Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads (CSEN) 2016 Educational Field Program

CENTRAL MONGOLIAN NOMADS PROJECT

Deer stone and slab burial complex, Khentii Province

Table of Contents

Essential Information…………………………………………………………...2 Program Overview……………………………………………………...... 2-3 Contact Us………………………………………………………………………3 About CSEN………………………………………………………………….....3 Program……………………………………………………………………...4-22 Senior Staff……………………………………………………………...4 Description……………………………………………………………4-6 Map…………………………………………………………………...…6 Student Requirements……………………………………………...…...7 Schedule…………………………………………………………...... 8-13 Logistics……………………………………………………………..……..….14 Transportation…………………………………………………...…….14 Visas…………………………………………………………...………14 Ulaanbaatar………………………………………………………...………14-17 In The Field…………………………………………………………...……17-24 Rural Mongolia………………………………………………...………17 Sleeping………………………………………………………...……...18 Climate………………………………………………………...... …18-19 Eating & Drinking…………………………………………….....…19-21 Facilities………………………………………………………...... 21-23 Cultural Differences……………………………………………….23-24 List of Required and Recommended Items……………………………...... 25-27 Project Bibliography……………………………………………………....28-29 Cancellation Policy…………………………………………………………....29 Application Form…………………………………………………….……30-35 Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form)……………………………….....36 Code of Conduct……………………………………………………...…....37-40

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION st th Program dates: June 21 to July 7 , 2016

Length: 17 days st Application Deadline: April 1 , 2016 st Full student contribution deadline: May 1 , 2016

Tax-deductible student contribution*: $3,265 th Enrollment: 7-12 students. Students must be at least 18 by June 20 , 2016; there is

no student age-limit or required university enrollment status. Non-students (recent

graduates, professionals, and retirees) are encouraged to apply.

Previous experience required: None. Previous camping, wilderness, archaeological

course work, or field research experience preferred but not required.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” is a 17-day archaeological field school and research project conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Ar Janchivlan Valley (located in Tuv Province), and the western portion of Khentii Province. Archaeologists from the University of Chicago and the Mongolian University of Science & Technology will give lectures, lead seminars and lab practica, and provide hands-on instruction in core field methods through original research and visits to sites of archaeological significance in rural Mongolia. The field school aims to provide students of all ages and backgrounds with a rigorous, well-rounded introduction to archaeological research in Mongolia through intellectual and practical engagement with Mongolian history, prehistory, and culture. Our team of students and staff will live, learn, and adventure together for two weeks in late June and early July through the steppe, river valleys, and forested zone of Central Mongolia after three intense days of classroom learning in Ulaanbaatar. Archaeologists always conduct their field research within a specific cultural context; thus, our team will engage with individuals, communities, and institutions that have a stake in Mongolia’s cultural heritage. Our students of all ages and backgrounds will practice their new language skills with Mongolian staff, visit with a nomadic family, and attend a local naadam festival as part of their education on Mongolia.

*The participant contribution covers the following: -Airport pickup on June 20th and drop-off on July 8th at Chinggis Khan International Airport or the main railway station in Ulaanbaatar -Shared rooms in a guesthouse with other archaeological field school students in Ulaanbaatar on the nights of June 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, and July 7th

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

-Three meals per day from June 21st through July 7th (does not include: alcoholic beverages, dessert, espresso, or personal snacks. Please consult the Program Coordinator if you have any questions about what food and drink are covered in the student contribution) -Entrance fees to all national parks, protected areas, museums, monasteries, and other sites listed in the program schedule -All in-country program-related transportation costs (does not include international airfare or train travel costs) -Lectures, seminars, Mongolian language classes, and lab practica sessions at the Mongolian University of Science & Technology (MUST) in Ulaanbaatar -Mongolian-English dual translation by program staff -Program participant t-shirt

Mailing address: Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads c/o Jeannine Davis-Kimball, PhD 2158 Palomar Ave Ventura, CA 93001

About the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization founded by Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball in 1989. Since its foundation, CSEN has supported international collaborative research, scholarly publications, and educational field programs in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and from the broader Eurasian steppe. More information about programming, publications, and academic ventures may be found at the organization’s website (csen.org).

Rock art: archer on horseback hunting ibex

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

SENIOR STAFF

Program Director: Professor Lhavgasurengiin Erdenebold (PhD) Professor Erdenebold is one of Mongolia’s most esteemed archaeologists and a professor in the Department of Humanities at the Mongolian University of Science & Technology. He has been the PI or project leader on numerous archaeological research expeditions throughout the country and laboratory analyses in the Ancient Technologies Research Center at MUST.

Program Coordinator: Emma Hite (MA)

Ms. Hite is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Chicago and a visiting researcher at the Mongolian University of Science & Technology. In her dissertation she studies the human-animal relationships of the Xiongnu/Khunnu Empire in Central Mongolia. She has conducted archaeological research and led field expeditions in Mongolia for over 10 years.

Field Instructor: Chuluunkhuugiin Vanchigdash (MA)

Mr. Vanchigdash is a lecturer in the Department of Humanities at the Mongolian University of Science & Technology. His extensive experience as a field archaeologist includes CRM and multi-season research projects throughout Mongolia, including the Egiin Gol CRM Project and the Tuul Valley Research Project. He is currently working on his dissertation, which examines the mortuary rituals and burial practices of the Khunnu/Xiongnu Empire.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” is a joint endeavor of the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads (CSEN) and the Department of Humanities at the Mongolian University of Science & Technology (MUST). The CSEN executive director, Dr. Jeannine Davis-Kimball, first collaborated with Dr. Lhagvasurengiin Erdenebold (now professor at MUST) in 2001 on an archaeological expedition in the Mongolian Altai. 15 years later, the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” will inaugurate its first season as an archaeological field school and provide international students of all ages and backgrounds with archaeological field experience in the Mongolian context through original research, multidisciplinary learning activities, and cultural immersion.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Field school instructors will give lectures and lead seminars in Ulaanbaatar and in rural Mongolia, tailoring these activities to the practical work and original research of each portion of the program. Students will learn research methods in the lab (zooarchaeology, bioarchaeology, archaeological drawing, and ceramic analysis) and field (mapping, data recording, and pedestrian survey) under the guidance of experienced American and Mongolian archaeologists. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” will also provide instruction on Mongolian language, history, and cultures through a combination of classroom lessons and instructor-guided site visits in two regions (Ar Janchivlan Valley in Tuv Province and the western portion of Khentii Province). Students will receive a program syllabus detailing required readings and classroom activities via e-mail after they are officially enrolled in the field school (i.e., after they have submitted all materials listed on page 30).

