Anthropology was first envisioned as a holistic discipline, combining insights from the study of human anatomy and evolution, research on material remains of human settlements, and the analysis of social interaction in language and other cultural practices. Following this tradition, this course explores the questions about where humans came from, how societies live and communicate, and why human cultural groups vary.
[IAI Code: S1901N] Presents the fundamental areas of anthropological analysis through a series of comparative cases that emphasize social and cultural relations in global contexts. Directs attention to the anthropological history of global empires and colonial states, their cultural exchanges, and contemporary studies of culture, society, and globalization.
Introduces you to language-in-use from the perspective of linguistic anthropology. We explore how the language(s) people use creates a specific "worldview" or cultural "common sense" and how this creates and maintains distinct concepts of self, society and culture. We will examine critically the ways in which differences in language and communication work in the USA in relation to power and politics, the media, gender, ethnicity/race, age, class, and identity, with comparisons to other cultures. During the semester you will encounter new information about language structure and use, and learn methods of investigation and analysis used in contemporary linguistic anthropology. Same as LING 104.
Explores recent theoretical, methodological, and thematic developments in historical archaeology in North America and the Caribbean. The temporal coverage is 1500-1900 AD. Examines how historical archaeologists use artifactual, documentary and oral history evidence in interpreting the past, and how historical archaeology can contribute to our understanding of the ways by which material culture can be used to study race, class, gender, and ethnic identities. Same as AFRO 106.
Scientists are often taught that the skills they need are confined to conducting research in the lab, the field, or the observatory. Yet science is also a human endeavor. If scientists are not taught this lesson, mistakes can be made that have real implications for people's lives, for scientific progress, and for who gets to be a scientist. Therefore this course will introduce 1) a brief history of Western and non-Western science, 2) the influences of social categories and oppressions on scientific advancement, 3) the incentive and reward structure of science, and 4) stories of scientists who have chosen to walk a brave path in the way they conduct and disseminate their research. We will engage in a mix of ethnographic and case study work and bring interpretive and systematic analysis to bear on what it means to be a scientist. The ultimate goal of the course is to provide a substantive, rigorous, and broad introduction to the culture of science, and how that culture affects the people of science, its practice, and its process.
Emphasizes questions of how we can move toward a more sustainable future by focusing on two key realms of human relations with non-human animals: as food, and as “friend,” or pets/companion animals. A third category, of animals as “fauna” or avatars of the wild will be touched on briefly. Anchored in humanistic social science, this course also exposes students to the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary thinking and research, and provides an opportunity for active experiential learning and public engagement Prerequisite: This course is intended for first and second year students.
Cross-cultural introduction to the celebration of death across time and space. Examines the anthropological and archaeological literature on death, particularly in terms of death ritual and burial practices. Students study popular films on death in different cultures.
Latin America considered as a theater of conflict and cultural experimentation among Native American, African, and Iberian peoples; their survival and transformation as reported in selected ethnographies and eyewitness sources; and some modern theories and controversies about their experience.
Explores the archaeology of South Asia from the earliest occupations of the subcontinent to the present. South Asia is home to one of the first urbanized societies, over 40 World Heritage sites, and some of the 21st century's largest megacities. We will critically examine how these diverse archaeological resources have been investigated by different communities through time and how this has informed modern understandings of cultural, national, religious, regional and gender identities.
Same as AFST 222, PS 242, and SOC 222. See AFST 222.
Introduction to the anthropological study of contemporary human societies; emphasis on the comparative study of social organization, interpersonal relations, cultural ecology, and processes of sociocultural change, but also includes some consideration of the method and theory of ethnographic field research.
[IAI Code: S1902] Past and present evolution of the human species and population and individual biological variation; topics include genetic principles relevant to human evolution, primate phylogeny and behavior, fossil evidence for human evolution, and the origin and significance of biological diversity in modern humans.
Examines the social organization, mating patterns, and group structure of free-ranging chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Presents historical perspective focusing on misconceptions that have colored our understanding of ape social behavior; addresses questions concerned with learning potential, food sharing, social cooperation, aggressive behavior, self-awareness, and the appropriateness of the apes as models for understanding human behavior. Prerequisite: ANTH 102, ANTH 143, or an equivalent course in animal behavior; or consent of instructor.
History and theory underlying methods used in forensic science. Topics include the courtroom, the units of a crime laboratory, methods of securing and investigating a crime scene, and the analysis of evidence collected from a crime scene such as blood, fibers, hair, DNA, and fingerprints.
Forensic science is the application of science to the law and encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines. This course introduces students to general laboratory practice, molecular biology and DNA analysis skill that are commonly used by forensic DNA scientists. Students will learn using a “hands-on” and interactive approach with many of the same tools used by professional forensic DNA scientists. Prerequisite: ANTH 246.
