Anthropology

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (44 Credits)

I. Core Courses (12 credits)

• ANTH 3/Human Evolution: Biological Anthropology and Archaeology (4)
• ANTH 4/Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (4)
• ANTH 12/Ancient Societies (4)

II. ANTH 28/History of Anthropological Theory (4)

III. Methods (4 credits)

• ANTH 101/Archaeological Method and Theory (4)
• ANTH 102/Ethnographic Research Methods (4)
• ANTH 124/Human Osteology (4)

IV. Five courses selected from the following list of electives with one from at least three of the four anthropological fields and at least one regional course (20 credits):

A. Biological Anthropology

• ANTH 132/Primatology
• ANTH 124/Human Osteology (if not taken for methods requirement)
• ANTH 126/Evolution & Human Behavior
• ANTH 127/Human Evolutionary Genetics
• ANTH 134+134L/Forensic Anthropology
• ANTH 137/Selected Topics in Biological Anthropology
• ANTH 150/Independent Study in Anthropology

B. Archaeology

• ANTH 30/Native Arts and Archaeology of Latin America
• ANTH 32/Southeast Asian Arts and Archaeology
• ANTH 39/Regional Archaeology
• ANTH 101/Archaeological Method and Theory (if not taken for methods requirement)
• ANTH 136/Selected Topics in Archaeological Method and Theory
• ANTH 140/Archaeological Field Study
• ANTH 150/Independent Study in Anthropology

C. Cultural Anthropology

• ANTH 10/Culture, Gender and Family
• ANTH 11/Ecological Anthropology
• ANTH 16/Folklore
• ANTH 20/Cultures, Economies, and Globalization
• ANTH 51/Arts of Africa and the Diaspora
• ANTH 52/Native North American Cultures
• ANTH 55/Peoples of Africa
• ANTH 58/Museums and Society
• ANTH 59/Regional Ethnography
• ANTH 102/Ethnographic Research Methods (if not taken for methods requirement)
• ANTH 113/Psychological Anthropology
• ANTH 125/Medical Anthropology
• ANTH 129/Contemporary Issues in Cultural Anthropology
• ANTH 130/Anthropology of Religion
• ANTH 131/Gender and Culture
• ANTH 133/Cross-Cultural Management and Education
• ANTH 135/Selected Topics in Cultural Anthropology
• ANTH 150/Independent Study in Anthropology
• ANTH 152/Introduction to the Cultures of Mali

D. Linguistics

• LING 10/Language, Communication and Culture
• LING 120/Linguistic Theory and Method
• LING 150/Independent Study in Linguistics

V. ANTH 199/Senior Seminar in Anthropology (4)

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (24 Credits)

I. Required Courses (12)

• ANTH 3/Human Evolution: Biological Anthropology and Archaeology
• ANTH 4/Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics
• ANTH 12/Ancient Societies

II. 12 intermediate- and upper-level credits chosen in consultation with the chair of the department.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: Maria Masucci (chair), Linda Van Blerkom
• Associate Professors: Marc Boglioli, Joslyn Cassady
• Assistant Professors: Allan Dawson, Jill Rhodes

Courses

Courses Offered

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ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Human Evolution: Biological Anthropology and Archaeology (4)

An introduction to the study of human biological and cultural evolution using the methods and theories of biological anthropology and archaeology. The course surveys some basic principles of evolutionary theory, primatology, the hominid fossil record, origins of modern humans, their physical variation, and archaeological evidence for the evolution of symbolic behavior, agriculture, and civilization.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BNS

ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (4)

A comparative examination of the cultural diversity of humanity. Using case studies of peoples in differing contexts, the course presents theories and data on a range of topics for understanding contemporary human conditions, including subsistence strategies, political and economic systems, religion and expressive behavior, language, culture change, and the interdependence of cultures throughout the planet.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BSS, DIT

ANTH 202 - Formerly 11 - Ecological Anthropology (4)

An interdisciplinary course that draws on data and theory from cultural and biological perspectives in anthropology and from environmental studies to question and examine the relationship of humans and the environment. Through comparisons of human cultural and biological adaptations to physical environments of the past and present, students gain a unique perspective on our impact on, relationship with, and place within the natural world.
Recommended: ANTH 3 or 4 Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BI, DIT

ANTH 230 - Formerly 12 - Ancient Societies (4)

An introduction to the archaeological reconstruction of human prehistory beginning with the appearance of modern humans and culminating with the development of complex societies. The course focuses on major transitions in human prehistory: Upper Paleolithic developments in art and technology, the transition to agricultural societies, and the rise of stratified societies and urbanized cultures.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BI, BSS