Xiongnu burial with dromos in Central Mongolia

Ar Janchivlan Valley is a locus of long-term cultural activity in Central Mongolia located near a modern shamanic center, the monumental Genghis Khan equestrian statue complex Tsonjin Boldog, and one of Mongolia’s most famous sites belonging to the Turk Empire. Ritual and mortuary sites from Bronze Age, Xiongnu, Turk, and Mongol periods dot this valley and nearby hills in Tuv Province, where local nomadic families herd animals through steppe pastureland and raptors fly overhead. Archaeologists from the Mongolian University of Science & Technology have conducted numerous field expeditions to Ar Janchivlan Valley in recent years to lay the groundwork for more targeted investigations. The research goals for the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” in Ar Janchivlan Valley are: 1. Map the Xiongnu cemetery at Bishreltiin Am in order to understand the chronology and spatial organization of the site 2. Conduct pedestrian survey of the bordering slopes and southern portion of the valley in order to assess the presence of ancient herder campsites in close proximity to the highly visible ritual and mortuary sites 3. Contextualize the long-term cultural landscape of Ar Janchivlan Valley through recording visual and spatial data of sites discovered through reconnaissance and pedestrian survey in the northern floodplain and nearby hilltops

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

The famous Kherlen River separates Tuv Province from Khentii Province, the birthplace of Genghis Khan and the location of many Mongol imperial archaeological sites. Near Tuv Province’s eastern border, deep in the Khan-Khentii Protected Area, lies the sacred legendary burial ground of the Mongol imperial family at Burkhan Khaldun Mountain in the dark mountains of western Khentii Province. Elsewhere in western Khentii Province our team will conduct archaeological reconnaissance in a number of remote and/or rugged locations, pedestrian survey to record sites and monuments from a broad timespan, and critically compare the effectiveness of different methods of data recording and survey. The primary objectives for this second portion of the program’s field component are: 1. Expose students to the main types of archaeological features and significant time periods to broaden their perspective on Mongolian prehistory and history, creating a functional frame of reference for any future archaeological research in Mongolia 2. Test the appropriateness of data collection methods learned during survey in Ar Janchivlan Valley for use in a different region of Central Mongolia 3. Learn and compare survey methods for ephemeral site discovery in challenging ecological and topographical settings 4. Characterize the eastern margin of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” research area (western Khentii Province) from a long durée perspective In addition to these activities, students will have opportunities to learn about and understand the broader cultural context in which our team’s research will take place. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” in particular and archaeological fieldwork in Mongolia in general operate within the current Mongolian socio-political climate, where cultural heritage preservation efforts, spiritual traditions, and indigenous understandings of history are negotiating the trials raised by a turbulent national economy and a rapidly-changing environment. Thus, students will broaden their view and expand their experience of Mongolian archaeology through other practical activities, including a visit to the home of local herders living in the traditional dwelling (ger), observing shamanic and Buddhist religious sites, and attending the annual summer naadam celebrations (one of the most important events of the Mongolian calendar) in a local community in Central Mongolia.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Student Requirements

Enrollment in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” field school is set at 7-12 students. An accepted participant of any age and background is considered a student of the field school irrespective of their age (18 and up), background, and professional status. CSEN requires that field school students adopt a “student’s mind” for the duration of the program, which necessitates an openness to new ideas, a commitment to learning new techniques and approaches, a flexibility towards changing conditions, and an ability to take instruction and direction from senior staff with good grace. However, “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” field school students are not required to be students in any way outside of the program (i.e., the field school has no university enrollment, degree, or status requirement). CSEN encourages applications from interested participants – field school students – from all walks of life and of all ages. All students must be at least 18 years of age before the field school start-date (i.e., by June 20th, 2016) but there is no age-limit for field school students. The primary requirements of field school students are detailed in the application packet (see pages 30-35) but also include: overall good health; fitness level consistent with the physical demands of archaeological fieldwork (see page 17); and a good attitude and work ethic maintained in the face of challenge and rough conditions. Students will be expected to work in a team of Mongolian and international students and staff and to foster a positive collaborative atmosphere in the classroom, lab, basecamp, and survey quadrant. The official “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program language will be English, although students will receive formal instruction on introductory Mongolian and many opportunities to practice with program staff and local community members. While there is no citizenship requirement for field school students, all students must possess a level of English-language proficiency necessary to complete program assignments. The reading list in this handbook suggests works with which field school students may wish to familiarize themselves in anticipation of the program’s academic and fieldwork. Students will have required readings and assignments detailed for them in a syllabus distributed by the Program Coordinator after their acceptance into “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” field school. Field school students do not need to have a background in archaeology, anthropology, or history, although such a background is encouraged; a student’s interest in the program’s academic content, desire to learn, and commitment to completing field school assignments are much more important than previous experience.

Reconnaissance survey in Central Mongolia

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The following schedule lists the main locations, activities, and events of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project”. These plans are subject to change at the discretion of the senior staff.

June 20th: Pre-program airport pickup from Chinggis Khan International Airport or the main railway station in Ulaanbaatar and drop-off at the field school guesthouse in downtown Ulaanbaatar. For more information about program accommodations in Ulaanbaatar and the field, see pages 14-18.

DAY 1 – June 21st Ulaanbaatar

Parliament House in the central square, Ulaanbaatar Program orientation Lecture at the National Museum of Mongolia: “Introduction to Mongolia: Paleolithic to the 21st century” Mongolian language class 1 Laboratory practicum 1 – introduction to the lab and archaeological drawing

Overnight accommodations: shared room in guesthouse

DAY 2 – June 22nd Ulaanbaatar

Lectures at Mongolian University of Science & Technology: 1) “Mongolian History: Major Periods, Key Events, & Recurring Dynamics” 2) “History of Mongolian Archaeology” Seminar 1: “Relationship between History and Archaeology in the Mongolian Context” Mongolian language class 2 Laboratory practicum 2 – bioarchaeology and zooarchaeology

Overnight accommodations: shared room in guesthouse

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

DAY 3 – June 23rd Ulaanbaatar

Site visit – Gandantegchinlen monastery Lecture at Mongolian University of Science & Technology: “Archaeological Theory and Applications in Mongolia” Seminar 2: “Key Themes in Mongolian Archaeology” Mongolian language class 3 Laboratory practicum 3 – ceramic analysis

Overnight accommodations: shared room in guesthouse

DAYS 4-9 (June 24th – June 29th) Ar Janchivlan Valley

Mapping a Xiongnu cemetery in Central Mongolia

1. Mapping the Bishreltiin Am cemetery 2. Survey targeted areas of Ar Janchivlan Valley 3. Visit the Tonyukuk Turk imperial site Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Ar Janchivlan basecamp

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

DAY 10 – June 30th Travel from Ar Janchivlan Valley to Khentii Province

The monumental equestrian statue of Genghis Khan at Tsonjin Boldog 1. Visit the Tsonjin Boldog complex and museum around the monumental Genghis Khan equestrian statue 2. Reconnaissance survey in the Tsenkhermandal Valley 3. Dinner at the Bayan Gol ger camp Overnight accommodations: shared ger in the Bayan Gol ger camp

DAYS 11 & 12 – July 1st & 2nd Bayan Gol Valley

Main temple at Baldan Bereeven monastery 1. Reconnaissance survey of hills and wetlands in Bayan Gol 2. Exploration of Baldan Bereeven monastery and surrounding environs 3. Home visit with local nomadic family

