Anthropology Catalog

100W (COMP) FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR: SPORTS, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY Mr. Lozada

Survey of the social and cultural impact of sports throughout the world. Topics include the impact of sports on globalization, the commodification of culture, childhood socialization, gender ideologies, national and ethnic identity, and popular culture. (Not offered 2004-05)

101 INTRODUCTORY CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY Mr. Lozada, Ms. Fairley

Cross-cultural study of the nature of systems of knowledge and belief, social and political institutions, economic behavior, and human ecological adaptation. Anthropological approaches to traditional tribal and peasant societies as well as complex contemporary societies. (Fall and Spring)

102 HUMANKIND EVOLVING Ms. Cho

Introduction to humanity’s biological heritage. Topics include introduction to evolutionary theory, population genetics, primate biology and behavior, and the primate fossil record. Principal emphasis upon fossil evidence for human evolution, with particular focus on biological adaptations and the emergence of culture. (Fall)

108 INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY Mr. Ringle

Introduction to how archaeologists reconstruct the past. Methods of dating, artifact analysis, excavation, and interpretation, using examples drawn from prehistory. Contributions of archaeology to anthropology, as well as the use of other disciplines by archaeologists. One laboratory period each week.

109 FIRST-YEAR TOPICAL SEMINAR IN ANTHROPOLOGY Staff

Selected topics in anthropology. This course does not fulfill the core requirement in composition but does count as an elective toward the major.

205 ETHNIC RELATIONS Ms. Fairley, Ms. Shannon (Cross-listed Sociology 205).

Comparative and historical study of social processes related to ethnic differences in modern complex societies. Readings in theoretical and descriptive literature, focusing on issues of unequal distribution of power and privilege, racism, and ethnic prejudice. (Not offered 2002-03)

207 FORAGERS, FARMERS, AND CHIEFS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD Mr. Ringle

The development of human society from the late Ice Age through complex agricultural communities. Hunting and gathering; post-glacial adaptations; world colonization; cause of agriculture; social consequences of food production, including the rise of social inequality. Examples include the Near East, Europe, North America, and Polynesia. . (Not offered 2002-2003; offered in alternating years)

208 EARLY CITIES AND STATES Mr. Ringle

Archaeology of prehistoric and early historic complex societies. Early chiefdoms and states of South America, Egypt and Asia. Anthropological theories of state formation, including the roles of ecology, ideology, technology, warfare, and economic organization. (Spring; offered in alternating years)

220 RELIGION, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE Ms. Fairley

Social aspects of contemporary religious belief and practice. Special emphasis on categories of ritual behavior, collective identity as expressed through religious representation, formation of new and revitalized religious groups, and the persistence of religion as a form of social identity. (Not offered 2002-03)

222 AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS Ms. Fairley

African civilizations and their influence on the histories of Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Two major civilizations from each region of the continent and of European colonization in the nineteenth century. (Not offered 2002-2003; offered in alternating years)

232 CONTEMPORARY GHANAIAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE Ms. Fairley

Examination of Ghanaian family, gender roles, religious beliefs, social stratification, political economy, and inter-ethnic relations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the legacy of colonialism and efforts to develop a national culture. Offered in alternate years as part of the Davidson West Africa summer program. (Not offered 2002-2003)

240 POPULAR CULTURE AND ANTHROPOLOGY Mr. Lozada

The social, economic, and political implications of popular culture. Draws on major social theorists in examining films, popular music, television, tabloid journalism, and sports for insights into the nature of social relations and the formation of cultural identity. Compares a "textual" approach focusing on the ideological messages implicit in popular culture and a more "consumerist" approach that takes popular culture as a form of resistance.(Not offered 2002-2003)

251 MESOAMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS Mr. Ringle

Origins and development of the major civilizations of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize from the earliest fumes to the Spanish conquest. Emphasis upon the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, and Aztecs. Examination of social and political organization, economic systems, ecological adaptations, major artistic achievements, and writing systems. (Fall; offered in alternating years)