Examines the intersections of culture and language. Topics include the definition of language; the cultural shaping of discourse and narrative; how different linguistic systems guide speakers to think differently about the world; and how ideologies about language relate to beliefs about the nation, modernity, race, and gender. Prerequisite: Gen Ed. Composition 1.
Same as GLBL 272, SAME 272, and TURK 270. See TURK 270.
Examination of how climate change impacts society. With the increasing need to understand how climate changes and society intersect at present, it is becoming important that we address critical questions about how lessons from the past inform present needs. Case studies from around the world are discussed.
Comprehensive knowledge of the human skeleton is central to reconstructing the anatomy, demography, health and evolution of past populations because most of our evidence is derived from preserved skeletal and dental remains. The primary goal of this course is the identification of isolated and fragmentary skeletal remains given that this is a prerequisite to all subsequent analysis. In addition to identifying the bones and landmarks of the human skeleton, students will learn about the structure and function of bone, understand the growth and development of the human skeleton and be introduced to analytical techniques used in human osteology including paleopathology, paleodemography and forensics. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or ANTH 240.
The relationship between language and gender is complex, contentious, and often misunderstood. In this course, we explore the many connections between language and gender. Topics include what gender is and how it is socially and linguistically constituted; real and perceived differences — grammatical, phonological, conversational — in how men and women speak; how the ways we talk about gender shape the ways we think about gender; and how all of these things vary cross-culturally and cross-linguistically. Prerequisite: ANTH 104 or ANTH 270 is strongly recommended.
Study of the lure and rejection of the U.S. around the world, by drawing on long-standing anthropological approaches to the histories of peoplehood, selfhood, and otherness. Examines the historical, political, cultural, economic, and social context of both anti- and pro-Americanism, in various parts of the globe. Prerequisite: Any previous course in cultural anthropology.
Advanced topics in language and culture. May be repeated in separate terms. Prerequisite: ANTH 104, ANTH 270, or consent of instructor.
An anthropological approach is used to explore human health by integrating perspectives from biological and medical anthropology, as well as human biology. By the end of the course, students will be able to conceptualize health holistically, encompassing wellness and well-being. They will learn how to define, measure, and incorporate embodiment theory using genetic, epigenetic, and human biological methods. Students will also gain a strong understanding of the biological mechanisms through which environmental factors influence health outcomes and contribute to health disparities. Prerequisite: ANTH 230 strongly recommended, or consent of instructor.
This course takes an anthropological perspective to challenge "common-sense" notions about crime. We will compare ideas about and representations of lawbreaking, criminality, danger, policing, and violence in different parts of the world, considering how they diverge from, and yet also overlap with, each other. Our goal is to find new ways to understand both how something becomes "crime" and also how it then quickly becomes sensationalized, stereotyped and simplified as it enters public debate.
Supervised reading and research on anthropological topics chosen by the student with staff approval. Especially (but not exclusively) for students who are preparing for a summer field-work project, or who have some justifiable reason for doing independent study, but who do not qualify for the honors (departmental distinction) courses. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; 12 hours in anthropology; consent of instructor. May not be taken concurrently with ANTH 391 or ANTH 495.
Exploration of qualitative forms of research used by sociocultural anthropologists when conducting field research. Emphasis is on formulating research questions, research design, and application of these ethnographic methods to a substantial research project. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.
Cultural heritage encompasses major domains of social, economic, political, religious and environmental practice and policy-making under today's conditions of globalization. Students will critically examine cultural heritage case studies from around the world. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.
Narratives serve a central function in human life: at the most fundamental level, they enable us to make sense of a complex and chaotic world, but we also use narratives strategically to persuade, manipulate, create social bonds and social divisions, establish authority and deny responsibility. Narratives may be a human universal, but the rules of narrativity are intensely culturally specific. This course explores what narratives are and how they work, and considers a range of analytical techniques for studying them.
Supervised participation in biological anthropology research projects; techniques, methods, and procedures discussed and practiced under actual field or laboratory working conditions. Normally taken concurrently with ANTH 445. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Usually offered in the summer session only. Prerequisite: ANTH 240 or equivalent; consent of instructor.
Analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and organization of field and laboratory data in biological anthropology; preparation of written reports on research. May be taken concurrently with ANTH 444 or subsequently. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Usually offered in the summer session only. Prerequisite: ANTH 240 or equivalent; consent of instructor.
Human skeletal and dental remains form the basis for research in both bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. We will examine the bases for making inferences about individual skeletons and past populations, with particular emphasis placed on paleodemography, reconstruction of diet, paleopathology, and biological distance analysis. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 347.
