Courses

AN 101.    INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY    4
 An overview of the foundational concepts, theories and methods of social of social and cultural anthropology. Students learn about central anthropological topics, such as kinship, gender, class, race, environment, ritual and religion, ethnicity, economy, and politics, and gain understanding and appreciation for cultural differences.   (Fulfills social sciences requirement.)  The Department

AN 101W.    HONORS: INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY    4
An opportunity for highly motivated students with strong verbal skills to learn the basic concepts and problems of sociocultural anthropology as well as the opportunity to develop and improve writing skills. The culture concept is explored as a central theoretical and empirical concern. Students learn about cultural diversity as well as recurrent patterns of cultural adaptation. The honors section of AN101 provides a smaller class size, a discussion-based format, and explicit attention to social science writing. Students write and revise essays and respond to one another's work in workshops and peer review sessions. Students take a general writing placement exam the first day of class to assist the instructor in assessing whether they have been placed at the proper expository writing level. The course fulfills part of the foundation requirement for anthropology majors and minors and is most appropriate for first-year students and sophomores. (Meets expository writing requirement for students who placed at EN105 level or who have completed EN103; fulfills social sciences requirement.)    M. Ennis-McMillan

AN 102.    ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE HUMAN PAST    4
An introduction to the biological and cultural evolution of humans. In learning about evolutionary theory and process, students come to understand concepts of time and space as critical factors in our ability to reconstruct the human past. Students engage a variety of biological and archaeological data in laboratory sessions to clarify how this reconstruction occurs. (Fulfills social sciences requirement.)    S. Bender

AN 201.    INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH    2
An introduction to the basic lab methods and theory involved in organizing, describing, and analyzing archaeological data. Course work is project based, involves analysis of primary data, and results in generating answers to central research questions about these data. Prerequisite: AN102.    S. Bender

AN 202.    INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS    4
An introduction to the process of locating, identifying, and excavating archaeological sites. The focus of class activity is actual participation in an archaeological excavation and related activities. Prerequisite: AN102. Summer only.    S. Bender

AN 205.    MESOAMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY    3
A survey of the culture history of Mesoamerica, including primarily the states of Mexico and Guatemala. Inquiry focuses on the origin of New World agriculture as well as the development of highland Mexican and Aztec and lowland Mayan civilizations. The course considers the interpretation of the archaeological remains at major Mesoamerican site complexes. (Designated a non-Western culture course; fulfills social sciences requirement.)    S. Bender

AN 207.    NORTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY    3
An introduction to the historical depth and variety of cultures that characterize human settlement in North America prior to Columbus' "discovery" of it. An explicitly ecological framework is applied to an analysis of the development of regionally diverse cultures. Contemporary issues involved with the interpretation of Native traditions through archeology are also considered. An explicitly comparative framework developed through the course enables students to arrive at a number of seminal cross-regional generalizations. (Fulfils social sciences requirement; designated a non-Western culture course).    S. Bender

AN 227.    SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA FROM A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE    3
A survey of Africa south of the Sahara Desert from a cultural perspective. Students learn about the cultural diversity, historical depth, and global interconnections of sub-Saharan Africa, and examine topics of importance to understanding present and past realities in Africa. Topics include notions of time, space, and person, ethnicity, ritual and religion, art, history, and governance. Prerequisite: AN101. (Designated a non-Western culture course.)     S. Silva

AN 229.    MEXICAN CULTURES    3
A survey of the peoples and cultures of Mexico. The course examines the changes in Mexican cultures in relation to European conquest and colonization, national independence, the Revolution, and relations with the United States. Topics include social movements of principal indigenous groups (such as Nahuatl, Maya, and Zapotecs), contemporary regional politics, environmental change, and the ongoing construction of Mexican identities. Prerequisite: AN101 or 205 or 244, or permission of instructor. (Designated a Cultural Diversity course.)    The Department

AN 231.    ANTHROPOLOGY OF FOOD    3
Examines the relationships between food, the self and society both in the United States and throughout the globe. If eating is the act of taking the world into our own bodies, how does this affect how we view the world? Are we what we eat or what we do not eat? Is every bite we take a vote for a certain world? Drawing on cultural roles of foods in societies throughout the world, students consider these questions by looking at anthropological approaches to consumption, identity, political economy, the body, and food. Students investigate controversies such as globalization, the environment, genetically modified foods, vegetarianism/veganism, the "obesity crisis," and disordered consumption.   R. Kenji Tierney

AN 242.    NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS    3
A survey of indigenous peoples and cultures of North America. The course examines the history of contact between Indian and non-Indian populations; the development of United States federal Indian policies; and the contemporary social problems related to the reservation system and urban migration. (Designated a non-Western culture course.)

