Fall 2008 Undergraduate Courses
Fall 2008 Graduate Courses
* CORE COURSES : Only majors are allowed to register for these courses.
501 - Teach. & Research Resources for Anthropology - Dr. Sirianni
Reg. #115064 – Sat. 12-2pm – 158 Spauld.
Pedagogical aspects of instruction, including use of films, laboratories and field experience, bibliographic and archival materials, cross-cultural files and data banks.
512 – Kinship and Social Structure – Dr. Banks
Reg. #350978 – Mon., Wed. & Fri. 12-12:50 – 352 Film.
This semester kinship will focus upon the influences of the great French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss. We will consider the direction that his work has suggested to generations of young anthropologists. He began as a follower of Boas, but his ideas took his followers in their own directions. We will explore his ideas and some of their recent directions. Returning to some simple examples of his original work, we will consider whether his ideas are still useful.
518 – Primate Social Behavior Org. – Dr. Berman
Reg. #447792 – Thurs. 3-5:40 – 158 Spauld.
This seminar is designed for graduate students and for advanced undergraduates who have had an introductory course in primate behavior. We will survey the descriptive and theoretical literature on primate social behavior and social organization. We will emphasize recent research, controversial topics and studies carried out in the field. Experimental studies on captive primates will also be called upon to supplement and clarify field observations. Since most students will not have had a full introductory-level course in primate behavior, this course will be designed to coordinate with Anthropology 246 - An Introduction to Primate Behavior. Students will be required to attend the lectures and take the exams for APY 246. We will also meet separately to discuss issues in more detail.
526 – Intro. to Cognitive Science – Dr. Rapaport
Reg. #176512 – Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-10:50 – 10 Capen
An introduction to cognitive science, an interdisciplinary approach to the computational study of human cognition. Methodology, assumptions, and research problems of cognitive science and such cognitive-science disciplines as anthropology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neurosciences, philosophy, psychology, etc. Emphasis will be placed on joint efforts of these disciplines in investigating issues in the nature of the mind, intelligence, language, perception, memory, etc. Students will be encouraged to participate in colloquia sponsored by the Center for Cognitive Science.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, or permission of instructor. Cross listed with LIN575, CDS575, PHI575, PSY575.
548 – Human Genetics-Legal Ethics – Dr. Duggleby
Reg. #475423 – W 2-4:40 – 158 Spaulding
Recent advances in genetic technology have presented the scientific and lay community with ethical and legal problems, yet to be resolved. The objective of this course is to provide an opportunity for informed discussions of such issues relating to contemporary human/medical issues.
550 – Evolution Colloquium – Dr. Berman/Lasker
Reg. #395379 – Tues. 12:30-1:50 – 850 NSC
This seminar is a focal point of the Graduate Group in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology. Students and faculty will review recent research in evolutionary processes by discussing topics in evolutionary theory, ecology, ethology and paleobiology. This will also be a forum for students to present their research ideas and topics.
575 – Cult. Anthro. Topics – Ethnography & Personal Narrative - Dr. Reed-Danahay
Reg. #309682 – Mon. 11:00-1:40 – 351 Film.
This course is about the use of personal narrative and life history methods in anthropology and related disciplines. We explore issues of self-reflexivity, social agency, and representation in ethnographic writing. Questions about the relationship between culture and narrative constructions of selfhood are raised. We read texts of life history, autoethnography, and ethnographic autobiography. We also read texts dealing with the
methodological and theoretical issues of the study of lives from an anthropological perspective. In addition to readings, participation in class discussions, and class presen-
tations, students do small research projects dealing with particular genres of life writing.
578 – Ethnomedicine – Dr. Pollock
Reg. #341411 – Tues. 2-4:40 – 354 Film.
“Ethnomedicine” is a convenient if slightly out-of-date term for the study of beliefs and practices relating to illness cross-culturally. In this course we will survey the major contemporary approaches to the study of such beliefs and practices, the goal of this course being to develop a fairly good understanding of the theoretical perspectives that have shaped ethnomedical research, and vice-versa. These will range from meaning-centered approaches to political-economy models of health and illness, with attention to the role of embodiment studies, gender, globalization, and the domestication of otherness. “Ethnomedicine” is slightly out-of-date because all beliefs and practices relating to illness are “ethno” practices – as Lutz famously asked of her specialty, “ethnopsychology as opposed to what?” – and we will devote some attention to the cultural and historical specificity of ‘scientific’ forms of medical practice as well as those traditionally lumped under the label of, well, ‘traditional.’
587 – Anthro. Arch. Topics: “Collapse” of Ancient Civs. – Dr. Barbour
Reg. #428517 - Tues. 4:30-7:10 – 351 Film.
