Download Anthropology Course Descriptions

COURSE
TITLE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AN 00X
Anthropology Exit Interview
AN 101
Introduction to Anthropology
This course presents an introduction to anthropology as a holistic discipline that studies
the human condition across space and time, employing comparative and evolutionary
perspectives. Students will develop a fundamental grasp of the principles, methods and
theories that define each of the four fields of anthropology as well as appreciation of
how the discipline offers tools for a holistic study of the human condition. Typically
offered fall semester. Three credits.
AN 101F
Introduction to Anthropology
FIRST YEAR SEMINAR. This course presents an introduction to anthropology as a holistic
discipline that studies the human condition across space and time, employing
comparative and evolutionary perspectives. Students will develop a fundamental grasp
of the principles, methods and theories that define each of the four fields of
anthropology as well as appreciation of how the discipline offers tools for a holistic
study of the human condition. Typically offered fall semester. Four credits.
AN 221
Biological Anthropology
This course explores human biological origins, evolution and variation through the
application of evolutionary theory and examination of the fossil record. Topics include
primatology, paleoanthropology, ecology, forensic anthropology, evolutionary
medicine, genetic variation of living populations and evolutionary origins of human
behavior. (Occasional offering.) Three credits.
AN222
Cultural Anthropology
This course explores the concept of culture as an integral part of the human experience.
We will explore the many facets of culture, including marriage and kinship and religion
and ritual. We will examine the myriad ways in which humans organize and sustain
themselves and examine concepts of gender, race and ethnicity. We will explore how an
anthropological perspective can be applied to understand and solve human problems.
Typically offered spring semester. Three credits.
AN 225
Anthropology and World Art
What is art? What counts as art, and how and why is it designated so? Why do humans
create art? Is there a universal aesthetic? These are questions we explore in this course.
We begin by examining the evolutionary foundation of appreciation for aesthetics and
capacity for creative expression in Homo sapiens. We then explore, from an
anthropological perspective, the creative urge that is a human universal. We consider
COURSE
TITLE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
the question, “What is art?” and seek answers from a number of societies and
perspectives. We examine a broad range of material and social functions of art and
contemplate the symbolic character of artistic expression and then explore the worlds
of artists themselves, examining their position in and relationship to society and how
they often simultaneously embody and transcend traditional social expectations. We
will also consider issues such including the integration of art from small scale societies
into global markets and the impact of tourism on local art practices. (Occasional
offering.) Three credits.
AN230
Archaeology
This course provides an overview of the field of archaeology. Through the exploration of
numerous archaeological case studies, we learn about the methods and theories that
archaeologists use to study and recreate the story of past humans through an
examination of the materials they left behind. We also examine the ethical and legal
issues inherent to uncovering the past, particularly with regards to the handling of
human remains.
Typically offered every other spring semester (odd-numbered years). Three credits.
AN 250
Biblical Archaeology
Biblical Archaeology is the process of correlating archaeological evidence with the
Biblical record in order to illuminate the Biblical text. Topics covered include the
environment, material culture, social organization, chronology and events of the
Syro/Palestinian/Egyptian Middle East – the context within which the Bible tool its oral
and written form. Some background in anthropology/archaeology and Bible studies is
expected and most helpful. Occasional offering. Three credits.
AN 255
Cultures of the Bible
The people of the Bible lived in an environmental and cultural setting very different
from that of modern times. Using a variety of frameworks and sources from
archaeology and cultural anthropology, this course will examine how Biblical narratives
take place within social, economic, political and ecological contexts of the ancient
Middle East and surrounding areas. Students will apply a combination of archaeology
and cultural anthropology to illuminate the lives and times of the Biblical eras. Three
credits. Typically offered every other spring semester (even-numbered years). Three
credits.
AN 280
Medical Anthropology
Medical Anthropology is a specialization within anthropology that draws from the
COURSE
TITLE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
discipline’s four fields of cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and
linguistics. This course presents an overview of the range of theories and approaches
medical anthropologists use to understand the way people deal with, think about and
experience health and disease. Topics to be covered include evolutionary approaches to
health, cultural and political ecology of health, ethnomedical systems, cultural
constructions of illness, biomedicine as a cultural system, and applied medical
anthropology. Typically offered every other spring semester (even numbered years).
Three credits.
AN 285
Foundations of Public Health
Public health applies social and natural sciences toward the mission of "fulfilling
society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy" (Institute of
Medicine, Future of Public Health, 1988). This course explores the foundations of public
health through study of the history, ethical and theoretical foundations and institutional
structures by which public health professionals work toward this mission. Through
readings, lectures, discussions and active learning projects, students will examine
concepts, principles and tools of the discipline and develop an understanding of the role
of public health professionals and organizations in promoting health of populations.
Three credits.
AN 315
Applied Anthropology
Applied anthropology is the application of anthropological theories, perspectives and
research methods to understanding and solving real-world problems. This course will
examine applications of anthropology in areas including medicine and public health,
environmental and ecological issues, indigenous rights and basic human rights as well as
in the context of other disciplines such as business, marketing and education. Students
will participate in an applied project as part of an experiential and service learning
approach. Prerequisites: AN 222. Typically offered every other fall semester (odd
numbered years). Three credits.
AN 328
Linguistic Anthropology
The course examines the origins, nature, and development of human language and
communication. The topics we cover include the mechanics of speech, history of
languages, ways in which languages change, connections between language and
cognition, kinesics, literacy, and language acquisition. Prerequisites: AN 222 or
permission of instructor. Occasional offering. Three credits.
COURSE
TITLE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AN 350
Independent Study — Anthropology
Independent investigation and research into a special topic for selected students. Topics
are determined by both student and professor. Prerequisite: permission of faculty
member and departmental chair. May be repeated. Variable credit.
AN 360
Qualitative Research Methods
This course takes a practical, experiential approach to collection and analysis of
qualitative data. Students will learn the fundamentals of qualitative research design
and, through a series of field exercises, develop skills in a number of qualitative data
collection methods and analysis. Research methods covered will include observation,
participant observation, informal and formal interviewing, focus groups and
questionnaires. Through discussion and exercises, we will examine ethical issues,
theoretical foundations, and potential applications of qualitative and mixed method
research. Typically offered every other fall semester (odd numbered years). Three
credits.
AN 375
Special Topics in Anthropology
Topics vary, but the focus of this course is an in-depth examination of specific issues
and/or developments in anthropology. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
Occasional offering. Three credits.
AN 450
Senior Seminar in Anthropology
This course is a capstone course for Anthropology majors. It is designed to facilitate
critical reflection and analysis through completion of an independent senior project as
well as a self-evaluation of anthropological skills/knowledge and personal objectives.
Prerequisite: permission of the faculty member. Three credits.
AN 550
Anthropology Internship
Students may arrange to receive credit for employment experience in various noncollege settings. It is also possible to have paid or unpaid professional work entered into
the transcript as “no credit.” Prerequisite: permission of the departmental coordinator.
May be repeated. Variable credit.