253 CONTEMPORARY PEOPLES OF MESOAMERICA Mr. Jones

Introduction to the cultures and societies of contemporary Indian, mestizo, and Afro-American peoples of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Examination of inter-ethnic relations, social stratification, family and community organization, religious beliefs, and issues of economic development and cultural survival. (Not offered 2002-03)

257 THE AFRICAN CONTINUUM Ms. Fairley

African cultural influences on the formation of the cultures of the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Emphasis on the dynamic nature of African culture in the Americas as shaped by historical and social forces. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101. (Fall; offered in alternating years)

261 SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND SOCIETY Mr. Lozada

Inquiry into the production and cultural meanings of scientific knowledge and technological change. Comparison of the function and rhetoric of scientific "truths" to other modes of truth-production, such as religion, and consideration of the cultural production of the language of science. Topics include the conflict and dialogue between science and religion, rationality, ethics and the practice of science, environmental issues, and social change. (Spring)

265 CONTEMPORARY CHINESE SOCIETY AND CULTURE Mr. Lozada

Examines Chinese society from the bottom up, with an emphasis on the structure of everyday life. The periods under examination includes pre-revolutionary China (including Taiwan and Hong Kong), socialist China, and post-socialist China. Topics include marriage and reproductive strategies, lineage organization, inheritance patterns, gender roles, and religion and life cycle rituals; these topics will be examined especially in light of Maoist attempts to construct a new culture. (Spring)

270 BIOCULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON RACE Ms. Cho

Examines the concept of race from a biocultural perspective, deconstructing race by exploring evidence from population genetics and human origins. Contemporary racial issues such as classification of racial/ethnic groups, intelligence, and achievement are explored. (Spring)

271 HUMAN VARIATION AND ADAPTATION Ms. Cho

Human biological variation among and within living populations. Evolutionary, genetic, ecological, demographic, and especially cultural factors which contribute to biological variation are explored. Topics include biological adaptations to hot/cold climates, high altitudes, lactose intolerance, etc. (Spring)

272 FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY Ms. Cho

The application of techniques used in biological anthropology to the law. Various topics and methodologies related to the identification of human skeletal remains, including the excavation of human remains, estimation of age-at-death, trauma analysis, cause and manner of death, and mass disasters, are introduced. (spring)

275 MONKEYS, APES, HUMANS Ms. Cho

Examination of the anatomy and social behaviors of living primates. To better understand the human species, we will examine topics such as infanticide, mating systems, intelligence, locomotion, concealed ovulation, menopause, and extensive culture. (Spring)

310 POLITICS, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE Mr. Lozada

Examines authority, organization, and power using the comparative perspective. Topics include the acquisition and legitimation of authority, comparative political systems, local level politics, the connections between local and wider political systems, cultural and symbolic aspects of power and legitimacy, and social movements. Subject matter includes political communities in a variety of cultural contexts. (Spring)

340 MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY Ms. Cho

Cross-cultural study of belief systems concerning health and illness, practices of diagnosis and treatment, and roles of patients and practitioners. Western biomedicine and non-Western health care systems are examined. The interaction of ecological and cultural factors that influence disease manifestations and the biocultural context of sickness and therapy are explored. (Fall)

341 GLOBALIZATION Mr. Lozada

Explores globalization and the social and cultural processes transforming local life throughout the world. Introduction to the impact of global capitalism, transnational culture and political flows, and the role of global non-government organizations in different regions. Topics include global capitalism, state power and sovereignty, diaspora ethnicity and migration, and the localization of transnational culture. (Not offered 2002-2003; offered in alternating years)

342 CULTURE AND SEXUALITY Mr. Jones

Cross-cultural and historical perspectives on the many meanings assigned to human sexuality and its expressions. Ethnographies of sexuality; theories of the relationship between the “natural” and the culturally constructed sexual body; and the political economy of sexuality. Emphasis on individual student research projects. Not open to first-year students. (Not offered 2002-03)

343 GENDER, POWER, AND CULTURE Mr. Lozada

Explores how gender ideologies shape the exercise of power upon men and women in different societies and cultures. Topics include the construction of masculinity and femininity, commodification and consumption of gender, social position, agency, and the political economy of gender. Emphasis on developing an understanding of different theoretical perspectives in the cross-cultural study of gender. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101 or permission of the instructor.