AN 244.   INDIGENOUS CULTURES OF LATIN AMERICA    3
A survey of indigenous peoples and cultures in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The course examines the persistence and change of indigenous cultures as they have intersected with broader social forces since European conquest and colonization. Topics include contemporary indigenous movements as they influence regional politics, economic development, environmental change, nationalism, and the construction of racial, ethnic, and gender identities. (Designated a Cultural Diversity course)    M. Ennis-McMillan

AN 251.    THEMES IN ANTHROPOLOGY    1-4
Examination of a geographic or subject area not available in existing course offerings. For example, the course may focus on post-colonial Australia, contemporary Ireland, or studies in primate behavior. The course in a different subject area may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.    The Department

AN 252.    NON-WESTERN THEMES IN ANTHROPOLOGY    1-4
Examination of a non-Western geographic or subject area not available in existing course offerings. For example, the course may focus on aboriginal Australia or the music of New Guinea tribal groups. The course in a different subject area may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. (Designated a non-Western culture course.)    The Department

AN 270.    HISTORY OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL THOUGHT    4
Examination of major debates in the history of anthropology and a look at central figures whose work helped to fuel these debates. The careers of people such as Boas, Mead, or Malinowski are studied within the context of the developing discipline of anthropology. The relationship between past and current anthropological ideas, fieldwork practices, and anthropological writing are considered. Prerequisite: AN101 or permission of instructor.    The Department

AN 303.    ANALYSIS OF THE HUMAN SKELETON    4
Analysis of the human skeletal system as a record of individual life history. Major topics include identification of skeletal anatomy and manifestations of age, sex, health, and nutrition. Modes of analysis of the information and meaning embedded in prehistoric burial contexts are also considered. Prerequisite: AN102 or permission of instructor.    S. Bender

AN 311.    THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO GENDER AND SEXUALITY    4
An examination of the way that theoretical approaches to the complex interactions of gendered and sexual difference have shaped and been shaped by the field of anthropology, beginning with a historically situated overview of key theoretical turns in the anthropology of gender and an examination of a few classic works in the anthropology of gender and sexuality, then moving on to selections from contemporary anthropology of gender, the body and sexuality. Questions considered include: What are the foundations of gender and sexual difference? How do we imagine, construct, discuss, and politicize difference? What are the implications of gendered and sexual difference for other socially constructed differences, and how do these structures of difference play out in social, political and economic contexts? Prerequisites: AN101 or WS101.    The Department

AN 325.    APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY    4
Applying the anthropological perspectives to the analysis of national and international sociocultural issues. Topics include cultural brokerage, advocacy, community development, evaluation, ethics, and the difficulties facing indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities within nation-states today. Prerequisite: AN101.    The Department

AN 326.    FIELD METHODS IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY    4
An introduction to field methods employed by cultural anthropologists in their collection of primary data. Students will conduct field projects in local community settings. These projects call for pure observation, mapping, formal and informal interviewing, participant observation, and photo elicitation. Students will gain experience in formulating research problems, developing a protocol, as well as organizing and communicating findings. Central concerns include the establishment of rapport and research ethics. Prerequisite: AN101 and permission of instructor.    The Department

AN 327.    ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD AND LABORATORY TECHNIQUES    4
An introduction to the processes of archaeological excavation and primary data analysis. Course requirements include active participation in a local excavation and the description and interpretation of excavated materials. Prerequisite: AN102 or permission of instructor.    S. Bender

AN 343. RITUAL AND RELIGION 3
A study of religion from an anthropological perspective with a focus on ritual practices in non-Western cultural contexts. Students learn key conceptual and theoretical contributions in the anthropological study of ritual and religion, a fundamental dimension of human cultural practice the world over. Students explore religion as a way of reasoning, a form of ritual action, and an experimental reality. Topics include fetishism, symbolism, embodiment, ritual action, divination, initiation and healing. Prerequisite: AN 101   S. Silva

AN 344.    ANTHROPOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH    4
An examination of health issues related to global environmental change. The course employs perspectives and theories of critical medical anthropology to explore the connections among broad patterns of environmental change, local responses to those changes, and relevant health concerns. Topics include the effects of population growth, urbanization, water pollution and water scarcity, epidemics, deforestation, and species extinction in diverse geographic settings. Special attention is given to how poor and powerless social groups bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health problems. Prerequisite: AN101 or ES100 and at least junior standing, or permission of instructor.    M. Ennis-McMillan

AN 345.    ECOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY    3
Exploration of the principles by which the environment shapes human culture and human culture shapes the environment. Topics include the process of human adaptation, the analysis of human ecosystems, and the explanation of cultural diversity and change from an ecological perspective. Prerequisite: AN101 or ES100 and at least junior standing, or permission of instructor.    M. Ennis-McMillan

