2022-2023 Course List

Kinship is the most basic principle of organization for all human societies. The course analyzes the main theories and methods of studying social organization, and explores cross-cultural variations in kinship, marriage and family systems.

Major anthropological theories of gender relations are read, discussed, and applied to a variety of contemporary ethnographic case studies.

A pivotal moment in cultural development is when city-states and nations arrive to change the structure of a cultural group. This course has varying topics to present each cultural area in its unique context. Maybe repeated with different topic.

An evolutionary and cross-cultural examination of the aging process, status, and treatment of the elderly.

Examines the practical applications of anthropological knowledge to problem-oriented research and the problems of directed sociocultural change among contemporary populations. Selected projects and case studies are used to illustrate the complexity of applied sociocultural change.

Examination of the intellectual history of anthropology from its nineteenth century roots to today's current theoretical trends. Students will learn about major school of thought in anthropological theory and practice critical examination of their applications.

The aim of this course is to make students methodologically literate. Students will learn how to develop research designs that rely on qualitative research methods such as participants observation. They will learn how to apply these methods by participating in small scale studies of human behavior. some quantitative methods will also be discussed. Students will learn to critically examine published data and conclusions.

American Indians adapted to environmental systems in North America with cultures ranging from small groups of foragers to cities supported by intensive agriculture. This course presents a variety of perspectives of this cultural diversity from the Ice Age to the 21st Century.

Survey of East Asian cultural region. Cultural diversity, change and continuity examined in China, Japan and Korea through institutions and cultural settings. Focus includes how modern East Asian societies face internal social changes and their changing international status.

This course allows pursuit of individual avenues of study that may not be offered in the curriculum and for advanced level pursuit of special projects of research on an independent basis. Requires coordination with a faculty member.

Field experience in which method and theory are learned through participation in and on-going field project.

This course allows faculty the flexibility to consider the challenges of the new developments in anthropology. Content will vary from one course to the next. Students may take the course, with the permission of the instructor, more than one time.

A brief intensive hands-on introduction to an anthropological topic usually as it applies to a particular issue or skill. Topics vary but might include: Understanding that race is not a scientific concept; combating racism and ethnocentrism; participant observation methods; culture shock; cultural diversity and communication; forensics; cultural resource conservation.

An introduction to archaelogical laboratory techniques and museological practice, through participation in the various processes involved.

Guided advanced laboratory work in biological/physical anthropology.

Individual projects are done in close coordination with faculty member.

A comprehensive historical overview of the major theoretical schools of thought in anthropology. Special emphasis given to assumptions, methods of data collection and analysis, and major issues surrounding each theoretical perspective.

Advanced review of major qualitative and quantitative methods used in anthropological research. Course is also intended to aid students in the preparation of the thesis proposal.

An advanced seminar examining the ways anthropologists pratice anthropology. The course explores theoretical foundations and issues related to the professional practice of anthropology and focuses on developing necessary skills for sound professional practice.

A seminar on a topic from one of the major sub disciplines in anthropology. Topic is announced. Seminar may be taken more than once for credit, as the topic changes. Prereq: permission of instructor

Prerequisite: permission of instructor

Preparation of an alternate plan paper or applied project under supervision of the student's graduate advisor. Prerequisite: must be enrolled in the MS program in Anthropology.

Practical field experience, usually under the supervision of some off-campus professional.

Practical classroom experience under the supervision of faculty. This course will prepare students to assist faculty in the delivery of courses as well as prepare them to teach on their own.

Preparation on the master's thesis.