Anthropology is the systematic study of the humanity both past and present. The course introduces students to the four subfields of anthropology, which include archaeology, biological, linguistic and cultural anthropology. Students will learn about the concepts and methods that anthropologists use to study our species and gain a broader perspective on the human experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(Also offered as CJ 319; LING 359) Examination of the interrelations of language and speech with other selected aspects of culture and cognition. Prerequisite: 114 or 1155 or LING 2110 or LING 301.

The purpose and theory of the study of archaeology; relates archaeology to anthropological principles and the practice of science. Prerequisite: 1211 and 1211L. {Yearly}

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.

Development of ideas and theories in sociocultural anthropology; focus on topics such as integration of human societies, sources of change in economic and cultural systems.

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

Our goals are to better understand the lived realities on the ground in Palestine, and to develop skills of critical analysis to better understand colonialism, decolonization, and indigeneity in across the globe.

Introduces students to the fundamental principles of evolutionary theory and their application to human behavior. It surveys current research on human sexuality, mate choice, reproduction and parenting from the perspective of human evolutionary ecology. Prerequisite: 1170 or 1135 or BIOL 1110.

Surveys the development of the Maya civilizations in Mesoamerica from the origins of agriculture through the Spanish Conquest. The course will explore archaeological, ethno-historical, linguistic, and environmental data and accounts. Prerequisite: 1115 or (1211 and 1211L) or 2175 or 320.

Directed study under the supervision of a faculty member. Restriction: permission of instructor. {Offered upon demand}

(Also offered as ARTH 402/502) Archaeological and historic art forms of the Arctic Northwest coast and the eastern woodlands of North America. {Fall}

Topics of archaeological interest including gender in archaeology, European contact and post-processualism.

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

Events and processes leading from the appearance of the human lineage to the beginnings of agriculture, with discussions of Australopithecus and the genus Homo, through Homo sapiens. Prerequisite: *351L. {Alternate years}

Directed study of topics not covered in regular courses.

Field research for qualified advanced undergraduate or graduate students with previous experience in archaeology, biological anthropology, human evolutionary ecology, linguistics or general ethnology. Problems are selected on the basis of student-faculty interest and field research opportunities. Restriction: permission of instructor. {Offered upon demand}