Emerald Fields Lost to Field Experience

With the departure of anthropology professor Kelli Costa, the anthropology department is making new plans for their biannual Field Experience in Anthropology trip. According to anthropology professor Debra Picchi, Franklin Pierce has specialized in experiential learning since the 1960's. Students in the anthropology department are encouraged to go out in the world and experience the cultures they learn about in the classroom. Each teacher specializes in a different culture, and Debra specializes in Brazil and Mexico. "We try to have a variety of culture areas," said Picchi.

The anthropology department has gone to Ireland for their trip for over 4 years. "Experiential learning is an important part of the program," said Picchi. The trip, organized by Dr. Costa, took the students across Ireland to experience its culture and points of interest. For 10-12 days they went across the country led by Costa, who specializes in Ireland. The students did not have to be anthropology majors to go, but are encouraged to go if they are.

Jessica Guertin, who went this year as a teacher's assistant, was very pleased with her experience on both of her trips to Ireland. "The days were full, and they were rich. I would hands-down go again, if I could afford it!" said Guertin. According to Guertin, they visited megaliths and cairns, as well as cities like Dublin, Donegal, and many others. She met many people, and got to learn many things through the stories they told. She felt that this year's trip was better than the first, and says that, "Kelli Costa really knows how to put a trip together. I seriously can't say enough good about that trip."

Sharon MacCartney, Administrative Assistant in the Behavioral Sciences, went on the trip to Ireland in 2003. She also enjoyed the trip and the wealth of information that Jessica Guertin and Dr. Costa provided. "I knew it would be a wonderful experience to go with Dr. Costa," said MacCartney. MacCartney especially liked the their stay in a castle, and believes that the trip gave her "a broader perception of culture."

Since Dr. Costa is no longer employed here at Franklin Pierce University, the anthropology department needs to come up with a new location for students to visit. Picchi wants to recommend Mexico as a location as the students have already used it in their virtual reality fieldwork. Picchi and Bob Goodby, the only other anthropology professor right now, will make a proposal to the division at some point this year.

The anthropology department is also looking for another professor to take Dr. Costa's place. They have begun their search and are looking for a professor who specializes in another culture. "We would love to have an expert in the Middle East or Asia," said Picchi.

According to Guertin, Kelli Costa is actually writing a book on the tourism in Ireland called Coachfellas. It should be published soon and Guertin believes that she will include their class trips to Ireland in it. "It was an amazing cultural experience both times, and the amount it enriched my education is undeniable."