Basic concepts and theory of evolution will be reviewed and applied to the study of fossil humans The evidence for the evolution of humans and their primate relatives will be studied, with attention paid to alternate interpretations of the data.
This course examines Native American cosmologies across space and time from the perspectives of ontology and epistemology, with a focus on concepts of soul and personhood. Students develop an empathetic understanding of the contours of indigenous universes and how these intersect with the socio-political dynamics that shape Native lives within modern nation-states.
Directed at non-majors (with no anthropology prerequisite), this course is intended to introduce the student to the diversity and unity of religious beliefs and practices in everyday life throughout the world through the lens of the social science anthropology. This includes the study of religions both textual and non-textual, large-scale and small- scale. The course content will include ethnographic materials as well as an examination of various methods and theoretical approaches used in anthropology in the cross-cultural study of religion.
The Appalachian Mountains, which range from New York to Mississippi, making up part of the landscape of 13 different states, are known to many Americans as being home to a unique cultural and linguistic experience. In this course, we will examine the extent to which this uniqueness is true, considering the nature of many myths and stereotypes that exist about this variety. We will discuss certain lexical, phonetic, syntactic, and other linguistic features that set this variety apart from other American varieties while also noting the features the speech of Appalachia shares with others.
Discussion, reading and writing focusing on specific topics in archaeology. 351 may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits under a different subtitle.
Discussion, reading and writing focusing on specific topics in archaeology. 351 may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits under a different subtitle.
Discussion, reading and writing focusing on specific topics in cultural anthropology. 352 may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credits under a different subtitle.
Discussion, reading and writing focusing on specific topics in physical or biological anthropology. 353 may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credits under a different subtitle.
This course will provide students with an introduction to human skeletal biology and its applications to medico-legal issues. We will also discuss the different contexts in which forensic anthropology is applied, including local death investigations, mass disasters, and human rights violations. Utilizing a biocultural perspective, participants will explore the biology of human skeletal remains through osteological analysis, while also emphasizing the cultural context of the people we study as well as the scientists who study them.
A course with special assignments for study of special topic usually involving preparation of a final paper. Student must identify a clearly defined topic and a specific faculty member as instructor. All work to fulfill this course must be detailed clearly and described fully in advance using the approved learning contract. The student and faculty member will need to agree on a general schedule of student/faculty meetings during the semester to discuss the progress of the project. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits. Letter Grade only.