ANTH 203 - Formerly 20 - Cultures, Economies, and Globalization (4)

In this course students learn about the relationships between systems of production and distribution and the social and cultural contexts in which they occur. After discussing some important theoretical approaches that have influenced economic anthropologists over the years, we consider various ethnographic case studies that provide a more nuanced understanding of both the material and symbolic aspects of economic processes. Throughout the course, we pay close attention to the ways in which global economic processes are articulated, and made meaningful, at the local level. We also contemplate the relationships between global capitalism and pressing social problems, including hunger, gender inequities, poverty, war, and environmental degradation.
Spring semester in even numbered years.

ANTH 220 - Formerly 23 - Intermediate Biological Anthropology (4)

The course is a survey of areas of current interest to biological anthropologists. It continues and builds upon material covered in ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - . The focus is on human and primate biology with attention given to human evolution, osteology, geographic ("racial") variation, physiological adaptability, evolutionary genetics, primate and human behavioral ecology, human development and life history theory, health and disease, and nutrition. Students explore these topics in both lecture and lab, in which hands-on work with fossils and other materials provides experiential learning opportunities for deepening one's understanding of the biological and evolutionary underpinnings of human life, health, and behavior. Course format: twice weekly lecture sessions plus a lab.
Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority given to anthropology and biological anthropology minors. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offered fall semester annually.

ANTH 201 - Formerly 28 - History of Anthropological Theory (4)

An examination of the history of anthropology, from its philosophical foundations to contemporary directions and themes. Focuses on the main theoretical approaches in the field. Situates the contributions of major figures with references to intellectual traditions and contemporary problems.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - . Offered fall semester.

ANTH 231 - Formerly 30 - Native Arts and Archaeology of Latin America (4)

This course focuses on the development and character of indigenous cultures of Latin America before the arrival of Europeans. Themes of power, economy, religion, ritual, and symbolism that uniquely characterize Latin American native societies are examined primarily through art, architecture and material culture. The course follows a topical and comparative approach drawing on data from archaeology, art history, ethnography and ethnohistory
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

ANTH 232 - Formerly 39 - Regional Archaeology (4)

An intensive archaeological study of a selected region, focusing on surveys, specific sites, and ethnohistoric and experimental evidence to derive sequences of human occupation, use, and principles of culture change.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 Offering to be determined.

ANTH 206 - Formerly 50 - Topics in Cultural Anthropology (2-4)

This course engages in cultural analyses of contemporary social issues. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty, such as public health crises, class inequality, environmentalism, gender politics, and ethnic conflict. May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - Offering to be determined.

ANTH 251 - Formerly 51 - Arts of Africa and the Diaspora (4)

Topics discussed will include: Art and Audience (considering the relationship between the object and its content of display, which can include masking as well as royal regalia meant to reinforce leadership); Space and Place (art works as markers of space--spiritual, domestic, etc.)--and referents of place); The Cultured Body (the human form in art, as well as dress and body arts); and Africa in the World (art works that reflect Africa's historic engagement with the world, ie., use of imported materials, "foreign" iconography, but also the impact of African art in the world). Within these themes, we will examine select case studies in depth and will incorporate historic and contemporary forms.
Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Same as: ARTH 251 - Formerly ARTHST 51 -

ANTH 205 - Formerly 52 - Native North American Cultures (4)

The study of cultures of native North America immediately prior to the Columbian expansion of Europe and directions and dynamics of culture change to the present. Examines current issues, specifically points of contention with the U.S. and Canadian governments and other peoples now inhabiting Native American space.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offering to be determined.

ANTH 58 - Museums and Society (4)

Using case studies from museum literature and situations, this course explores the intersection of museums with their public. It will probe the social location of museums, their function, exhibitions, educational role, and ideologies. Controversial matters such as governance, multiculturalism, globalization, the role of government, and artifact theft will be engaged in terms of changing cultural values.
Offered spring semester in even years. Same as:

ANTH 207 - Formerly 59 - Regional Ethnography: Societies of the Mediterranean (4)

An intensive cultural study of a selected region. Consideration of issues of indigenous development and contact with outsiders leading to consideration of issues of culture change. Topics vary in accordance with student need and faculty expertise.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: DIT

ANTH 311 - Formerly 101 - Archaeological Method and Theory (4)

