Updated Course List: Anthropology

Course-Related Information 

• For the 2006-7 Schedule of Anthropology classes see CNAV or the printed "Schedule of Classes"
• For a preliminary schedule indicating when anthropology classes will be offered, 2007-8 to  2010-2011, click here (note that this schedule is subject to revision)
• For the recommended schedule for required courses for the anthropology major, click here

List of Anthropology Courses

Course descriptions can be accessed by scrolling or clicking on the titles from the following list

ANTH 103: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 106: Introduction to Archaeology and Physical Anthropology
ANTH 205: Primate Behavior & Human Origins
ANTH 215: Ethnographic Film: Theory & Practice
ANTH 220: World Cultures
ANTH 221: Language & Culture
ANTH 223: Indigenous Peoples, the Environment, & the Global Economy
ANTH 227: Anthropology of Religion
ANTH 228: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender and Sex Roles
ANTH 232: Precolumbian Civilizations of Mesoamerica
ANTH 236: Precolumbian Civilizations of South America
ANTH 238: The Anthropology of Contemporary Cultural Issues
ANTH 239: Peoples and Cultures of Africa
ANTH 240: Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia & the Pacific
ANTH 250: Topics in Anthropology
ANTH 301: Social Life of Things
ANTH 300: History of Anthropological Theory
ANTH 302: Human Rights through an Anthropological Lens
ANTH 310: GIS & Spatial Analysis for Archaeology
ANTH 323: Field Methods in Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 400: Capstone Experience in Anthropology
ANTH 450s, 470s: Individualized Study
ANTH 460: Research Course

List of Affiliated Courses
Can count as electives for the anthropology major or minor:

JPN 150: Japanese Culture and Society
REL 226: Native American Religions
REL 320A: Religion & Colonialism
WS 231: Gender & Change in Africa and Afro-Latin America

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ANTH 103:  Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Comparative study of social practices and cultural systems in various societies, using a series of case studies dealing mainly with non-Western or Western attempts to understand them.  Course gives an overview of the history of cultural anthropology, major questions and theoretical debates, fieldwork and research methods, and the relevance of anthropology to the modern world.  No prerequisite.  (Staff, offered every semester)

Click here to see how ANTH 103 contributes to the Multiple Inquiries goal of the new curriculum

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (53K) *note: syllabi change with professor

ANTH 106:  Introduction to  Archaeology and Physical Anthropology
Study of how archaeologists and physical anthropologists reconstruct what people's lives were like in the past. Course uses case studies drawn from historical and ancient societies to examine how archaeology and physical anthropology contribute to anthropology's goal of understanding and comparing human behavior, religious beliefs, political structure, social organization, and economy. Students are introduced to the range of materials that archaeologists and physical anthropologists study, including burials, buildings, monumental art, trash, and texts; and to important theoretical concepts and methods. No prerequisite. (Staff, offered every semester)

Click here to see how ANTH 106 contributes to the Multiple Inquiries goal of the new curriculum

Download sample syllabus in PDF format

ANTH 205: Primate Behavior & Human Origins
Introduction to the anthropological study of human origins. Course focuses on primatology (the study of monkeys and apes) and human paleontology (the study of the human and pre-human fossil record.) Topics include different explanations for the evolution of humans from prehuman ancestors; current debates, such as the relationship between humans and Neandertals; and the role of culture in human evolution. Prerequisite:? (Prof. Hendon, new course--next offered in 2006-7)

ANTH 215: Ethnographic Film: Theory & Practice
Survey and overview of the use of film in anthropological analysis and documentation. Course includes viewing and analysis of films, digital video production, and the making of short ethnographic films. Course explores historical and contemporary trends in ethnographic filmmaking as these relate to the concerns of anthropology, including technical limitations and ethical issues encountered by ethnographic filmmakers.Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106 (Prof. Amster, usually offered every fall, next offered fall 2006)