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Bayan Gol basecamp

DAY 13 – July 3rd Travel from Bayan Gol to Uglugchiin Kherem

Slab burial in Jargalant Valley 1. Survey of Jargalant Valley 2. Recording mortuary and ritual complexes: khirigsuur, deer stones, and slab burials Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Uglugchiin Kherem basecamp

DAY 14 – July 4th Uglugchiin Kherem

Uglugchiin Kherem 1. Pedestrian survey of the Uglugchiin Kherem hilltop fortress ruins 2. Reconnaissance survey in challenging conditions: valley and slopes surrounding Uglugchiin Kherem

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Uglugchiin Kherem basecamp

DAY 15 – July 5th Rashaan Khad

Lithic debitage near the Rashaan Khad site 1. Recording rock art and inscriptions at Rashaan Khad 2. Lithics and surface collection Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Uglugchiin Kherem basecamp

DAY 16 – July 6th Travel from Uglugchiin Kherem to Umnudelger county Reconnaissance survey of the Khurkh River Valley

Sunbursts over the Khurkh Valley

Overnight accommodations: individual tents at the Umnudelger basecamp

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

DAY 17 – July 7th Travel from Umnudelger county to Ulaanbaatar

Wrestling match at a local naadam in 2015 1. Umnudelger county naadam celebrations 2. Farewell dinner in Ulaanbaatar Overnight accommodations: shared room in guesthouse

July 8th: Airport pickup from the program guesthouse and drop-off at Chinggis Khan International Airport or main passenger terminal at the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station.

On the road in rural Mongolia 13

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

TRANSPORTATION

The all-terrain Soviet-manufactured furgong, our means of transportation

Our team will travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles on a combination of poorly-maintained paved roads, dirt tracks, and off-road in Mongolian backcountry. There is some decent paved road leading out of Ulaanbaatar but expect difficult traffic in and while getting out of the city, and rough road (or off-road) conditions after a certain point. Some days our team will spend a significant amount of time driving in order to reach interesting and remote locations. Riding in program vehicles is not particularly comfortable, especially when going off-road, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Those prone to carsickness are recommended to take precautions. These vehicles, like most in Mongolia, will have neither seat belts nor airbags; unfortunately Mongolia’s vehicular and driving safety standards do not match those in Western countries.

VISAS

US citizens do not need a Visa to stay in Mongolia for 90 days or less. US citizens staying longer than 30 days in Mongolia must register with Mongolian Immigration. Please bear this in mind when planning your enrollment in the program. Any field school student who is not a US citizen is responsible for learning the Mongolian Visa requirements for their country of citizenship. After learning these Visa requirements, students should let the Program Coordinator know if they will need help registering with Mongolian Immigration after arrival in Mongolia. Students are responsible for any costs associated with procuring the correct Visa for their country of citizenship and any fees incurred upon failure to follow the rules and regulations set forward by Mongolian Immigration.

Ulaanbaatar

The first three full days and final day of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” will take place in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, where the Mongolian University of Science & Technology’s main camps and laboratories are located. Program staff will pick students up from the Chinggis Khan International Airport or main railway station in Ulaanbaatar on June 20th, 2016, and transport them to the shared student guesthouse

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook accommodations in the city center. Students arriving at the airport or railway station should wait for field school staff to meet them there, as first-time visitors lose their way very easily when trying to navigate the informal taxi system and maze of Ulaanbaatar streets. All field school students will provide our Program Coordinator with complete arrival and departure travel information before leaving home. On the nights of June 20th, 21st, and 22nd, and July 7th students will overnight in shared rooms in a guest house located in downtown Ulaanbaatar. Anyone arriving before June 20th or departing after the morning of July 8th must make their own arrangements for transportation, meals, and overnight accommodations in Mongolia. Please bear in mind that this timeframe will be high tourist season in Mongolia, and making last-minute arrangements for accommodations and travel during the national Naadam season (early July) can be very difficult. In Ulaanbaatar those students who wish to arrange for a private room at additional expense should submit their request to the Program Coordinator during the application process; please be aware that the guesthouse may be unable to accommodate this request. Ulaanbaatar experiences widespread hot water outages during summer months, which may hit the student guesthouse during these four days. Each student will have a bed in a shared room with other students of the same gender. Shared rooms include use of the guesthouse communal bathrooms; students are therefore encouraged to bring flip-flops and a body-size travel towel to make the experience more comfortable.

Street art and graffiti north of Parliament in Ulaanbaatar

The majority of the program time in Ulaanbaatar consists of scheduled activities: lectures, seminars, site visits, laboratory practica, Mongolian language classes, and team meals. However, during free time, students should stay together – in their groups assigned on the first day or at least in pairs – when they venture out of the guesthouse or MUST buildings. Staying together will allow program staff to keep track of all students’ whereabouts; using a ‘buddy system’ also helps keep students safe. A program cell phone will be given to students so that they can contact program staff in case of emergency, which students should bring with them during free time or when out on the town without program staff. This phone will be programmed with numbers for on-call program staff, SOS Medica Clinic (this English-speaking clinic provides the best emergency medical care options in

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Mongolia, including the emergency medical evacuation program), and the English-language taxi service Help Taxi. In the event of emergency, students should use the program cell phone to contact the on-call archaeological field school staff immediately. Ulaanbaatar poses health and safety risks that can be mitigated via preparation and adherence to instructions from program staff. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times, be very cautious around cars and traffic (pedestrians do not have the right of way in Ulaanbaatar), limit the amount of time spent out of doors after dark, avoid nightclubs and loud bars, and use a buddy system. Pickpockets are active in Ulaanbaatar city center and target visibly non-Mongolian tourists. Students should therefore keep a close watch on their bags, pockets, and valuables and keep important items in a secured location whenever possible to reduce the risk that something important, like a passport, gets taken when walking around the city.

Ancient and modern side-by-side in downtown Ulaanbaatar

Students should purchase bottled water or use their water purification systems in Ulaanbaatar, as most plumbing is quite old and tap water is of dubious potability. Most meals in Ulaanbaatar will be team activities, although students will sometimes eat independently from program staff. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Ulaanbaatar on June 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and July 7th are covered by the student contribution, excluding beverages beyond water (coffee, alcohol, juice, soda, etc.), dessert, more expensive meal options, and personal snacks. Students can clarify meal options with the Program Coordinator at any time. On July 8th transportation from the guesthouse to either the Chinggis Khan International Airport or main railway station in Ulaanbaatar will be available for all students. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” wraps up just before the official national Naadam celebrations and ceremonies that will overtake the capital, which will shut down many services for several days. Although our team will visit a county-level naadam celebration during the field portion of the program, students may wish to view the pomp and ceremony of the national-level events in the capital and at the horse racing grounds some 40km west of the city center. The national Naadam held each summer in Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s largest 16

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook and most spectacular festival, including numerous rounds of the Three Manly Sports (wrestling, archery, and horse racing), traditional dance and music performances, and ceremonies honoring symbols and decorated heroes of the nation. Any student staying on in Mongolia after July 8th will have to make their own arrangements, but CSEN and field school program staff can provide advice and recommendations for making plans to attend the national Naadam after the field school ends.

