Anthropology (ANTHRO)
Courses
ANTHRO 100. Varieties of World Culture. 3 Credits.
The variety of ways of life that exist in the world and the concepts of culture, cultural relativity, and ethnocentrism. Representative case studies of world cultures are considered.
Fall and Spring.
ANTHRO 150. Food Culture & Identity. 3 Credits.
Food is the very core of life and one of the most culturally prescribed areas of human experience. This course will study the role of food in human history, and the biocultural construction of what is classified as food. We will examine the meaning of food across cultures with particular attention to how cultural and ethnic (e.g. Asian American, Native American) identities are associated with particular types of food. Rituals, religions and family celebrations, and secular holidays all include the deliberate preparation, serving and sharing of food (or abstinence from food). We will explore food consumption and health, the gendered dimension of food, and the social hierarchies and power relations associated with the commodification of food. Class projects are designed to connect the student to various community and ethnic groups through the study of farmer's markets, food banks, stores and restaurants. We will think about food in new and provocative ways and in the process practically apply theoretical concepts.
ANTHRO 250. Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives. 3 Credits.
Study of women in a variety of cultures around the world, both past and present. Includes consideration of the sexual division of labor, marriage systems, child rearing, relationships between men and women, systems of myth and ideology concerning women's roles, and the effects of socio-economic development and rapid social change. Not recommended for first-semester students.
ANTHRO 291. Selected Topics in Anthropology. 3 Credits.
A specific topic in an instructor's area of special competence. When offered, the particular topic is indicated in the campus timetable. Course is repeatable for credit if topics differ; may be taken 2 times for a total of 6 credits.
P: Previous Anthropology course or cons. instr.
ANTHRO 298. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early in the semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript. Course is repeatable for credit.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.
ANTHRO 304. Family, Kin, and Community. 3 Credits.
A cross-cultural comparison of the form and function of such social institutions as marriage and the family; age, sex and kin groups; task groups; caste and class.
P: Junior standing REC: ANTHRO 100
Fall Only.
ANTHRO 306. Environmental Anthropology. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on the complex relations between people and their environment. Environmental anthropology has become more important since the 1990s due to issues like climate change. The course addresses the ways a population affects the environment and how these relations influence the social, economic, and political life of a culture. The topics covered in this class are particularly relevant in an era bombarded with concerns about environmental degradation. Environmental anthropology, utilizing research methodology of the discipline, uses a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach in a search for sustainable solutions to problems.
P: ANTHRO 100 or consent of instructor
Fall and Spring.
ANTHRO 307. Anthropological Theory. 3 Credits.
Explores the historical contexts of the development of theory in anthropology in the attempt to define and understand human biological, linguistic, social and cultural universals and variations. The major schools of anthropological theory are studied by reading and discussing original 19th and 20th century anthropological texts.
P: ANTHRO 100
Spring.
ANTHRO 314. Cultures of the World. 3 Credits.
Ethnographic survey of the world's peoples and their cultures. Major regions of the world considered in an attempt to outline the variety, richness, significance and persistence of cultural traditions.
P: Junior standing or consent of instructor.
ANTHRO 320. Myth, Ritual, Symbol and Religion. 3 Credits.
Mythology, ritual, and symbolism in the belief systems of a variety of cultures around the world; a survey of anthropological theory relating to belief systems.
P: jr st and ANTHRO 100.
Fall Only.
ANTHRO 348. Economic Anthropology. 3 Credits.
Economic Anthropology explores human engagement in systems of production, distribution, and consumption of goods. This course surveys the ways in which economic activities are enmeshed in local cultural rituals and obligations and form the basis of global economic exchanges. Students will examine a variety of past and contemporary economies at the local (subcultures including minority groups within the United States) as well as global level.
ANTHRO 495. Teaching Assistantship. 1-6 Credits.
The student and supervising teacher must prepare a statement that identifies the course with which the assistantship will happen, objectives for the assistantship, and expectations in order to fulfill the course objectives. Students are not eligible to receive credit in both the course they assist the instructor with and the teaching assistantship in the same semester. Typically student has previously taken the course prior to enrollment in the assistantship. Course is repeatable for credit.
Fall and Spring.
ANTHRO 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings. Course is repeatable for credit.
P: so st; and ANTHRO 100, 210 or 215.
Fall and Spring.