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.

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.

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

The prehistory of Africa from the appearance of the first hominids to the development of complex societies. Prerequisite: 1115 or (1211 and 1211L) or 2175. {Alternate years}

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

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.

Ethnographic studies and a variety of anthropological approaches to ritual are read to examine the defining characteristics of ritual activity and its contemporary significance in peoples' lives. {Offered periodically}

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

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

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

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.

Behavioral transitions throughout human evolution, including social systems, diet, life history, intelligence and locomotion. Focus on hominid origins, the transition from ape-like to human-like hominid, and the origin of our own species. Prerequisite: 357.

Directed study of topics not covered in regular courses.

Readings and discussions concerning anthropological research methods, sources, goals and professional ethics. Open to upper division majors and concentrators whose applications for the honors program have been approved. Restriction: permission of instructor. {Fall}

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}