This course explores the archaeological record and theories related to the collapse of Civilizations in both the New World and old. The complex components of each civilization will be studied such as the politics, religion, and economy to mention only a few. Old World civilizations autopsied will include Shang China, Harrappan cities, and Rome. Wari (Huari) and the Moche civilizations in South America and the Maya and Teotihuuacan in Mesoamerica will be dissected. Extensive readings of both theoretical approaches from the 19th century forward, as well as analysis of site reports and documentary material where available (Rome and China). First the various uses of the term “collapse” will be studied as well as a diachronic study of the many theories put forth over the last five hundred years. Besides traditional archaeological readings students will be asked to read sources including: sociology, history, geography, philosophy and other relevant authors. Each student will be expected to do research on two components and two civilizations. The course will be organized topically with theoretical and philosophical readings assigned for each session. Students will be expected to meld assigned readings into researched material related to the student’s chosen civilizations and components. Short presentations, critics, participation in class discussion and a final paper of 15 to 22 pages are required.
590- - Violence & Nonviolence – Dr. Lanz
Reg. #120641 - Thurs. 9:30-12:10 – 261 Film.
What is the place and function of terror in our contemporary world? What is its history, its legacy? What is its aim? Where does it come from and where will it take us? This seminar will approach these questions from an anthropological perspective. We will ask, specifically, what a cultural definition of the phenomenon of terror might entail. Equipped with such a perspective, we will then proceed to investigate different case-studies of terrorism, both historical and contemporary: Islamic terrorism, eco-terrorism, the reign of terror in revolutionary France, political versus ethnic terrorism, terrorism and ethics, ideology and terror, terrorism and mind, terrorism and religion, etc. In looking at these and other examples for terrorism, we will aim to formulate an answer to one of the most pressing questions today: What place does terrorism have in our contemporary imaginaries?
594 -Advanced Physical Anthropology – Dr. Sirianni
Reg. #022437 - Tues. 3:00-5:40 – 158 Spauld.
This seminar will address the topic of Human Paleopathology, i.e. the study of disease in ancient populations. After a brief introduction to the history of paleopathology, and to what constitutes pathology vs. Pseudopathology, students will, learn the distinctive features of various infectious diseases which effect bone, skeletal trauma, effect bone, and dental disease. Student presentations and discussion will be the format of the seminar.
600 - Master Project or Thesis Guidance – variable credit
ARR ARR---PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
Graduate students should register for 3 credit hours of their major professor’s section of this when they are writing their MA Project. Register for 6 credit hours of their major professor’s section of this when they are writing their MA Thesis. This must be of publishable quality and must be defended by the student before their committee.
601 - Individual Readings—Archaeology – variable credit
ARR ARR---PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
If, after speaking to the Instructor and he/she agrees to work with you, the graduate student must fill out an Independent Study Form (form available outside the Anthropology Graduate Office), have the instructor and the Director of Graduate Studies sign it then give it to Margaret to put in your file which becomes part of your Application to Candidacy. Then the student may register for the appropriate number of credit hours.
602 - Individual Readings —Cultural – variable credit
ARR ARR---PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
If, after speaking to the Instructor and he/she agrees to work with you, the graduate student must fill out an Independent Study Form (form available outside the Anthropology Graduate Office), have the instructor and the Director of Graduate Studies sign it then give it to Margaret to put in your file which becomes part of your Application to Candidacy. Then the student may register for the appropriate number of credit hours.
603 – Advanced Research Medical Anthropology – Dr. McElroy
Reg. #015961 – Wed., 3:30-6:10 – 352 Film.
This course surveys the field of applied health research, looking at historic and contemporary applications of anthropological theory and methods to community and global health. We will consider issues of research design, methods, ethical constraints and guidelines, and policy implications in cases of research on clinical, epidemiological, and environmental problems. The goals of the course are to gain a broad understanding of applied anthropology principles and specific understanding of dynamics of health assessment, prevention, and change in a number of classic and contemporary cases. Students prepare three article summaries in written and oral form and also carry out a semester-long library research project on a topic of individual choice. Each project is presented to the class at the end of the semester (no final paper required).
607 - Individual Readings -Physical – variable credit
ARR ARR---PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
If, after speaking to the Instructor and he/she agrees to work with you, the graduate student must fill out an Independent Study Form (form available outside the Anthropology Graduate Office), have the instructor and the Director of Graduate Studies sign it then give it to Margaret to put in your file which becomes part of your Application to Candidacy. Then the student may register for the appropriate number of credit hours.
612 – Anthropology of Modernity – Dr. Zhang
Reg. #405690 – Thurs. 3-5:40 – 325 Film.