Japanese 150:  Japanese Culture and Society (affiliated course)
Introduction to themes, issues and institutions in contemporary Japan, as seen through the lens of Japanese culture and examined from an anthropological perspective. Major topics discussed include cultural notions used in the construction of self and gender; family, marital, and kinship relationships; social organization; education; work; and religious and ritual practice. No prerequisite. (Offered on an occasional basis)

ANTH 220:  World Cultures
Study of various cultures in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, viewing them through the distinctive lens of cultural anthropology. Discussion of selected case studies about cultural patterns and social practices in a diversity of societies. No prerequisite. (staff, offered every year--next/last offered spring 2006)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (132K) *note: syllabi change with professor

ANTH 221: Language & Culture
Introduction to the anthropological study of language and communicative behavior. Compares human language with non-human primate communication; examines language acquisition among children; looks at ethnographies of communication from around the world; and explores linguistic relativity. In addition touches on sociolinguistics to elucidate how communicative behavior varies within communities and nations according to age, gender, race, ethnicity, caste, and class. Explores how languages change over time, and asks how people cope with linguistic difference during the contemporary era of globalization. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Perry, offered every other year--next offered fall 2007)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (43K)

ANTH 223: Indigenous Peoples, the Environment, & the Global Economy
Examination of the ways that indigenous peoples are integrated into the global economy and the international environmental movement. Topics may include informal economies, transnational migration, off-shore factory production, eco-tourism, toxic dumping, and the effects of environmental degradation on non-Western societies. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Perry, offered every other year--next offered spring 2007)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (47K)

ANTH 227: Anthropology of Religion
Study of theories of religion and aspects of religious systems in cross-cultural perspective. Course explores debates in anthropology regarding the definition of religion through ethnograhic case studies of religious practices among indigenous peoples. Other central themes include the role of religious leaders and reitual practitioners, myth and ritual, politics and religion, gender and religion, religious movements, and the role of religion in sociocultural change. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Amster, offered every year or every other year--next offered spring 2007)

ANTH 228:  Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender and Sex Roles
An examination of the social roles of women and men, their dynamics of sexual identity, and the ideologies of gender in various societies.  Course explores broad theoretical issues (such as biological vs. cultural determinants; gender stratification and inequality; the effects of social, cultural,and economic variables), as well as a range of studies of specific societies. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106 (Prof Amster, offered every year or every other year--next offered spring 2007)

ANTH 232:  Precolumbian Civilizations of Mesoamerica
Introduction to the organization and development of Native American civilizations in Mexico and Central America.  Evidence from archaeological and ethnographic research, Native texts and art, and Spanish Colonial writings is used to study religious beliefs, sociopolitical organization, economic relationships, and intellectual achievements of such groups as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztecs.  Period prior to the sixteenth-century Spanish conquest is emphasized but modern indigenous cultures are also studied. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106 (Prof. Hendon, offered every other year--next offered fall 2006)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (116K)

ANTH 236:  Precolumbian Civilizations of South America
Introduction to the organization and development of Native American civilizations in South America.  Evidence from archaeological and ethnographic research, Native texts and art, and Spanish Colonial writings is used to study religious beliefs, sociopolitical organization, economic relationships, and intellectual achievements of such groups as the Inka, Moche, and Chavin.  Period prior to the sixteenth-century Spanish conquest is emphaized but modern indigenous cultures are also studied. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Hendon, offered every other year--next offered spring 2007)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (37K)

ANTH 238:  The Anthropology of Contemporary Cultural Issues
Exploration of how anthropologists analyze current issues in international affairs and industrialized societies, including the United States.  Case studies illustrate anthropological perspectives on topics such as nationalist movements and international development, immigration and ethnic diversity, urban gangs and suburban shoppers, changing gender roles and reproduction practices, modern myths and rituals.  Course also discusses challenges of conducting fieldwork in diversified societies and ethical dilemmas arising in politically sensitive settings.  Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (staff, offered on occasion)