AN 346.    SYMBOLIC THEORY AND PERFORMANCE    4
An examination of symbolic theory as a vehicle for analyzing expressive forms found in ritual, festival, myth, and theater. The human need to seek, construct, and communicate meaning particularly regarding space, time, the supernatural, the self, and the cultural other will be explored. Attention will be given to dance, drama, and music as complex symbolic systems employed by groups in their search for meaning. Prerequisite: AN101.    S. Silva

AN 347.    WOMEN AND GENDER IN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE    3
A critical examination of the evolutionary reconstruction of human behavior from feminist perspectives. Using information from primate studies and anthropological ethnography, students investigate how assumptions about gender have shaped traditional observations and interpretations of archaeological remains. Feminist reconstructions of human prehistory are given close attention in an attempt to uncover a human past that incorporates women as active historical agents. Prerequisites: AN101 and 102 or permission of instructor.    S. Bender

AN 349.    MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY    4
A survey of the field of medical anthropology that introduces students to the crosscultural study of the body, health, disease, illness, suffering, and healing. The course examines several theoretical perspectives (ethnomedical, biocultural, interpretive, and political economic). Topics include birthing, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, death and dying, and other issues across the life cycle in diverse geographic settings. Prerequisite: AN101 and 270 or permission of instructor.    M. Ennis-McMillan

AN 351.    TOPICS IN CULTURAL OR BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY    1-4
Examination of a theoretical or subject specialization (with a strong theoretical component) not available in existing course offerings. For example, the course may focus on the behavior of macaques or the anthropology of tourism. The course, in a different subject area, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.    The Department

AN 352.    TOPICS IN ARCHAEOLOGY    1-4
Examination of a theoretical or area specialization not available in existing course offerings. For example, the course may focus on zooarchaeology or lithic technology. The course, in a different subject area, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.    The Department

SA 355.    LANGUAGE IN SOCIETY    4
Examination of the varied aspects of the social organization of language using techniques from sociological, anthropological, psychological, and linguistic theory. Special attention is given to regional, social, and individual variation; nonstandard dialects and their social impact; the relationship of language, thought, and culture; the role of language in socialization and in the maintenance of social structures; and the type and extent of cultural variation in language use. Prerequisite: SO101 or AN101 or permission of instructor. (May be taken for either sociology or anthropology credit.)    J. Devine

AN 366.    SENIOR SEMINAR IN ANTHROPOLOGY    3
Advanced readings in theoretical or applied anthropology, with special focus on current developments in the discipline. The course is designed as a capstone experience for senior anthropology majors. Prerequisite: AN270 or permission of instructor.    The Department

AN 369.    SENIOR RESEARCH PAPER    1-2
Individual project supervised by an appropriate faculty member. The experience is designed for highly motivated students who want the challenge of writing and revising a research paper on an advanced topic in anthropology. The course must be taken in conjunction with one of the project advisor's 300-level courses. In addition to completing all regular requirements for the 300-level course, students in AN369 will complete an analytical paper of greater depth and length than is typically required by the course. Permission to enroll must be obtained from an anthropology faculty member willing to serve as their project advisor. Students who wish to take this option for honors must submit a written proposal to the project advisor during the first weeks of class. Prerequisite: AN270 and permission of instructor. Open to senior majors only.    The Department

AN 370.    PREPARATION FOR SENIOR THESIS IN ANTHROPOLOGY    1
Required for students who intend to write a formal thesis on a particular anthropological question. During this preparation period, students must develop a thesis statement, construct an outline, and document a literature search. Students must take AN370 the semester before enrolling in AN373. Prerequisite: AN270 and permission of instructor. Open to senior majors only.    The Department

AN 371, 372.    INDEPENDENT STUDY OR FIELD RESEARCH    3, 3
Individual reading and/or field research in anthropology under the guidance of a member of the department. Students must be self-motivated and have a written proposal in hand. They must seek approval from a member of the anthropology faculty to act as advisor and instructor of record. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.    The Department

AN 373.    SENIOR THESIS IN ANTHROPOLOGY    3
Designed for highly motivated students who want the challenge of writing and revising a formal thesis on a particular anthropological question. Students work with the guidance of a project advisor and are expected to produce a major critical paper. As preparation for AN373, students should successfully complete AN370 during the fall semester of the senior year. With approval by the project advisor, students may replace AN370 with AN371. Prerequisite: AN370 or permission of the instructor. Open to senior majors only.    The Department

AN 399.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS IN ANTHROPOLOGY    3, 6, or 9
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in anthropology. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as museum studies or work within appropriate state, federal, or human service agencies. Prerequisite: at least three courses in anthropology. Not for liberal arts credit.