Archaeology relies on a body of theories and methods for reading human prehistory from the incomplete record left by past cultures. This course offers a counterpoint to ANTH 12/Prehistory in examining how questions asked by archaeologists are addressed. Topics include techniques of excavation and artifact analysis and the major theoretical approaches to archaeological inference. The course is divided between lecture and laboratory sessions in which students analyze archaeological data.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

ANTH 310 - Formerly 102 - Ethnographic Research Methods (4)

A course that serves as a rigorous exploration of the field methods and qualitative research techniques used in sociocultural anthropology. Topics to be covered include ethnographic interviews, participant observation, field notes, the role of surveys, the ethics of research with human subjects and the production of ethnographic knowledge. Course assignments will be cumulative-that is, each successive assignment will build off the previous one, culminating in a comprehensive research paper at the end of the course.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: WM

ANTH 331 - Formerly 114 - Archaeology and Sustainable Culture (4)

Through Archaeology scholars reconstruct, examine, query and confront the record of past human-environment interactions. Placing these interactions in an historical context brings a long-term perspective to bear on contemporary issues. This course examines critically this record of human adaptations through time and across the globe with a particular focus on the ancient Americas. The view of archaeology is that the experiences of these ancient societies offer useful lessons about past choices which should affect the choices made today.
Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority given to majors and minors in Anthropology and Environmental Studies and to Archaeology minors. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
Fulfills: BSS, BI

ANTH 204 - Formerly 121 - Society and Social Change in Sub-Saharan Africa (4)

Much of what we hear, read and see about Africa in literature, the media and even in academic writing emphasizes the suffering, corruption, disease, war and strife that afflict much of the continent. To be sure, Africa is plagued by many of these issues, often to a far greater extent than other parts of the world. However, the sameness of tone and pessimism in the coverage of these problems often belies the diversity of culture and experience that is the African continent-which includes 53 countries, hundreds of different ethnic groups and a vast array of traditions, practices and beliefs. This course will examine a selection of different African societies and states from across the continent with an emphasis on how perspectives and ideas about traditional culture and practice intersect with the challenges-economic, religious, ethnic and political -faced by African cultures and the modern African nation state. The goal of this course is that students will leave with an appreciation of the cultural richness and regional variation that is sometime hidden by the usual generalizations and sterotypes that are often applied to Africa.

Fulfills: DIT

ANTH 312 - Formerly 124 - Human Osteology (4)

A study of human skeletal biology and bioarcheology. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the bones and anatomical landmarks of the human skeleton and how stress, disease, injury, and lifestyle affect them. The course includes some instruction in paleopathology and forensic anthropology, with laboratory exercises providing direct examination of skeletal material.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

ANTH 301 - Formerly 125 - Medical Anthropology (4)

The cross-cultural study of health and healing in ecological, evolutionary, and political-economic perspectives. Surveys cultural differences in health, reproduction, nutrition, disease ecology, medical systems, and mortality. Also considers the evolution of human disease and the efficacy of different medical systems.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.

ANTH 326 - Formerly 126 - Evolution and Human Behavior (4)

A study of the basic principles of evolutionary theory as applied to the study of human social behavior. The course examines competing views on the importance of biology for understanding human behavior and considers the relationship between genes and culture.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

ANTH 327 - Formerly 127 - Human Evolutionary Genetics (4)

A study of human genetics in evolutionary perspective. Topics include the structure of the human genome, human-ape comparisons, human genetic diversity, interpreting that diversity, what it tells us about human origins and migrations, effects of population admixture, health implications, and forensic DNA analysis.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

ANTH 302 - Formerly 130 - Anthropology of Religion (4)

A study of various aspects of religious beliefs and practices among small-scale societies and folk communities within larger human systems.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.

ANTH 303 - Formerly 131 - Gender and Culture (4)

A study of the construction of gender across cultures. The course considers how culture influences and shapes gender roles in varying human domains, such as religion, creative traditions, work, scholarship and research, and popular culture.
Prerequisite: ANTH 104 - Formerly 4 - or permission of instructor Offering to be determined. Same as: WGST 331 - Formerly 131 -

ANTH 132 - Primatology (4)

The study of primate behavior, how it can be understood as environmental adaptation, its evolutionary significance, and how it compares to human behavior. Topics include primate ecology, social behavior, sociobiology, and cognition.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester in even numbered years.