The study of cultural development in Africa from the appearance of hominids to the time of European domination. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or consent of instructor.
Zooarchaeology is the study of the many ways that animals fit into past human societies—including diet, economy, and ideology—through the analysis of animal remains (bones, teeth, and shell) recovered from archaeological sites. Given the broad range of ways that animals were involved in past human life, and the ubiquity of faunal remains in the archaeological record, faunal analysis is a method suitable for addressing many kinds of archaeological and anthropological research questions. This course will provide students with a practical working knowledge of basic laboratory identification and quantification techniques, and provide a framework for the interpretation of archaeological faunal assemblages. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or graduate standing in Anthropology.
Familiarization with methods used in the location and recording of archaeological sites, including techniques of mapping especially adapted to the needs of archaeology; attention given to means of presenting results and interpreting data derived from this work; and work both in the field and in the laboratory. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or consent of instructor.
Participation in archaeological excavations; techniques, methods, and procedures discussed and practiced under actual working conditions. Normally taken concurrently with ANTH 455. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in separate terms if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Laboratory work including processing, classifying, dating, interpretation, evaluation, and preparation of written reports of archaeological research. May be taken concurrently with ANTH 454 or subsequently. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in separate semesters, if topics vary. Prerequisite: ANTH 102 or consent of instructor.
Examines the prominent theories in archaeology from its inception to the present day and does so within the context of general developments in anthropological thought. Provides a foundation for graduate students and a capstone for major emphasizing archaeology. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: For undergraduates: ANTH 220; anthropology major with focus on archaeology; senior standing or consent of the instructor. For graduate students: enrollment in ANTH 430 during the same term advised.
A foundational introduction to museology consisting of a critical examination of the history and social life of museums and how museums have been studied by scholars in a range of academic disciplines. Includes visits to campus and local museums. Same as ARTH 462 and LA 472. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours.
Culture and social organization in traditional African societies with emphasis on the politics, kinship, and religion of a small sample of societies illustrating the main cultural variations found in sub-Saharan Africa; some discussion of ecological factors and ethnic group relations in precolonial times. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 230 or consent of instructor.
This bioanthropology research seminar is focused on interdisciplinary projects for undergraduate and graduate students. Students will create individualized projects related to biological anthropology, primatology, ecology, microbe-host interactions, evolution, endocrinology, ontogeny or closely-related areas. Additional emphasis will be placed on developing presentation skills and scientific paper writing. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in separate terms. Prerequisite: ANTH 240, ANTH 243 or ANTH 443 strongly recommended; permission of instructor.
The second of a two-term individual study and research project for those students who are candidates for departmental distinction in anthropology. 2 to 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: Senior standing; 3.25 GPA in anthropology; and consent of instructor. May not be taken concurrently with ANTH 390.
Supervised participation in field research in ethnography, ethnology, linguistics, or social anthropology; techniques, methods, and procedures discussed and practiced under actual working conditions. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Usually offered in the summer session only. Prerequisite: ANTH 230; some knowledge of the language of the area concerned; consent of instructor. Normally taken concurrently with ANTH 497.
Analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and organization of field data in cultural anthropology; preparation of written reports on research in ethnography, ethnology, linguistics, or social anthropology. May be taken concurrently with ANTH 496 or subsequently. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: ANTH 230; some knowledge of the language of the area concerned; consent of instructor.
Research seminar on specialized topics in anthropology. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Course examines the history of colonialism and post-colonialism in anthropological perspective. The relations of history and anthropology are explored through ethnographic studies that problematize historical memory. Theoretical works about colonized people will be debated and discussed. Same as HIST 519. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
This seminar guides graduate students in designing a doctoral research project and writing a grant proposal. Focus is on developing a cogent theoretical framework, articulating significance of the project, identifying appropriate research methods, and considering ethical issues. Seminar format allows regular feedback from peers to clarify and hone ideas. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in anthropology or consent of instructor.
Analysis of selected topics of special interest in anthropology. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours in the same or subsequent semesters.
Same as AAS 561, AFRO 531, GWS 561, and LLS 561. See AAS 561.
Individual guidance in intensive readings in the literature of one or more subdivisions of the field of anthropology, selected in consultation with the adviser in accordance with the needs and interest of the student. May be repeated in the same or separate semesters as topics vary. Prerequisite: One semester of graduate work in anthropology; consent of advisor.
Supervised individual investigation or study of a topic not covered by regular courses. The topic selected by the student and the proposed plan of study are approved by the adviser and the staff member who supervises the work. May be repeated in the same term up to 8 G hours if topics vary or in separate terms up to 16 G hours if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.