ANTH 239: Peoples and Cultures of Africa
This course will use anthropological readings, films, and novels to study contemporary African peoples and cultures. We first explore how global processes of colonialism, trade, and international development have influenced the lifestyles and social structures of different culture groups throughout the continent. We then examine, from an anthropological perspective, such contemporary topics as family life, gender and patriarchy, religion and the occult, ethnicity, migration, violence and war, child soldiers, youth crisis, environmental degradation, popular culture, informal economies, and emerging diseases. Students will learn much about the rich culture and ingenuity of African peoples. They will also develop a deeper understanding of the problems and potentials of African societies that are now now grappling with modernity. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Perry, offered every other year--next/last offered Spring 2006)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (203K)

ANTH 240: Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Overview of people and culture of Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands from an anthropological perspective. The course covers the prehistory, migration patterns, contemporary cultures, and processes of sociocultural change. The main focus is on contemporary ethnographic writings that examine problems of gender, religion, rural and urban life, and the effects of globalization at the local level. The course considers major themes explored by anthropologists working in the region and how these contribute to theory in anthropology. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Prof. Amster, offered every other year--next/last offered Spring 2006)

ANTH 250-270:  Topics in Anthropology
Exploration of a particular topic chosen by a faculty member, offered on an occasional basis.  (staff)

RECENT ANTN 250 CLASSES INCLUDE:

The Anthropology of Mobile Societies
Studies the social and cultural significance of the ways that hunter-gatherers, pastoral nomads, maritime traders and even members of our own society traverse space. Using a variety of case studies, this course examines the impact of mobility and transport technologies on subsistence, trade, interaction, and warfare in ancient as well as modern contexts. From the first horse riders of 5000 years ago to jet-propulsion tourists of today, the anthropological study of movement presents an important and sometimes surprising perspective on organization and change in human societies. (Prof. Honeychurch, offered Fall 2005)

The Archaeology of Asian Civilizations
Introduction to Asian prehistory with emphasis on how particular sequences of change in various regions of Asia contribute to the comparative study of socio-cultural themes in the field of anthropological archaeology. This course makes a broad archaeological survey of Asia drawing upon diachronic case-studies from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, China, South Asia, and Inner Asia. Evidence from archaeological and ethnographic research and historical texts is used to study sociopolitical organization, economic relationships, ideologies, and interregional interaction. (Prof. Honeychurch, offered Spring 2005 & 2006)

The Archaeology of Eurasia
Examination of peoples of the steppe zone, stretching from Eastern Europe to Mongolia. Although these peoples have played a pivotal role in Old World prehistory, much about their societies and lifeways is still shrouded in mystery. The archaeology of this macro-region has developed rapidly since the 1990's and this course presents an overview of what archaeologists know about Eurasian steppe societies with emphasis on the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron, and Medieval Ages. Readings and lectures focus on material culture as well as historical sources to explore topics ranging from domestication of the horse to Genghis Khan's world empire and the impact these events had on the neighboring civilizations of Europe and Asia. (Prof Honeychurch, offered Fall 2005)

Environmental Anthropology
Studies human-environmental relationships and how humans have adapted to the varied climates, soils, and ecosystems around the world. The course includes a variety of distinct approaches that have been influenced by systems ecology, evolution, economics, psychology, and philosophy, and uses case studies that illustrate these varied theoretical frameworks. Contemporary environmental issues such as deforestation, soil degradation, biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainability will also be examined. (Prof Hill, offered Fall 2005)

ANTH 300:  History of Anthropological Theory
Analysis of the rise of anthropology and development of its major theoretical models.  Course traces theprecursors of anthropology, the emergence of the field of "anthropology" and its subdisciplines in the nineteenth century, the elaboration of the culture concept and fieldwork methods in the twentieth century, and recent trends in post-colonial anthropology.  Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or 106. (Profs. Amster orPerry, offered every spring)