Sunset in Khentii Province

In The Field

The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” involves living in steppe and khangai (wooded backcountry) environments over the course of 14 days. Fieldwork in rural Mongolia is rewarding but challenging, as plans and conditions can change, for better or for worse, at the drop of a hat. A positive, flexible outlook is essential for all students! Field school students should be in good physical condition and prepared to undertake a variety of physical tasks related to field research and exploration while remaining in good spirits. Our Program Coordinator has worked with international students and volunteers ranging from senior citizens to first-year college students on previous field research and exploration projects in Mongolia; her experience is that a cheerful attitude and a good work ethic are far more valuable than physical prowess or previous experience. CSEN wants everyone involved to have a positive experience this summer; coming physically and emotionally prepared will help make that a reality.

RURAL MONGOLIA

During the majority of the program, students will experience the beauty, challenge, and excitement of the Mongolian countryside in Tuv and Khentii Provinces. Conditions are gorgeous but rugged, as much of Mongolia outside of the capital (and even parts of the capital) lacks basic infrastructure, amenities, and utilities services. Weather even during a Mongolian summer is unpredictable and students should be prepared for the extremes of all four seasons. Please consult the List of Required and Recommended Items, as this list will be the best guide to proper preparation for the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” archaeological field school this summer.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

SLEEPING

Temporary basecamp during archaeological survey

Once the program departs for the field all students and staff will stay in their own tents at the field school basecamp between June 24th and July 6th. Students must bring their own tent, sleeping bag, and/or sleeping pad. It may be possible to procure these items in Ulaanbaatar but time for shopping and selection will be limited. Each student must have these three items in order to join the team in the field on June 24th. Our basecamp will consist of personal tents and a kitchen ger moved several times during the course of the program to facilitate our research and education goals. Students will be expected to help out with basecamp duties – from digging the basecamp pit toilet and washing dishes to helping someone else put up their tent and peeling potatoes – when asked.

CLIMATE

Sudden summer hailstorm in Bayan Gol

Temperature in Mongolia fluctuates rapidly from night to day, even during the height of summer, and our area may experience high winds, rainstorms, and hail. Snow and frost are

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook not unheard of during a cold snap during the height of summer. Mongolia is known as the Land of Blue Sky and Mongolians consider themselves blessed by Eternal Blue Heaven. The brilliant blue sky and glorious cloud formations are as lovely as the sunlight is intense. Mongolia is generally quite arid and in 2015, much of Central Mongolia, including Ar Janchivlan Valley in Tuv Province and western Khentii Province, experienced a drought throughout the month of June. Just because it is summer doesn’t mean that it won’t get very cold, especially at night! CSEN recommends that students bring a sleeping bag should be rated at 32F and use a sleeping pad to insulate against the cold ground. CSEN also strongly urges students to bring enough clothing to deal with all extremes and types of weather, including: at least one set of thermals or long underwear, cold weather hat and gloves, socks of both thin and heavy weight, sweaters or Polar Fleece zip-ups, long pants, a rain slicker or poncho, and other clothes for layering. Layering is the key to dealing with Mongolia’s temperamental weather! In the field while conducting archaeological survey, students are often most comfortable when they wear light-weight clothing that provides a high degree of coverage: long sleeves and pants made of quick-dry, thin canvas, or linen. Such clothing protects again the sun, wind, and insects. Please consult the List of Required and Recommended Items for more details.

EATING AND DRINKING

Fermented mare’s milk and boiled mutton in a Mongolian ger

Our team cook will prepare the majority of our meals in the basecamp kitchen ger, although we will occasionally dine in guanz (roadside diner serving traditional Mongolian meals) or ger camps. The team cook will ask students to pitch in with food prep and washing dishes on a rotating basis, which is a standard practice on field expeditions. Students who wish to purchase additional items during team meals (beverages aside from water, dessert, alcohol, multiple dishes, or more expensive items) or snacks from shops may do so on their own dime. Our basecamp meals will be simple in nature and heavy on mutton, rice, and wheat noodles. Mongolia is very challenging for vegans, strict vegetarians, and those with gluten intolerance. Prospective students with special dietary requirements should consult with us during the application process; please be aware that the program may be

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook unable to accommodate special diets. Students are encouraged to bring some favorite seasonings from home (like A-1 sauce or curry powder) to liven up meals in the field, Tums and multi-vitamins to help adjust to a different diet, and personal snacks of favorite treats. In Mongolian culture sharing food is expected; anything not meant for sharing should be kept hidden and consumed surreptitiously.

A nomadic family sharing their pride and joy with visitors

When visiting the homes and festivals of local herders, our team may be fortunate enough to be offered samples of traditional Mongolian cuisine, such as aruul (sweet hardened cheese curds, seen drying on the roof of the ger in the photo above), suutei tsai (‘milky tea’ – the recipe varies by region and household), uruum (cooked cream spread), and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Our field instructors will educate students on the relevant etiquette and traditions before each visit, but students are expected to politely sample and praise the home-cooking of our generous Mongolian hosts. CSEN requires students to bring a personal water purification system with them from home: a filtration pump, water purification tablets, and at least one sealable container that can hold over 1L of water. Students will be responsible for purifying their personal supply of drinking water while the program is in the field. Water to be purified will be drawn from local rivers and wells, and made available to all students and staff at the project basecamp. The field school will limit the amount of bottled water purchased in order to reduce the amount of waste our team leaves in local communities because CSEN aims to make as little impact on the ecosystem as possible. Field researchers in Mongolia typically consume around 3L of water per day due to the heat and physical exertion; students should plan to purify and store drinking water accordingly. Dehydration is a serious issue and prevention – by drinking plenty of water – is the best medicine. Students may decide to pool their resources, arranging to purchase and share communal water purification systems before their arrival in Mongolia. This equipment is not available for purchase in Mongolia; please plan ahead. The meat in our diet will come primarily from goat and sheep purchased from local herders, which will be slaughtered and butchered at our basecamp by the program cook. These animals are free-range, live all-natural lives and their meat should be appreciated.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Anyone who feels uncomfortable with animal slaughter, butchery, or seeing parts of an animal hanging to dry should reconsider applying to the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” archaeological field school. These activities and sights are a fundamental reality of the mobile pastoral lifeway in modern Mongolia; our team may see these processes at basecamp, during visits to the homes of local herders, or during other program activities. Students on CSEN programs, including the archaeological field school, are expected to keep any negative reactions or opinions to these and other aspects of Mongolian life to themselves in order not to offend or upset our Mongolian staff and hosts. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads is committed to positive, ethical relations with the local communities involved in any of our programs, and as project team members, students will act accordingly.

FACILITIES

Clean is a relative term. Archaeological fieldwork involves getting dirty and being comfortable with few amenities, lower standards of cleanliness, and breaking out of your normal routine. All of this will be especially true for our time in rural Mongolia.