What is modernity? What is its relevance to anthropology today? This course gives an overview of the most important issues surrounding the notion of “modernity.” But more importantly, we will examine various ways in which modernity figures prominently in anthropological undertakings—be it an unfinished project, a constant becoming, an ethos, or a mode of power. We are particularly interested in its relationship with “life.” That is, we want to understand the conditions under which life enters the realm of meticulous calculation of the state and becomes the direct target of governance and the investment of power, and explore the remaking of human beings and its political and ethical implications in a variety of contexts—liberal democracy, post-colonialism, post-socialism, religious fundamentalism, development and so on. This course combines theories with ethnographies, and is historically oriented without being teleological.
*651 - Graduate Survey Physical Anthropology – Dr. Duggleby
Reg. #226740 – M 1:00- 3:40 – 158 Spauld.
Comprehensive review of physical anthropology for first year graduate students.
*652 - Graduate Survey Archaeology –Dr. Biehl
Reg. #398032 – W 10:00-12:40 – 261 Fillm.
The aim of this course is to provide: 1) a broad overview of the development of human societies in the Old World from ca. 2.5 million years ago to 2000 B.C.; 2) an examination of controversies concerning the subsistence strategies of the earliest humans, the transition to farming, explanations for the transition to farming, the origins of state societies and urbanism, and the explanation of state formation; and 3) main theoretical trends in Anglo-American archaeology: culture history, processual archaeology, and postprocessual explanations.
*655 - Graduate Survey Social Anthropology – Dr. Neofotistos
Reg. #163619 – Tues 9:30-12:10 – 354 Film.
This course is designed to give first year graduate students a basic grounding in "classic" social theory as it was developed in that important modernist period between the mid-19th century and the end of the first World War, along with the subsequent development and refinement of social theory through this modernist lens, and the break with modernism in the late 1970's. Throughout, our emphasis will be on the ways in which social theoretical issues informing contemporary anthropology may be illuminated by foundational work in classic social theory, or where contemporary theoretical problems represent a more radical split with "classic" discourses. This course, in concert with APY 654, will also help to prepare first year Cultural Anthropology graduate students for the Cultural Qualifying Exam in the spring.
700 - PhD Dissertation Guidance – variable credit
ARR ARR---PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
Graduate students should register for at least 1 credit hour of their major professor’s section of this (every semester until the dissertation is complete) when they are writing their PhD dissertation.
710 - Geographic Medicine – Dr. McElroy
Reg. #146276 – Tues. 3:30-6:10 – 328 Film.
An introduction to medical anthropology and medical geography with an intensive
review of communicable, parasitic, and nutritional diseases found in isolated populations,
developing countries, and among disadvantaged groups in industrial societies. The course is team-taught by a medical anthropologist (McElroy) and a physician (Richard Lee) who has done research in many countries and is an expert in travelers’ medicine. Cross-listed with the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine and with the School of Medicine, the class incorporates multiple disciplinary orientations and encourages a range of ethnographic, epidemiological, geographic, and clinical projects. Course work consists of lectures and seminars, case presentations, and library research. Students will be expected to present selected topics in seminars and to prepare a poster presentation on a topic of choice that integrates anthropology, environment, and medicine.
730 – Adv. Prob . in Areal Arch.- Old World – Dr. Milisauskas
Reg. #161899 – Wed. 3-5:40 – 261 Film.
.This is a required course for students specializing in archaeology. This course will deal with the prehistoric archaeology of Africa, Asia and Europe. It will be taught in a seminar format; students are expected to be active participants. Requirements: A number of articles or chapters will be assigned for reading on archaeology of the following countries or regions: central Europe, eastern Europe, western Europe, China, India, Near East (SW Asia), and sub-Saharan Africa. You are expected to read all the assigned articles or chapters. Class sessions will consist of presentations of assigned articles or chapters and discussion of the material.
733 – Analytical Methods in Archaeology – Dr. Thurston
Reg. #013425 – Mon. 10-12:40 – 261 Film.
Specialized scientific techniques are becoming increasingly important to archaeology, yet many of these remain unknown to most archaeologists. This course examines the assumptions and drawbacks of various chronometrical dating techniques, how site formation (taphonomic) processes are studied, how soils and sediments are interpreted by archaeologists, how chemical analyses of soils are used to identify activity areas, how flora and fauna help us reconstruct paleoenvironments and paleodiets, and how pollen, phytoliths, insects and other materials are used to infer land use strategies. We will also examine chemical analyses and other kinds of applicable "materials sciences" that can be used to study artifacts typically encountered in the course of research, for the purposes of characterizing, sourcing and proveniencing. The course will remove the mystery surrounding these techniques, suggest ways in which your own work can be augmented with valuable laboratory methods, and also help you to develop a critical understanding of the data given to archaeologists by scientific specialists. While scientific methods are a valuable topic of study alone, they are easier to understand when contextualized within case studies. Therefore, most topics are divided into two categories, method and applications.