350 ART, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE Ms. Fairley

Cross-cultural study of the visual and performing art traditions of selected non-western societies. In addition to examining the major theoretical approaches to the study of art, the course will explore non-western aesthetic systems, relationships between art and social structure, gender and artistic production and art as mediator between the sacred and the secular. Prerequisites: Anthropology 101 or Anthropology 222. (Fall)

354 ART AND WRITING OF THE ANCIENT MAYA Mr. Ringle

The sculpture and painting of the ancient Maya, including an introduction to hieroglyphic decipherments concerning Maya dynastic history, warfare, and political organization. Other topics include Maya myth, ritual, and astronomical knowledge. (Spring)

356 ART, MYTH, AND HISTORY OF THE AZTECS AND THEIR CONTEMPORARIES Mr. Ringle

Study of Aztec and Mixtec religion, ritual, and philosophy as exemplified in works of art, architecture and civic planning, literary works, and painted books (codices). Case studies include the Aztec Great Temple, the Codex of Borgia, and the Codex Nuttall, as well as the art of the ancestral city of Teotihuacan. (Not offered 2002-2003)

370 THEORY IN ANTHROPOLOGY Mr. Lozada

Theoretical and interpretive perspectives in modern cultural anthropology. Issues include functionalism, historical analysis, cultural evolution, ecology, cultural materialism, structuralism and symbolic analysis. Writings of major thinkers, including Radcliffe-Brown, Harris, Levi-Strauss, Douglas, Geertz, Turner, Godelier, and Sahlins. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101. (Fall)

371 ETHNOGRAPHIC WRITING AND RESEARCH Ms. Fairley

Approaches to ethnographic and ethnohistorical research and analysis in cultural anthropology. Examination of selected stud es that demonstrate a variety of approaches to the intensive study of single cultures and to cross-cultural comparisons. Students design and complete individual research projects. An approved off campus ethnographic field school course may be substituted for students applying this course to a major in Anthropology. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101 or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

372 METHOD AND THEORY IN ARCHAEOLOGY Mr. Ringle

Advanced study of current issues in archaeological analysis. Introduction to problem formation, methodologies of analysis. Independent library or field research projects. An approved off-campus archaeological field school may be substituted for students applying this course to a major in the department. Prerequisite: Anthropology 108 or permission of the instructor.

375 HUMAN OSTEOLOGY Ms. Cho

Identification of bones in the human skeleton and basic skeletal biology. Osteological methods and analyses applicable to bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology are introduced. Prerequisite: Anthropology 102, 270 or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

377 IMAGING THE EARTH Mr. Ringle

The use of geographical information systems (GIS) to analyze, model, and present spatial relationships in the biological and social sciences. Course will be computer-based and will emphasize individual research projects. Does not satisfy social science core requirement. (Not offered 2004-05; offered in alternating years.)

380-385 SEMINARS IN ANTHROPOLOGY

Topics announced in advance. Not open to first-year students.

395-396 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN ANTHROPOLOGY Staff

Independent research under the direction of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic(s) of the research and determines the means of evaluation. Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing, two courses in Anthropology, and permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)

410-419 ADVANCED SEMINARS IN ANTHROPOLOGY Staff

Topics announced in advance. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor.

490 SENIOR COLLOQUIUM IN ANTHROPOLOGY

Advanced seminar for all majors, exploring in depth an anthropological issue of critical importance. Students choose a topic related to this issue and prepare seminar presentations and a major research paper. Open to senior majors. (Fall)

495-496 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN ANTHROPOLOGY Staff

Independent research under the direction of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic(s) of the research and determines the means of evaluation. Prerequisite: Senior standing, two courses in Anthropology, and permission of the instructor.(Fall and Spring)

499 HONORS THESIS

Research and writing of the Honors Thesis; departmental oral examination. Open to qualifying senior majors. Prerequisite: departmental permission (Fall)