A very dusty horse race near Ar Janchivlan Valley in Tuv Province

There will be almost no indoor plumbing – sit-down toilets, enclosed private bathrooms, showers, or running water – once our team leaves Ulaanbaatar and heads into the field. Facilities in rural Mongolia include: pit toilets with varying degrees of privacy, ‘steppe toilets’ (a convenient spot far from others or at least somewhat screened by vegetation), and occasional outhouses. Our team will dig a squat pit toilet at our basecamp in Ar Janchivlan for our six days at that site. In addition to other personal supplies, students are encouraged to bring soft toilet paper from home and travel-sized containers of hand sanitizer, Handi-wipes, and Kleenex. Those who are overly modest or concerned about cleanliness are encouraged to think hard about the realities of fieldwork and travel in Mongolia. During the field component of the program our team will spend one night in a ger camp for travelers. At that time, students and staff will have the opportunity to take showers. Most ger camps have campground-level bathroom facilities: simple showers and pit toilets in an outbuilding. Hot water is not always available and participants should bring their own toiletries: a swimsuit, sandals, biodegradable and environment-friendly soap, a towel, and other personal hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, moisturizing lotion, chapstick: see the List of Required and Recommended Items) as necessary.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Many international archaeologists and other field researchers in Mongolia keep clean by using Wet Wipes, dry shampoo, talcum powder, facial wipes, and other methods that require little or no water. At several points during the field component of the program our team may have the opportunity to swim or bathe in small rivers, but these will not be daily opportunities. Students should be aware that Mongolia’s electrical voltage (220V), irregular outlet types (C and E are most common), and slipshod power grids may present challenges to charging their electronics. CSEN recommends battery-powered devices and portable solar chargers, as many local herders in the area power their TV sets and charge their cell phones in this way. Once the program moves to the field our team will have limited opportunities to charge electronics. There is neither consistent internet access nor reliable cell phone reception in rural Mongolia at this time. Students can make calls from county seats, but these are several hours away by car and international calling rates apply. Therefore, students should not count on communicating with the outside world while on the project.

Recording a hilltop archaeological feature

Students will need to wear good supportive footwear while in the field to protect their feet, stay warm and dry, and to make pedestrian survey and other field activities easier. Our team may walk up to five miles per day over uneven, hilly, and otherwise challenging terrain while carrying some items (at least 1L of water, personal supplies, field notebook) in a daypack. Field expeditions in rural Mongolia require decent physical condition and include a regular amount of activity, but having a good attitude is much more important than being in good shape. Those with chronic health problems or medical concerns should consult their physician for their own safety and comfort before joining the archaeological field school. As noted elsewhere, the weather is extremely variable in Mongolia but intense sunlight and hot days are the norm during summer time. In a steppe environment there is no natural shade or cover from the sun. Thus, a brimmed hat is required and sunglasses, light- weight, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommended. Long sleeves also help protect again insects, dust, and itchy plants that can crop up during archaeological fieldwork. Students must bring and wear adequate amounts of sunscreen (SPF 30+) in addition to staying hydrated throughout the day. Please bring an adequate personal supply for the field component of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Animals are an important part of nomadic life in rural Mongolia. People with a fear of animals are discouraged from attending, as herd animals and dogs roam free in rural Mongolia and occasionally through basecamp. All students will be respectful and polite when local herders drop by for unannounced visits as good relations with our hosts and neighbors is a key part of the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomad’s philosophy. Our team will have opportunities to engage with these animals several times during the program. These may include dogs visiting from local nomadic family encampments, herds roaming through our basecamp at all hours, horses offered for short rides by herders, and perhaps helping a nomadic family tend their livestock during a home visit. Students are not required to ride or tend livestock, and understand that they undertake these activities at their own risk (see the Release/Assumption of Risk form in the application). If at any time a student feels uncomfortable with a program activity or event, the student should let the field instructors and Mongolian staff know without hesitation so that they can accommodate the request and make other arrangements.

Local dogs hoping for post-meal scraps

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program will be a culturally-immersive experience. Students will engage with every facet of Mongolian life in Ulaanbaatar and the field, which will be facilitated by Mongolian language courses and the direction of program staff. Students should be prepared to enjoy the complex and vibrant institutions, materials, and practices they encounter. These include: steppe hospitality and guest gifts; ovoo worship; narny zuv and correct directions of movement; appropriate seasonal and personal greetings; and many other aspects of Mongolian culture. However, students should come to the field school aware of some things that often bother or confuse non-Mongolians. Common frustrations voiced by those who visit Mongolia for the first time include: the very flexible Mongolian attitudes towards punctuality, planning, and time; different standards of cleanliness, particularly in terms of the communal meals served by nomadic families; the relatively-small number of Mongolians who speak English at a conversational level; poor infrastructure; lack of amenities; the challenges that a traditional nomad’s diet pose to a non-Mongolian’s digestive tract; little

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook value given to privacy, personal space, or private belongings; and the gritty chaos of Ulaanbaatar. Our team will face such challenges and more as we delve into Mongolia’s past through archaeological fieldwork, and students should come prepared to have their worldview expanded and their comfort zone pushed during the course of the program. These cultural differences are an important element of the immersive field school experience and many past volunteers and students have found these “challenges” to be the most interesting, rewarding, and memorable parts of their fieldwork in Mongolia. While the intricacies of modern Mongolian society are beyond the scope of a program handbook, our Program Coordinator can cover many more germane topics via e-mail as students prepare for their time in Mongolia. Once the field school starts, our program staff will facilitate the entire team’s constant interface with Mongolia in its totality, especially the ways in which the realities of travel, learning, and adventure in Mongolia will require students to adapt to a novel cultural milieu. Students should always feel free to ask questions of “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” staff, as instructors will be happy to share their knowledge and experiences on a wide variety of subjects; furthermore, first-time visitors in Mongolia view everything with fresh eyes, and their perspectives and questions can yield very valuable insights and information that the entire team will appreciate. CSEN further encourages students to keep a personal journal during the field school, as this exercise helps highlight the most meaningful and important activities and events of the student’s experience in addition to serving as a permanent record of once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Mongolia.

Waiting for a community event to start in Central Mongolia

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

LIST OF REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED ITEMS

Required Items In the event that a CSEN field program participant does not have the Required Items by the date stipulated below, the participant will have to withdraw from the project and forfeit his/her contribution. This policy is for the safety and well-being of the participant, as it will be an extreme hardship or even impossible to participate in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” archaeological field school without the Required Items. Students should contact the Program Coordinator at [email protected] any questions about what to bring with them before leaving for Mongolia.