ANTH 321 - Formerly 134 - Forensic Anthropology (4)

Forensic anthropology is a specialized field concerned with the application of the techniques of physical anthropology and human osteology to matters dealing with the law and the medico-legal professions. This course will provide students grounding in the specialist skills of a forensic anthropologist, including the identification and recovery of human remains, calculating the death interval, building a biological profile and identifying the cause and manner of death. The role of the forensic anthropologist in mass disasters, military service, and investigation of war crimes and other human rights violations will also be discussed. Labs will apply knowledge in practical scenarios such as identifying animal versus human remains, field search and recovery methods, determining age at death, sex, stature, ancestry, and identifying any antemortem conditions that may contribute towards a positive identification. Students will also learn how to identify any trauma or other pathological
Enrollment priority: Priority given to anthropology and biological anthropology majors, anthropology and archeology minors, juniors, and seniors. Prerequisite: ANTH 312 - Formerly 124 - Corequisite: ANTH 321 - Formerly 134 - L Corequisite or Prerequisite: ANTH134 must be taken concurrently with ANTH134L.

ANTH 321L - Formerly 134L - Forensic Anthropology Laboratory

Lab for ANTH134: Forensic Anthropology.
Enrollment priority: Priority given to anthropology and biological anthropology majors, anthropology and archeology minors, juniors, and seniors. Prerequisite: ANTH 312 - Formerly 124 - Corequisite: ANTH 321 - Formerly 134 - Corequisite or Prerequisite: ANTH134L must be taken concurrently with ANTH134.

ANTH 304 - Formerly 135 - Selected Topics in Cultural Anthropology (4)

An investigation of one or more major subject areas in cultural anthropology. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty expertise and may include visual anthropology, structural theory, and post-postmodernism.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.

ANTH 330 - Formerly 136 - Selected Topics in Archaeological Method and Theory (4)

An investigation of one or more major subject areas in archaeology. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty expertise.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

ANTH 320 - Formerly 137 - Selected Topics in Biological Anthropology (4)

An investigation of one or more major subject areas in biological anthropology. Topics vary in accordance with student interest and faculty expertise and may include intensive courses in primatology, human adaptability, osteology, anthropological genetics or other aspects of human biology.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - Offering to be determined.

ANTH 380 - Formerly 140 - Archaeological Field Study (4)

This summer field course introduces students to archaeological field methods, including survey, excavation, and artifact recovery and processing. Instruction is through participation in an ongoing research project. Location of the field research site varies annually. Recent offerings include Ecuador and Maine.
Prerequisite: ANTH 311 - Formerly 101 - Offered annually in summer.

ANTH 375 - Formerly 143 - Museums and Society (4)

This course explores the intersection of the museum and its public with a focus on the rise of the museum in the late eighteenth century and its development up to the present day. Why were museums created, and what purposes do these institutions serve? What values do they project? Such questions are addressed through selected case studies and readings of key theoretical texts in the field. Analysis of current museum and gallery exhibitions, discussion of such issues as the role of government, the interdependence of museums and the art market, and debates over repatriation, restitution and looting or theft will also be addressed.
Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Same as: ARTH 375 - Formerly ARTHST 143 -

ANTH 300 - Formerly 150 - Independent Study in Anthropology (1-4)

A special program of study planned by the student in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Written proposal and permission of a faculty member required for approval.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.

ANTH 400 - Formerly 199 - Senior Seminar in Anthropology (4)

An examination of anthropology as a profession. Discussion of current major issues in the discipline.
[CAP] Capstone Prerequisite: Senior standing in anthropology or behavioral science or permission of instructor Offered spring semester.

Off-Campus Programs

ANTH 152 - Introduction to the Cultures of Mali (4)

Students consider both traditional village cultures and the modern national culture that is gradually taking over. Time is divided between the Bamana, Dogon, and Tuareg. The comparison of these and the other peoples of Mali enables students to develop insights into how traditional societies function. Village organization, the nature of authority, the roles of men and women, religion, art, and the patterns of daily work and leisure are considered.

See appropriate departments for the following courses

LING 101 - Formerly 10 - Language, Communication, and Culture (4)

An introduction to the role of language and its various forms of transmission in the construction of individual and cultural identity. Topics include language and gender, language and ethnicity, language and social structures.
Recommended: ANTH 4 as a concurrent or prior course. Offered annually.
Fulfills: BSS

LING 302 - Formerly 120 - Linguistic Theory and Method (4)

A study of descriptive and prescriptive approaches to language. Synchronic and diachronic linguistics. Phonetics and phonemics. Morphology, syntagmology, and semantics.
Recommended: LING 10 or 105 as a prior course. Offering to be determined.