This course provides an overview of the 4-field discipline of Anthropology. Each of the four fields is covered in order to provide students with a broad-based introductory knowledge of Anthropology. The four topics include Archaeology (the study of the material remains of the past), Cultural Anthropology (the study of human diversity), Physical Anthropology (the study of the human body and human evolution), and Linguistics (the study of language).
Most Spring terms
Special Topics in Anthropology.
In this class we will learn about the human skeleton and explore the key methods that are used in the identification of individuals, such as age-at-death estimation, sex determination, stature, ancestry, and personal identification. We will also deal with the assessment of differing types of trauma, and whether or not such trauma can inform us of the cause and manner of death. Finally, the broader ethical responsibilities of forensic anthropologists will be discussed, including discussions of how we determine (or, debate) race/ancestry, human rights abuses, disasters, criminal inquiries, and genocides.
Most Fall terms
In this course we will reflect and discuss ethical perspectives surrounding the handling, treatment, display, curation, trade, and research of human remains. In doing so, we will consider how ethical perspectives vary according to national, legal, spiritual, and cultural contexts. Additionally, we will consider debates on how the state of human remains, whether mummified, skeletonized, dissected, desiccated, etc., factors into ethical discussions on what is deemed permissible (or prohibited) in the handling of human remains.
Every Spring
Ever wondered about our human history? Fascinated by archaeological finds you hear about in the news? This course provides a world tour through time as we travel from our early origins in Africa through the cognitive development seen to emerge in the rock art caves of France. We then travel through the development of agriculture to the emergence of complex societies throughout prehistory. Explore Stonehenge, the Maya, Ancient Egypt, and more.
Every Spring and occasional Interims
Join us in a class that makes the strange familiar and the familiar strange. An anthropological study of diverse local and global cultures invites you to explore humanity. Explore religious perspectives, kinship systems, family practices, power structures, and so much more. This course delves into the Cultural sub-discipline of Anthropology while engaging students with skills necessary in a rapidly globalizing world.
Every Fall
We have all seen the mysteries of the past uncovered in documentaries but how do archaeologists know what they know? This course provides a methodological and theoretical introduction to how archaeologists make sense of material culture to reconstruct the lives of those in the past. Learn how we can reconstruct timelines, analyze artifacts, and read changing landscapes to better understand our deepest human prehistory.
Every Fall
Museums serve a critical function in modern society, acting as repositories of knowledge, culture, and history. Without museums, much of our cultural and historical heritage would be lost. Using this fundamental concept as an entry point, this course explores the history of the modern museum, its functions in contemporary society, and the roles that “museum professionals” play in their institutions and their communities. Through this exploration, students will be exposed to the concepts of cultural patrimony, (de)colonization, nationalism, inclusivity (and exclusivity), and ownership, and they will become familiar with the roles open to them as emerging professionals in the field of museum studies.
Only by independent scholarship as needed
This course is designed to provide a general introduction to Biological (Physical) Anthropology. The course traces the nature of human evolution, the hominin past, including the study of primates. Further, it examines human skeletal remains as a means of understanding the evolutionary and archaeological past. Finally, the study of Forensics provides practical, real-world applications for the principles of Biological Anthropology.
Every Fall and Spring
Special Topics in Anthropology.
Zooarchaeology is the study of animal and human interactions through archaeological remains and context. Humans have interacted with animals as predators, prey, and even pets and hunting companions throughout prehistory into today. This course provides students with the skills to analyze animal remains, keep careful journal records, and report their findings verbally, visually, and in writing.
Every other Fall, odd years
This course provides an introduction to Cultural Resource Management (CRM), which comprises an estimated 80 percent of the professional archaeology conducted in the United States. Students will explore the laws that govern archaeological research in the public sector. Practical elements include the importance of anthropological theory, development of regulation-driven research designs, production and evaluation of reports, applying National Register criteria, and project management. Additionally curation of collections, ethical issues, and the concepts and ownership of traditional cultural properties. A primary focus will be on the multiple stakeholders in these processes, including developers, archaeologists, and Indigenous groups.
Every other Spring, odd years
The Northern Plains of North America is a vast territory stretching from central Manitoba and Saskatchewan south to Nebraska, east to northern Iowa and west to the Rocky Mountains. It is a stark and harsh landscape but one with abundant streams, wildlife, and wild plants. These resources have sustained Native American populations for at least 12,000 years and continue to do so through the present day. This course will take a holistic approach to the study of the Great Plains through an archaeological perspective that includes Indigenous knowledge, viewpoints, and concerns. Emphasis will be placed on making connections between the culture, lifeways, and worldviews of past and contemporary Indigenous nations.
Occasionally
This four to five week field school offers basic instruction in all aspects of Archaeological Fieldwork. Students will be instructed in excavation, mapping, photography, plan view map drawing, as well as the initial processing of recovered artifacts.
Every Summer, Study away
The first week of the course will be spent on campus reading and discussing the history of the Southwest from an archaeological and cultural perspective. The southwest is a region rich in archaeological sites. This region also provides a unique setting to explore the living cultures whose ancestors created those sites. We will visit ancient sites built into cliffs, walk the river courses of cultures long past, and visit with the living descendants of the archaeological sites we’ll explore on this unique tour of the Southwest.
Occasionally
Internship in Anthropology.
Additional fees may apply.
Special Topics in Anthropology.
The anthropological research methods and theory class teaches students the fundamentals of Anthropological theory and it’s application to research. In this class students will design a research project in the sub field of their choice. Students will write a strong research proposal, carry out a research project, and deliver a final report and presentation on their findings. This experiential class is designed to train anthropologists for hands on interactive research to prepare them for fieldwork after graduation.
Anthropology Major or minor - to be taken junior or senior year
Every Spring