Anthropology (ANTH)

ANTH 242. Principles of Anthropology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course studies the consequences of globalization for human beings as they come to understand and value themselves, their relations to others, and their "place in the world." Students discuss a number of challenges to traditional concepts of "culture" important to understanding an anthropological approach to the concept of globalization. The course approaches "globalization," the movement of information, goods, services, capital and people throughout the global space, from a variety of perspectives, including discussion of global migration and diaspora and consideration of the globalization of media.

ANTH 243. Honors: The Anthropology of Globalization. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students interpret global transformations through studying anthropological texts and films that provide in-depth analysis of local-level instances of globalization. These ethnographic studies allow students to improve their specific knowledge of people and places throughout the world and also to develop more theoretically rigorous approaches toward explaining what is meant by the term globalization. To this end, students examine, among other themes, ethnicity to better comprehend issues of power, resources, and land in conflict situations; the movement of textiles to recognize post-Fordist social and economic practices; human trafficking to conceptualize commodification of the human body; and refugee migrations to understand transnationalism. In short, this course offers micro-level case studies, methods, and approaches toward learning about and explaining broad social and cultural processes.
Prerequisites: Honors Program.

ANTH 301. Working for a Sustainable Future. 3 Credit Hours.

Sustainability requires finding ways to meet our needs in the present without compromising those of future generations. It involves comprehending the connections between social, economic, and environmental factors, and finding ways to better use and manage resources. In this course students learn about important issues that impact the ability of humans to live sustainably, such as resource mining, deforestation, water pollution, fast fashion, and climate change. They then work on potential solutions to these problems, including formulating practical ideas that can be implemented on campus and in local communities.

ANTH 302. Global Perspectives on Community Development. 3 Credit Hours.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are just one example in a long history of global collaboration aimed to improve the lives of the world’s most marginalized communities. This course examines this global development project from an anthropological, people-centered lens. It focuses on three aspects of the project. First, it evaluates the achievements and shortcomings of the project from the perspectives of the everyday people they are intended to serve. Second, it examines how everyday people have challenged and redefined development. And third, it examines models for working in partnership and solidarity with people as they seek to improve their lives.
Prerequisites: ANTH 242, Principles of Anthropology or SOC 251, Principles of Sociology or ECO 367, Economic Development, or by permission
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

ANTH 389. Fieldwork in Local Communities. 3 Credit Hours.

This course uses qualitative research methods to document and understand local communities. Students learn to conduct interviews, surveys, participant-observation, and other methods to interpret and understand complex social issues. Students also attain skills in taking photographs; capturing high quality audio recordings of live performances; and producing short documentary films. During the course students have the option of creating an academic research paper, a policy proposal intended for government agencies or nonprofit institutions, or a documentary film. The course provides valuable skills in research methods that can be applied to a number of social science and humanities disciplines.

ANTH 390. Exploring Culture through Photographs, Maps, and Media. 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to visual anthropology, focusing on the use of visual media to study and represent culture, society, and human behavior. Students will explore research methods such as photovoice, auto-photography, photoelicitation, photojournalism, and GIS mapping. Through hands-on assignments and weekly readings, they will learn to document, analyze, and communicate anthropological insights using visual data. The course also addresses the ethical challenges of using visual media in research, with attention to issues of representation, authenticity, and manipulation, including the use of AI-generated images and deepfakes. Students will develop the ability to critically assess visual content and apply visual methods to complex social and cultural problems.
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing
Session Cycle: Alternate Spring Semesters.

ANTH ST400. Special Topic in Culture, Rights and Reproduction. 3 Credit Hours.

Sexuality and reproduction are deeply personal. They shape how we understand ourselves and connect with others, and the possibilities and patterns of our lives. At the same time, they are often the focus of strict social and cultural rules, legal controls, and programs aimed to shape our behavior. This course examines sexuality and reproduction in global perspective, with a focus on the varied efforts that communities, official bodies, and organizations take to shape them. Key topics include sexual and reproductive health; abortion rights; population control; infertility; and poverty and family planning.
Prerequisites: SOC 251 or ANTH 242
Session Cycle: Varies.