Download sample syllabus in PDF format (34K) *note: syllabi change with professor

ANTH 301:  Social Life of Things
Cross-cultural exploration of how members of various societies, past and present, invest objects with symbolic meanings as they produce, utilize,  and exchange them in everyday life.  Drawing primarily on non-Western case studies, the course will integrate perspectives from studies of material culture in fields such as economic anthropology, archaeology, and the anthropology of art.  These resources will illuminate the many ways that things acquire a kind of metaphorical life in association with the lives of people who use them.  Prerequisites:  two anthropology courses, one of which must be either ANTH 103 or ANTH 106.  (Prof. Hendon, normally offered every other year; next offered fall 2006)

ANTH 302: Human Rights through an Anthropological Lens
Covers human rights abuses cross-culturally by examining gendered violence (widow-burning, female genital cutting, domestic abuse, Muslim veiling, and sex work); violation of children's rights (street children, child laborers, and child soldiers); genocide and ethnic persecution; refugees and exile; and disease and healthcare. Explores linkages between non-Western peoples and transnational advocacy networks; media representation of indigenous peoples and human rights victims; processes of truth and reconciliation; and the fragility of domestic and national bonds in the face of human rights abuses. Views these topics primarily through the lens of cultural anthropology, but includes works by medical and forensic anthropologists as well. Prerequisites:  two anthropology courses, one of which must be either ANTH 103 or ANTH 106. (Prof Perry, offered every other year--next/last offered Fall 2005)

ANTH 310: GIS & Spatial Analysis for Archaeology
Introduction to the practice of GIS in anthropology with attention to archaeological applications. The growing use of Geographical Information Systems among anthropologists has transformed the way we carry out research and conceive of space. The course draws upon research examples from a range of theoretical, analytical, and geographical contexts and introduces students to current software. Emphasis is placed on understanding how anthropological archaeologists have employed GIS to generate evidence to assess their hypotheses. Prerequisite:  ANTH 106. (Prof Honeychurch, offered Spring 2005 & 2006)

ANTH 323:  Field Methods in Cultural Anthropology
Seminar on how sociologists and anthropologists conduct ethnographic fieldwork.  Topics include how theory informs research, ethical issues, and developing descriptive fieldnotes.  Students carry out original research projects using field methods such as participant observation and qualitative interviewing, and learn how to gather data, analyze results, and write up ethnographic reports.  Prerequisite:  ANTH 103 and one other anthropology course. (Profs. Perry or Amster, offered every fall)

download sample syllabus in PDF format (53K) *note: syllabi change with professor

ANTH 400:  Capstone Experience in Anthropology
Intensive culminating research experience for anthropology-sociology majors.  Seminar is designed around a particular topic or debate, which provides a unifing theme for students' individual research projects.  Course guides students as the consolidate their understanding of the anthropological perspective.   Prerequisite: ANTH 103, 106, and 300; limited to seniors (Profs. Hendon or Amster, offered every spring)

Click here for an overview of the Capstone Experience in Anthropology

Download sample syllabus in PDF format(74K) *note: syllabi change with professor

ANTH 450s, 470s:  Individualized Study
Independent study in fields of special interest outside the scope of regular course offerings. Includes internships and specially devised courses of study. Also includes ANTH 452, the first independent study class to be taken by those who propose an honors thesis (the second independent study for honors students will be ANTH 460, below). Prerequisite: consent of faculty sponsor. (Offered by special arrangement any semester)

Guidelines for Individualized Studies.

ANTH 460:  Research Course
Individual investigation of a research topic in anthropology under the guidance of a faculty member.  Topic must be approved by department.  Project culminates in written and oral presentations of a formal paper to the faculty.  Required for Department Honors.  Students must submit a proposal a minimum of two weeks before the end of the semester preceding the proposed study.  Prerequisite:  Consent of faculty sponsor and department; open to juniors and seniors only.   (Offered by special arrangement any semester)