This course provides a basic introduction to the broad field of biological anthropology. The research interests of biological anthropologists include the history and development of modern evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, modern primates, the primate and human fossil record, and modern human biological diversity. Biological Anthropology concentration students are required, and others are encouraged, to enroll concurrently in 1135L. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.

This is an introductory course that provides an overview of cultural anthropology as a subfield within the broader discipline of anthropology and as a research approach within the social sciences more generally. The course presents core concepts and methods of cultural anthropology that are used to understand the ways in which human beings organize and experience their lives through distinctive cultural practices. More specifically, this course explores social and cultural differences and similarities around the world through a variety of topics such as: language and communication, economics, ways of making a living, marriage and family, kinship and descent, race, ethnicity, political organization, supernatural beliefs, sex and gender, and globalization. This course ultimately aims to present a broad range of perspectives and practices of various cultural groups from across the globe. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.

This is an introductory course which provides an overview of the discipline of Linguistic Anthropology. The course will discuss the implications of language within anthropology, as well as within the sciences and social sciences more generally. The course explores the core concepts and methods of linguistic anthropology, such as the basic structure of language, first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, and social and regional variations that are used to help students understand what it means to be human and the role of language in human societies.

This class explores different ways of studying and interpreting the past through a survey of archaeology’s historical, theoretical, and methodological development. If you are interested in archaeology as a career (or even just trying out an archaeological field school), this course is critical: it will provide you with the basic tools for conducting archaeological research and with an understanding of the background of the discipline. For this reason, this course is required for Anthropology majors with an Archaeology concentration. Even if you know you don’t want to be an archaeologist, though, this class may interest you. Have you ever wondered how archaeologists know what they know about the past? Are you skeptical about some archaeological claims? Have you ever read a statement about the past and thought, “is this really true?” This class will provide you with the skills, both conceptual and practical, to answer those questions.

This course explores the core principles of human biology from an integrated evolutionary framework, including perspectives from anatomy and physiology, ethnology, primatology, paleoanthropology, ecology, neuroscience, evolutionary medicine, and more.

Archaeology is the systematic study of the human past through material remains. This course introduces students to the physical remains of past societies and compares and contrasts archaeological development in different regions. Students will explore the dynamics of the human past and its influences on contemporary society. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.

(Also offered as ARTH 506/406) Archaeological and historic art forms of the Plains, Southwest and western regions of North America. {Spring}

A survey of past archaeological cultures across the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico beginning with the initial occupation of humans in the region but focusing on the period from 500 to 2500 years ago. This course provides students with an overview of broad patterns in subsistence, technology, sociopolitical organization, and ritual practice. An emphasis is placed on major culture areas and sites. May include fieldtrips and hands-on activities.

A survey of the Near Eastern culture area from the origins of agriculture to the development of Bronze Age civilization. {Offered periodically}

Current topics in ethnology to be explored in experimental seminars.

This class contextualizes issues of complex social violence in Colombia by both a broad attention to Colombian history, society and culture, and by literatures that address various kinds of identity formation and dynamism.

Current topics in sociocultural anthropology to be explored in experimental courses.

A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

This seminar reviews issues in primate taxonomy, functional and behavioral reconstructions, phylogenetic relationships, and macroevolutionary patterns. The intent of this course is to put primates into a broader evolutionary perspective. An undergraduate version of this course may be offered as ANTH 452.

A laboratory class that explores the application of data from human and non-human dentition to anthropological questions. Topics covered include dental anatomy, development, evolution, variation, and pathology. Prerequisite: 1135.

A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Advanced discussion of current theoretical debates in archaeology, including Processual and Post-processual paradigms, formation processes; middle-range, optimal foraging, evolutionary, hunter-gatherer mobility theories; cultural ecology; and origins of agriculture and complex society.

Basic concepts, methods and approaches used in the analysis of archaeological pottery. Lectures cover concepts and strategies. Labs give practical experience with techniques of analysis.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Restriction: admitted to M.A. Anthropology or M.S. Anthropology.

A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience. Restriction: admitted to M.A. Anthropology or M.S. Anthropology.

Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Examine how behavior evolves in cognitively complex species and explores the significance of similarities in behavior between humans and other primates.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Limited to graduate majors in the doctoral program.

A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience. Limited to graduate majors in the doctoral program.

Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.