Courses

Digging into the Past

All Dates and Tuition
Modality
Online
Identification Level
Quantitative - CTY-Level
or Verbal - CTY-Level
Tuition
$464

About the Course

In this interactive course, we’ll step into the shoes of real archaeologists to uncover facts about the past through artifacts, historical records, and scientific data. You will develop critical thinking and data analysis skills as we investigate how archaeologists find and excavate sites, identify and date artifacts, and work with historians and scientists to interpret their findings. Through engaging activities like a simulated excavation of a historic site, artifact dating challenges, and designing a museum exhibit, we will explore the ethical questions and collaborative nature of archaeology. Whether solving mysteries in ancient tombs or debating what should go on display in a museum, you’ll sharpen your analytical skills and imagination while building a deeper understanding of how we piece together human history.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze the stages of the archaeological process and their purposes
  • Classify archaeological findings based on their location within a grid or stratigraphic context
  • Synthesize historical and geological data to infer the chronological context of artifacts
  • Explain the difference between absolute and relative dating methods
  • Interpret an artifact using information and data
  • Design a museum exhibit that effectively communicates archaeological findings to a public audience

About Mini courses

Taught over 1-3 sessions, these short survey courses are designed to give students the opportunity to sample a topic, engage with a community of advanced learners, and take a course that suits their busy schedule.

Requirements

CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.

Identification Details
Grade 4–5
Identification Level
Quantitative - CTY-Level
or Verbal - CTY-Level
Coursework Prerequisites None

Dates and Tuition

All CTY courses require you to create an account and confirm Identification Level before enrolling can be completed.

Online

Fall A 2026
Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
$464

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Days:

Days: Every Wed for 3 weeks

Times:

Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)

Register by:

Register by: August 11, 2026

Time Commitment:

Time Commitment:

Important Information

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].

Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.

Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.

Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details: https://help.cty.jhu.edu/support/solutions/articles/43000543074
Fall B 2026
Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026
$464

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Days:

Days: Every Thu for 3 weeks

Times:

Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)

Register by:

Register by: September 15, 2026

Time Commitment:

Time Commitment:

Important Information

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].

Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.

Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.

Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details: https://help.cty.jhu.edu/support/solutions/articles/43000543074

Registration Fee and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.

Learn more about Financial Aid
Join Fee $55

If you are not a member of CTY yet, you are required to join before enrolling in a course.

Join CTY
In-Person registration fee $75

Non-refundable fee for in-person courses.

Online Registration Fee $15-$20

Non-refundable fee for online courses.

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