With the final and full contribution to CSEN (May 1st) -Proof of medical insurance coverage for duration of project participation that specifically includes Emergency Medical Evacuation -Signed project Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form) -Signed volunteer Code of Conduct

June 21st -Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad ***Students must have these items in order to participate in the field component of the program. Students should bring this equipment from. Any student who does not have a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad by the evening of June 23rd, 2016 will be withdrawn from the program and forfeit all student fees. Please contact the Program Coordinator ([email protected]) with any questions about this requirement well in advance of arrival in Mongolia***

-Water purification system – filter and/or tablets, bottle(s) that hold a combined minimum of 3 liters. This system should treat at least 3L a day. -At least one water bottle or sealable container that can hold at least 1L of water -Flashlight -Close-toed shoes for fieldwork (hiking boots, steel-toed work boots, etc.) -Hat with brim for protection from sun -Rain slicker/poncho with hood -Adequate clothing (see Recommendations below) -Small daypack -Field notebook and writing implements for taking notes during lectures and lessons and for recording data in the field -Any personal medications or prescriptions currently being taken or needed while in the field; it is not possible to fill any prescriptions or get Western-brand medication in Mongolia -Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) -Insect repellant -Additional personal supplies (see Recommendations below)

Recommended Items These recommendations are based on the personal experiences of Western volunteers on previous field expeditions in Mongolia. Many of the items listed below are Required Items for most participants but your individual mileage may vary. Students must employ their own judgment when preparing for their time in Mongolia, as this list is not intended to be exhaustive. CSEN wants all members of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” field school team to have the best possible experience in Mongolia this summer; those who are

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook properly dressed and equipped are more likely to have a better time! Students cannot count on being able to borrow the items listed below from other program participants or necessarily being able to purchase them in Ulaanbaatar.

-Additional field research supplies (all optional): personal GPS unit, clipboard, compass, audio-visual recording equipment, I-pad or tablet

***Please note that everything you bring with you to Mongolia will have to travel with the team into the field in program vehicles. If you choose to bring a laptop, tablet, camera, or any other valuable equipment, it is your responsibility to safely store and maintain that equipment. CSEN, MUST, and the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” are not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings***

CLOTHING: Students should plan to layer their clothing so that they can stay comfortable during the daily fluctuations from hot afternoon sun to bitterly cold midnight, and withstand whipping winds, dust storms, and sudden rain showers. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HOW COLD IT GETS AT NIGHT IN THE MONGOLIAN COUNTRYSIDE. Nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing even after a day of 80F . Please prepare accordingly!

-Full-length canvas or khaki pants for project work (at least 2 pairs) -Long-sleeved shirts, such as oversized men’s dress shirts, in light colors to wear for protection against sun, dirt, and mosquitoes -Short-sleeved shirts and/or tank tops -Shorts -Thermals or long underwear -Hiking socks -Sunglasses -Polar fleece or wool sweaters -Swim suit -Bandanas -Sandals for showering at the guesthouse, relaxing at basecamp, and bathing in the river -Gloves and hat for cold nights

PERSONAL: -Ibuprofen, Advil -Tums, Pepto-Bismol tablets -Band-Aids of all sizes -Neosporin, antiseptic/antibacterial wipes for cuts and scrapes -Personal prescription for Ciprofloxacin or other broad-spectrum antibiotic -Personal soap -Shampoo and conditioner -Pads, tampons -Travel packs of Kleenex -Liquid hand sanitizer -Travel packs of Wet Wipes -Moisturizer -Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

-Chapstick -Towel – a quick-drying travel towel is preferable -Hairbrush or comb -Other toiletries as needed

OTHER: -Immunizations: Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Rabies. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads recommends but does not require any vaccinations or immunizations for participation this summer. Student should consult their healthcare specialist and the CDC for more information (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mongolia) -Secure travel purse or wallet -Camera -MP3 player -Batteries for any electronic devices -Portable solar charger -Travel alarm clock -Utility scissors -Personal journal -ATM card, preferably VISA: you should be able to withdraw Mongolian tugrug from ATM in downtown Ulaanbaatar. It is not possible to purchase Mongolian tugrug in the US at this time. If you choose not to bring an ATM card, bring one or two new, crisp $100 bills to exchange. An old, wrinkled, and/or tattered $100 bill will be rejected by both Mongolian banks and money changers! To be on the safe side, you may wish to bring both $100 bills and an ATM card with you to Mongolia. You may need Mongolian tugrug in case of emergency. Moreover, you may wish to have a small amount of spending cash for personal expenses, souvenirs, and treats not covered by the program (i.e., candy, snacks, drinks, etc. bought in small towns in the countryside, alcohol). You will not be able to change money or reliably use an ATM or credit card outside of Ulaanbaatar -Favorite snacks, especially candy, from home to share -Small gifts to give as a guest present to herding families and their children. Popular gifts to local Mongolian families include: candy, origami, bubbles, stickers, softballs, and Polaroids of the family. Feel free to inquire with the Program Coordinator regarding appropriate options.

Playing baseball at a nomadic family’s encampment

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

PROGRAM READINGS ***Students enrolled in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” will receive a complete program syllabus of required readings, assignment descriptions, and other important information after they have paid their full contribution. The reading list below is suggested to help prospective students gain a preliminary background relevant to the field school. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” does not require any specific coursework, major, or training prior to the program start date and encourages applications from students of all ages and backgrounds***

Recommended Atwood, C.J., 2004. Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. Facts on File Inc., New York.

Baabar, B., 1999. History of Mongolia: From World Power to Soviet Satellite. The White Horse Press, Cambridge.

Barfield, T., 1989. The Perilous Frontier: Nomadic Empires and China. Basil Blackwell, Oxford and Cambridge, MA.

Di Cosmo, N., 2002. Ancient China and its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History. Cambridge University Press.

Di Cosmo, N., 1999. State formation and periodization in Inner Asian history. Journal of World History 10 (1), 1-40.

Frachetti, M., 2008. Pastoralist Landscapes and Social Interaction in Bronze Age Eurasia. University of California Press.

Fijn, N., 2011. Living with Herds: Human-Animal Coexistence in Mongolia. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Fitzhugh, W.W., Bayarsaikhan, J., Marsh, P.K., 2005. The Deer Stone Project: Anthropological Studies in Mongolia 2002-2004. Arctic Studies Center, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of Mongolian History.

Hanks, B., 2010. Archaeology of the Eurasian steppes and Mongolia. Annual Review of Anthropology 39, 469-486.

Honeychurch, W., 2015. Inner Asia and the Spatial Politics of Empire: Archaeology, Mobility, and Culture Contact. Springer, New York.

Honeychurch, W., Amartuvshin, Ch., 2006. “States on Horseback: The Rise of Inner Asian Confederations and Empires”. In: Archaeology of Asia. Blackwell Publishing, MA. pp. 255- 278.

Jacobson-Tepfer, E., 2015. The Hunter, the Stag, and the Mother of Animals: Image, Monument, and Landscape in Ancient North Asia. Oxford University Press.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Waugh, D., 2010. “Nomads and Settlement: New Perspectives in the Archaeology of Mongolia”. Silk Road 8, 97-124. Available free online at: http://www.silkroadfoundation.org/newsletter/vol8/

A standing stone near Baldan Bereeven monastery

CANCELLATION POLICY

Accepted field school applicants must submit the full student contribution minus the $250 deposit ($3,015) in order to be formally enrolled in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads must receive your full contribution by May 1st, 2016. Accepted applicants who do not make a full payment by this date will forfeit their place on the program enrollment list. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program requires that CSEN make numerous advanced payments and deposits for accommodations, program vehicles, and personnel well in advance of the field school start date. Therefore, enrolled students who withdraw from the program on or after May 2nd will forfeit their entire student contribution. Those enrolled students who withdraw on or before May 1st will forfeit their $250 deposit.

