Course Descriptions

ANTH 101 : Introduction to Human Biological Diversity - NW

Introduction to biological anthropology with a special focus on human evolution, the fossil evidence for human development, the role of culture in human evolution, and a comparison with the development and social life of the nonhuman primates. (4)

ANTH 102 : Introduction to Human Cultural Diversity - ES, GE

Introduction to social-cultural anthropology, concentrating on the exploration of the infinite variety of human endeavors in all aspects of culture and all types of societies: religion, politics, law, kinship, and art. (4)

ANTH 103 : Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory - ES, GE

Introduction to the ideas and practice of archaeology used to examine the sweep of human prehistory from the earliest stone tools to the development of agriculture and metallurgy and to enrich our understanding of extinct societies. (4)

ANTH 203 : Great Discoveries in Archaeology - ES, GE

This course will teach you the basics of archaeology and about a few of the more exciting archaeological discoveries worldwide (Kennewick Man, King Tut, Machu Picchu, etc.). This will include seeing the instructor make flaked stone tools out of obsidian and discuss how such knowledge helps to inform us about the past. The course will also explore what has influenced the nature of "knowledge" about archaeological discoveries by looking at how they have been interpreted and understood in the sociopolitical contexts of the modern countries where they are located. Science makes lofty claims that it is an objective mode of inquiry. In other words, science claims that the analysis and interpretation of data (in this case, bones, stones, and pottery, etc.) is carried out free of bias. This course will take care to evaluate this proposition. This course may substitute for ANTH 103 under special circumstances with consent of department chair. (4)

ANTH 287 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 288 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 289 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

ANTH 335 : The Aztecs, Mayans, and Their Predecessors - ES, GE

This course is an archaeological and ethnohistoric survey of the emergence and nature of complex societies in ancient Mesoamerica. Besides the Aztecs and Mayans, other fascinating cultures of study include the Olmecs, Teotihuacanos, and the Toltecs. Emphasis is placed on how these Mesoamerican societies were structured and how they changed over time. (4)

ANTH 343 : East Asian Cultures - ES, GE

A survey of the cultures and peoples of Eastern Asia, concentrating on China but with comparative reference to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Cultural similarities as well as differences between these nations are stressed. Topics include religion, art, politics, history, kinship, and economics. (4)

ANTH 368 : Edible Landscapes: The Foraging Spectrum - ES, GE

The course examines foragers in Africa, North America, and Australia. Using classic ethnographic literature, it provides a cultural ecological perspective of foraging societies in a variety of environments. It also examines how foraging studies inform archaeological research and the challenges that these peoples now face in a rapidly changing world. (4)

ANTH 370 : The Archaeology of Ancient Empires - ES, GE

The origins of agriculture, writing, cities, and the state in many parts of the world, comparing and contrasting the great civilizations of antiquity, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Asia, Mesoamerica, and South America. (4)

ANTH 387 : Special Topics in Anthropology

Selected topics as announced by the department. Course will address important issues in archaeology and cultural anthropology. (1 to 4)

ANTH 388 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 389 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 480 : Anthropological Inquiry

Historic and thematic study of the theoretical foundations of anthropology: research methods; how theory and methods are used to establish anthropological knowledge. Required of majors in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: at least two 300-level anthropology courses or consent of instructor. (4)

ANTH 487 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 488 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 489 : Special Topics in Anthropology

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ANTH 491 : Independent Studies: Undergraduate Readings

Reading in specific areas or issues of anthropology under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1 to 4)

ANTH 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

ANTH 499 : Capstone: Seminar in Anthropology - SR

Examine anthropological methods and apply anthropological theory to an investigation of a selected topic in contemporary anthropology. Required of majors in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: at least two 300-level anthropology courses or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for non-majors: departmental approval. (4)