual. Verbal, physical, sexual, or gender-based misconduct will not be tolerated at the field school. Verbal misconduct may include but is not limited to insults, threats, or disparaging comments. Physical misconduct may include but is not limited to harm or threats of harm to another person’s body. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: comments of a sexual nature, unwanted physical contact, or threats or insinuations of sexual assault. Gender-based misconduct includes violence, discrimination, bullying, or stalking based on gender. Any incidents should be reported to the project co-directors, who bear responsibility for and have the authority to enforce the code of conduct. Appropriate support will be provided to victims; in the case of physical or sexual assault, this may include reporting the incident to local authorities and documentation of the incident at a police or medical facility. A field school member who violates the code of conduct by engaging in harassing or abusive behavior may be asked to leave the project immediately and at their own expense. The co-directors will document the incident and notify the violator’s home institution.