| 253.535.7664 | www.plu.edu/anthropology/ | anthro@plu.edu |
| Akiko Nosaka, Ph.D., Chair |
The department of anthropology is undergoing a program revision beginning June 2021. We have suspended the declaration of new anthropology majors. Minor declarations are still accepted.
Major
Major in Anthropology
32 semester hours
- Required: ANTH 102, 480, 499
- 8 semester hours from ANTH 101, 103, 104, 203, or 210, at least 4 of which must be ANTH 100-level; 4 semester hours from ANTH 330–345 (peoples courses); 4 semester hours from ANTH 350–465 (topics courses); additional hours above ANTH 300
Continuation Policy
To remain in the anthropology major, students must maintain a minimum 2.50 overall GPA and maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA in all of their anthropology courses taken at PLU.
Minor
Minor in Anthropology
16 semester hours
- Required: ANTH 102.
- Choose: ANTH 101, 103, 104, 203, or 210; 4 semester hours from ANTH 330–345; 4 semester hours from ANTH 350–499
- At least 8 semester hours of ANTH courses must be taken at PLU and at least 4 semester hours of the 8 semester hours must be earned from 300-level courses.
Departmental Honors
In recognition of outstanding work, the designation with departmental honors may be granted by vote of the anthropology faculty based on the student’s performance in the following areas:
- Anthropology coursework requires minimum 3.50 GPA.
- Demonstration of active interest in anthropological projects and activities outside of class work.
- Completion of a senior thesis. A paper describing independent research must be conducted under the supervision of departmental faculty. A proposal must be approved by the faculty by the third week of class of the Fall Semester for May and August graduates, and the third week of class of the Spring Semester for December and January graduates. After receiving the proposal approval, a student must closely work with, and regularly show/demonstrate progress to the faculty. At the latest, the first full draft must be turned into the faculty by the third week of the Spring Semester for May and August graduates, or the third week of the fall semester for December and January graduates. The final draft must be turned in by April 10 for May and August graduates, or November 10 for December and January graduates.
- The departmental honors designation will appear on the transcript of a student graduating with an anthropology major.
Anthropology (ANTH) - Undergraduate Courses
ANTH 101 : Introduction to Human Biological Diversity - SM
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 - C, SO
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 - SO
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 104 : Introduction to Language in Society - SO
Introduction to anthropological linguistics and symbolism, including the origin of language; sound systems, structure and meaning; language acquisition; the social context of speaking; language change; nonverbal communication; and sex differences in language use. (4)
ANTH 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar
A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)
ANTH 192 : Practicing Anthropology: Makah Culture Past and Present - A, SO
Study of Makah culture through archaeology and history and by interacting with the Makah. Active and service learning in Neah Bay, visiting the Makah Nation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (4)
ANTH 203 : Great Discoveries in Archaeology - C, SO
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 210 : Contemporary Global Issues: Migration, Poverty, and Conflict - C, SO
This course introduces students to central concepts in global studies and the perspectives of different peoples, states, and organizations as they relate to world events. Through specific units on global movements and reactions, global poverty and inequality, and global conflict and cooperation, students will gain global literacy and knowledge of contemporary issues. May be cross-listed with GLST 210 or HIST 210. (4)
ANTH 287 : Special Topics in Anthropology - SO
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 - A, SO
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 - C, SO
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 330 : Cultures and Peoples of Native North America - A, SO
A comparative study of Native North American cultures from their arrival on the continent through today. Examination of U.S. and Canadian laws, policies, and conflicts; issues of sovereignty; and religious rights. (4)
ANTH 334 : The Anthropology of Contemporary America - A, SO
An investigation of American social patterns and problems designed to give insights from a cross-cultural perspective; exploration of American solutions to common human problems; a determination of what is unique about the "American Way." (4)
ANTH 335 : The Aztecs, Mayans, and Their Predecessors - C, SO
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 336 : Ethnography of Latin America - C, SO
Anthropologists working in Latin America have been at the forefront of the discipline's theorization of socioeconomic inequality, the culture of politics and rule, and differences between urban and rural life. This course introduces students to the cultural history and contemporary ethnography of the region by positioning our analytical gaze from Latin America toward broader anthropological questions. Here we will critically examine how ethnographers are studying contemporary phenomena deeply rooted in the region - including topics such as land tenure reform, indigenous rights, urban agriculture, the drug trade, and everyday violence - by asking how ethnography of Latin American may inform comparable experiences of these processes around the globe. (4)
ANTH 340 : The Anthropology of Africa - C, SO
Study of Africa's diverse cultures. Focus on early studies of villages and topics such as kinship, religion, and social structure, and on more recent studies of urban centers, the impact of colonialism, popular culture, and post-colonial politics. (4)
ANTH 343 : East Asian Cultures - C, SO
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 352 : The Anthropology of Age - C, SO
This course examines the broad diversity of how cultures define the behavioral strategies of people as they age, how aging differentially is experienced by men and women, and how intergenerational family relationships change as individuals make transitions between life stages. Global issues of health, development, and human rights are considered. (4)
ANTH 353 : Clothing and Material Culture - C, SO
We will analyze clothing and adornment in the United States, Africa, and Asia, examining how dress shapes gender and racial identities, the ethical implications of the production and consumption of clothing, and how people's clothing choices can have wide reaching political and social effects. We will also consider the material nature of garments, considering how their form, fabric, and texture affect their meanings. (4)
ANTH 357 : Global Development - C, SO
This course examines the emergence of international development as an idea, its effects on the livelihoods of billions of people around the world, and seeks potentials for improving the practice of development. Drawing on literature from anthropology, political science, geography, and economics, we cover theories of progress, the concept of participation, global poverty and inequality, and individual charity. Crosslisted with GLST 357. (4)
ANTH 362 : Transnational Lives: Anthropology of Migration - C, SO
This course examines transnational migration patterns and anthropological efforts to understand new cultural practices among mobile populations in our contemporary globalized world. Drawing upon ethnographic case studies from the U.S. and around the globe, the course moves beyond macro-level explanations of why migration happens, to explore its everyday effects: what migration does to gender roles; to the health and economic conditions of migrants; and how this human experience may prompt people to identify with more than one nation-state. (4)
ANTH 368 : Edible Landscapes, The Foraging Spectrum - C, SO
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 - C, SO
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 376 : Resistance, Resilience, and State Power: Anthropological Understandings - C, SO
How did "the nation" come to be the dominant legitimization of "the state"? What technologies of power are contemporary states based on? How do states define their ideal citizens and citizens reshape their state? Specific topics may include refugees, transnational identities, colonialism, and neo-liberalism. (4)
ANTH 380 : Sickness, Madness, and Health - C, SO
A cross-cultural examination of systems of curing practices and cultural views of physical and mental health; prevention and healing; nature and skills of curers; definitions of disease; variation in diseases; impact of modern medical and psychological practitioners. (4)
ANTH 387 : Special Topics in Anthropology - SO
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 - A, SO
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 - C, SO
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 390 : Approaches and Methods in ANTH
Exploration of how humans, culture, and society are understood and studied anthropologically. Students will learn anthropological concepts and approaches associated with the four sub-disciplines, procedures for conducting anthropological projects, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and anthropological ethics. Prerequisites: ANTH 102, at least one more anthropology course, or consent of instructor. (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)