Ovoo site with prayer scarves (khadag) in Khentii Province

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

Application check-list (all due by April 1st, 2016): 1) □ Completed Student and Medical Information forms 2) □ Two Short Essays 3) □ Additional Documentation a) □ CV b) □ Two references c) □ Color scan/copy of the first two pages of your passport 4) □ $250 deposit

Participant acceptance check-list (all must be received on or before May 1st, 2016) 1) □ Proof of Emergency Medical Evacuation health insurance coverage 2) □ Code of Ethics and Conduct – signed 3) □ Waiver – signed 4) □ Remaining student contribution ($3,015)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Fill out the forms, write the essays, and prepare all the documents described in the application check-list above. The complete instructions for this step may be found below

2) Clearly label all of your documents with your FULL NAME. You may submit forms in Word or PDF format. E-mail the entire application packet (minus your deposit) to the Program Coordinator ([email protected]) and to the CSEN Executive Director ([email protected])

3) Mail your $250 deposit to: Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads c/o Jeannine Davis-Kimball, PhD 2158 Palomar Ave Ventura, CA 93001

Make the check to: “CSEN” and write: “Field school deposit” in the Subject/Detail line. Please put your full name somewhere on the check or in a note along with the deposit. This deposit holds your place in the queue of “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” applicants and will be used towards your total student contribution.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

In the event that your application is rejected, CSEN will refund your deposit. The CSEN program cancellation policy outlines the financial repercussions of withdrawing from the program after you have enrolled; please consult this section of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” handbook, or the Program Coordinator, for more information.

***If you would prefer to pay your deposit via Pay Pal, please let us know. Additional charges will apply that cannot be refunded in the event of program cancellation or the rejection of an application***

“Central Mongolian Nomads Project” will accept applications until April 1st, 2016. We encourage you to apply early before all available slots fill up. You should expect to hear a decision regarding your application approximately two weeks after all of your application materials and $250 deposit have been received.

ACCEPTANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Once you have been accepted as a student on the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program, please follow these steps so that the necessary materials are received by May 1st, 2016:

1) Submit a scan or copy of your health insurance coverage that explicitly includes Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage (i.e., Proof of Medical and Evacuation Insurance) via e-mail ([email protected] ; [email protected]) or mail to the mailing address to which you sent your $250 deposit listed above. 2) Sign and submit the Program Waiver and Code of Ethics and Conduct forms via e-mail ([email protected] ; [email protected]) or mail to the mailing address to which you sent your $250 deposit listed above. 3) Mail the remaining $3,015 of your participant contribution to the CSEN Executive Director at the address listed above

***Students who do not submit all required documentation by May 1st, 2016, will be automatically withdrawn from the field school and forfeit their student contribution***

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please contact the Program Coordinator at [email protected] if you have any questions about the process described above.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

1. Student Information

First name:

Middle name:

Last name:

Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY):

Citizenship:

Current address:

City:

State/Province:

Country:

Zip/Postal code:

Mailing address if different from above:

Home phone:

Work phone:

Mobile:

E-mail address:

Social Security Number:

Gender:

Height:

T-shirt size:

Passport number:

Type:

Expiration date:

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

Employer or school:

Address of employer/school:

Emergency contact

Name:

Relationship:

E-mail:

Telephone:

Address:

Contact number for employer/school:

If retired, former employer’s contact information:

How did you hear about the archaeological field school?

2. Medical Information Medical treatment will not be equal to the norm in the US or other Western countries. The remote nature of program activities means that students cannot expect quick or easy access to medical care. Please be sure to list all special medical conditions you may have. You must bring any prescription or over the counter medications that you require for the full extent of your time in Mongolia. All students must have Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage for the entirety of the archaeological field school. See the Waiver (Release/Assumption of Risk form) for more details. a) List any medical condition that you have or have had in the past five years, including hospitalizations and medical procedures (with their dates).

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook b) Participant health information

-Blood type:

-Date of last physical examination:

-Do you wear corrective or contact lenses?

-Loss of consciousness [please explain the circumstances and give date(s)]:

-Special diet or foods*:

-Other health concerns, such as a bad back, trick knee, etc. (please describe in detail):

-Any other pertinent medical or health-related information:

-Current type of health insurance coverage**:

c) Check and describe any that are applicable

-Diabetes:

-Epilepsy:

-Allergies (please list):

*Please note that special diets may not be accommodated throughout the program, as our program cook will have limited equipment, facilities, and foodstuffs from which to prepare our meals. Those with food allergies or severely restricted diets should consult with the Program Coordinator during the application process.

**By the time you arrive in Mongolia, you must have insurance coverage that explicitly includes Emergency Medical Evacuation for the duration of your participation in the program. Students who do not present proof of their insurance coverage by May 1st, 2016, will have to withdraw from the field school and forfeit all student fees. This will be for your own safety and well-being, and CSEN and MUST will not willingly or knowingly allow students to put themselves in jeopardy.

You may attach additional pages as needed to complete the information requested in the first two sections.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

3. Short Essays Instructions: Each essay should be no more than two pages, double-spaced in length. You may type your essays into this form or attach them as a separate Word or PDF document. Please clearly label each essay a) or b). a) Special Interests: Describe your particular interest in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project”, and what experience(s) you have had that might be helpful in terms of your participation in the program. Please list all pertinent educational or personal background. b) Previous Travel: Briefly describe any previous foreign travel experiences, including which countries you have visited and when, and what you did while abroad.

4. Attached Documents a) CV b) Two references with professional title, occupation and place of employment, telephone, mailing address, and e-mail information listed. These should be from current or former teachers, employers, academic advisors, instructors, supervisors, and other people who know you in a professional, academic, or volunteer/philanthropic capacity. Family and friends cannot provide references. c) A color copy of the first two pages of your passport, which may be in jpg, jpeg, or PDF format.

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

WAIVER

Release and Assumption of Risk

For and in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the joint Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads’ (CSEN) and Mongolian University of Science & Technology’s (MUST) “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” archaeological field school in Mongolia in 2016, I release Jeannine Davis-Kimball, Emma Hite, the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads and any of its associated staff, Lhavgasurengiin Erdenebold, Chuluunkhuugiin Vanchigdash, the Mongolian University of Science & Technology and any of its associated staff, and all archaeological field school staff not explicitly named herein from any and all liability for property damage, personal injury, or expenses incurred as a result of injury, illness, or accident that I may experience in the course of this program. I understand that there are many dangers and risks in participating in this program, both because of physical and economic conditions in Mongolia and because of the realities of archaeological fieldwork generally. These include but are not limited to health risks (rabies, Hepatitis, Giardia), dangers in the environment, extreme weather conditions (flooding, storms, low or high temperatures), injury from other participants (accidental or intentional), injury during the course of fieldwork (all activities associated with pedestrian survey, site exploration, and life at basecamp), injury during normal activities in rural Mongolia (horse-back riding, wrestling, hiking, swimming, interacting with herd animals and guard dogs, interacting with wildlife), inaccessibility to medical care, political unrest, food and water safety, and vehicular accidents. I do not expect the program leaders to protect me from such risks and dangers and I accept full responsibility myself for any and all injury, damage, and associated costs and expenses that may result to me from my participation in the joint CSEN-MUST archaeological field school.

