Anthropology (ANTH)

ANTH 8216  CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 credits)

Cultural Anthropology is the sub-discipline of Anthropology that systematically considers cultural diversity (similarities and differences) in all known human societies. The scope of cultural anthropology is one of the broadest in the social sciences and includes the study of subsistence strategies and economies, kinship and social organization, political organization, religion, gender, language, expressive arts, human-environment relationships, and globalization. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4210).

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1050 or permission of Instructor

ANTH 8226  NORTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY (3 credits)

This course explores more than 20,000 years of Native American culture and lifeways in North America. Indigenous peoples faced numerous challenges throughout this vast and diverse continent. Hunters, gatherers, fishers, and horticulturalists adapted to all regions of North America. Students will be introduced to a range of archaeological concepts, methods and theoretical perspectives central to learning about this rich heritage of American archaeology. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4220).

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1050 or permission of instructor

ANTH 8236  ETHNOMEDICINES OF THE AMERICAS (3 credits)

An anthropological approach to the study of the cultural systems of specific American ethnomedicines (traditional medicines) of North, Central and South America. For each ethnomedicine, the historical context, philosophy, practice, therapeutics, and utilization will be examined to understand how and why each ethnomedicine has survived despite tremendous extermination pressure. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4230).

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1050 or permission of the instructor.

ANTH 8246  MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 credits)

Medical anthropology is the cross-cultural study of human culture, health and illness. Using multiple theoretical perspectives, this course examines how cultural, social, environmental, and biological factors interact to produce patterns of health and illness in past and present human societies. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4240)

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or the permission of the instructor

ANTH 8256  ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND NATIVE PEOPLES OF THE GREAT PLAINS (3 credits)

Environmental anthropology seeks to understand the interrelationships between human societies and their biophysical and social environments. This course introduces students to basic concepts and theories used by anthropologists to study environmental influences upon both past and present Native American societies on the North American Great Plains. Particular attention will be given to the rapid and dramatic environmental changes that continue to challenge Native Americans in the Great Plains today. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4250)

ANTH 8276  DECOLONIZING NATIVE AMERICAN HEALTH (3 credits)

This course will utilize an interdisciplinary lens to interrogate Native American health and wellness grounded in the decolonizing theoretical and methodological tools drawn from Medical Anthropology and Native American Studies. Topics covered will include: Health Disparities, Federal Indian Health Policy, Historical Trauma, Medical Mistrust, Traditional Healing, Food Sovereignty and Research Ethics. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4270, NAMS 4270, NAMS 8276).

ANTH 8286  CLINICAL ETHNOGRAPHY (3 credits)

Using ethnographic texts, this course explores the clinical world from an anthropological perspective. Students will use anthropological theories and methods to learn about cultures of medical practices, diverse health professions, the contexts of health care delivery, and the structural, cultural, and historical forces that influence the practice of healthcare in the U.S. and cross-culturally. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4280, MEDH 4280).

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1050 or MEDH 1000 or permission of the instructor.

ANTH 8926  SEMINAR IN ANTHROPOLOGY (3 credits)

This course reviews research and writing in an area of current interest in the field of anthropology. The specific topic(s) to be covered will be announced at the time the course is being offered. Since the topics will vary, students may elect to take this course more than once. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4920).

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor

ANTH 8946  ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the field methods of scientific archaeology. These field methods include map reading, use of satellite and aerial photographs, instrument survey and mapping, pedestrian survey or reconnaissance, site survey data collection, identification of artifacts (stone tools, ceramics, etc.) and ecofacts (animal remains, macrobotanicals, etc.), systematic artifact collection and documentation, soil probes and coring methods, GPS-based mapping, excavation methods, and data recording. Additional topics include laboratory methods (artifact and ecofact analysis, interpretation, and documentation). This field course ultimately focuses upon the use of empirical data to test or evaluate our interpretations of past human behavior. (Cross-listed with ANTH 4940).

ANTH 8980  INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ANTHROPOLOGY (1-3 credits)

This course is guided reading or independent research in special topics in Anthropology under the supervision of a member of the Anthropology faculty. This course is designed primarily for the student interested in topics not currently available in the departmental offerings and who has demonstrated capability of working independently. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.