Date

Student signature

Print student name

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads’ “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program Code of Conduct and Ethics is designed to optimize your experience in the field by preventing any misunderstandings up front and outlining the Program’s expectations for its Students. The Code serves the Program’s broader goal of ethical interactions and productive collaboration with our Mongolian colleagues and hosts.

The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” Program is led by senior staff members, Professor Lhavgasurengiin Erdenebold (Program Director), Ms. Emma Hite (Program Coordinator), and Mr. Chuluunkhuugiin Vanchigdash (Field Instructor) (hereafter Senior Staff). All Students must read and sign the Code of Conduct and submit it with his/her application.

In the event a Student withdraws or is expelled from the Program because of violating the Code of Conduct, the Student will forfeit his/her contribution and, moreover, will be responsible for any and all associated expenses, including, but not limited, to local and international transportation costs.

The Student must read through the entire Code of Ethics and Conduct, then sign, date, and print name to indicate that acceptance. A copy of the signed document must be sent via email or mail to CSEN and via email to the Program Coordinator.

I,______(Print Name)

HEREAFTER THE STUDENT, do agree to abide by the following Code of Ethics and Conduct.

I. Ethics

A. Required documentation: Each Student will provide all documents required by the Program. This list can be found in the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” Handbook. In the event that the Student fails to submit all required documents, the Student will be withdrawn from the program.

B. Zero-tolerance policies: 1. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads has a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal substances, objects, and activities. These include but are not limited to: participation in the trade of undocumented antiquities, use or transportation of illegal narcotics, weapons, or remains of endangered species, and involvement in any aspect of the sex trade. The Student will refrain from collecting or transporting any materials of historical or cultural significance away from archaeological, religious, and historical sites. The Student agrees to follow all official laws and regulations of the nation of Mongolia while participating in the project. More details of these laws and regulations can be found at the Embassy of Mongolia to the United States (http://mongolianembassy.us/) and the US Embassy in Mongolia (http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/service.html).

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

2. The Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads has a zero-tolerance policy regarding violent behavior. Any Student who engages in violent behavior will be severely reprimanded and, depending on the severity of the behavior and the judgment of Senior Staff, may be required to withdraw immediately from the program.

3. Violation of the any zero-tolerance policy may require the offending party to withdraw from the program.

C. Liability and Health Concerns: 1. As per the project Waiver/Assumption of Risk agreement, CSEN, MUST, and Program Staff are not liable for any accidents or illnesses that befall the Participant during the project. The Student will be responsible for any and all expenses associated with any illness or injury.

2. Because of the paucity of medical care facilities in the field, the Student must immediately inform the Senior Staff of any health issues or injuries. The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program is not equipped with a medic but will stock some first-aid supplies. The Student should bring a personal first-aid supply.

3. The lack of proper medical care and facilities within the program area necessitate that the Student immediately inform the Senior Staff of any health issues or concerns. Staff of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program will do their best to stabilize the Participant for his/her transportation back to Ulaanbaatar, where better medical care is available. However, the Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads, the Mongolian University of Science & Technology, and staff of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program are not liable for any accidents or illnesses that befall the Student during the field school. Any costs or expenses associated with a student, including the Student, falling ill, getting injured, or having an accident during the course of their participation in the field school will be his/her sole individual responsibility. The Student has read, understood, and signed the Waiver/Release and Assumption of Risk form, which contains more information on this point.

II. Conduct

A. “No Whining” Clause: The Student will not complain about personal discomfort, lack of amenities, meals, and other issues that do not pose a threat to the Student’s safety or well-being. Whining negatively impacts the learning environment and team’s morale, and will not be tolerated. The Student must maintain a positive attitude, a flexible approach, and a good work ethic to the best of his/her abilities. The Student also acknowledges that travel and archaeological field work are stressful undertakings and that unpredictable conditions in rural Mongolia can exacerbate such stressors. The Student at all times will comport him/herself in a friendly, polite manner towards the staff and other

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook students of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” team as well as toward members of the local community.

B. Harassment and Discrimination: The “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program is safe-space and a harassment- free field expedition. Acknowledging that there are cultural differences between Mongolia and other countries, harassment or discriminatory actions will not be permitted. Serious or serial offenders may be expelled from the Program. CSEN and the Senior Staff are sympathetic to the stresses associated with travel and fieldwork in Mongolia. However, hostile, disruptive, or negative behavior or speech will not be tolerated.

C. Conflict Resolution: The Student agrees to resolve any and all conflicts in a productive and reasonable manner. The Student is entitled to make a discrete, concrete request of the program staff in order to improve his/her experience. The Student should consult with the Program Coordinator or request private time if feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

D. Items Required for Participation in Program: 1. The Student acknowledges that he/she is responsible for bringing all items on the required items on the list to Mongolia. These items are essential for the Student’s health and well-being as well as ability to participate in the program. If the Student has any question regarding these items he/she should discuss this, via email, with the Senior Staff before arriving in Mongolia. The Participant should also consider the advisability of bringing Recommended Items and act accordingly.

2. The Student understands that should he/she fail to have any of the Required Items at the start of the Program, on the morning of June 21st, 2016, he/she will be required to withdraw from the program and forfeit his/her entire Student contribution unless he/she has received prior approval from the Senior Staff in writing. The Student also acknowledges that the Required Items list may not be exhaustive and that it is his/her responsibility to come to Mongolia properly prepared for travel and learning in the field.

E. Learning The aim of the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” is for students to learn archaeological methods and theories through classroom (lectures, seminars, and Mongolian language classes) and hands-on activities (archaeological fieldwork, laboratory practica, and visits to significant historical sites). Attaining this aim requires the Student to take responsibility for his/her part in the learning process. The Student agrees to follow all instructions from “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” program staff and instructors. The Student will approach all learning activities in the classroom, laboratory, and field prepared practically and intellectually for these tasks. The Student will complete any and all required preparatory readings, homework, or other assignments on time to the best of his/her abilities, and will clarify any points of confusion with program staff and instructors when such assignments are given. The Student is entitled to

Central Mongolian Nomads Project 2016 Field School Handbook

constructive feedback on his/her assignments, although the Program grants neither formal grades nor academic credit.

Agreement to Code of Ethic and Conduct

I, the above-named Student, have read the Code of Ethics and Conduct for the “Central Mongolian Nomads Project” Program in its entirety. I understand its contents and hereby agree to abide by the Code while in Mongolia. I understand and agree that any violation of the Code is grounds for reprimand or possibly expulsion from the Program. I have addressed any questions I may have about the Code to a member of the Senior Staff to clarify any point I do not understand before signing this agreement. I, therefore, attest that I fully understand and will by abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct while in Mongolia.

Student’s Signature Date

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