Catalog 2010 - 2011

An introductory course in cultural anthropology. A comparative study of communities and small scale societies that lie on the periphery of the industrial world, focusing on their life, economic/political institutions and religious/artistic traditions, using various models of interpretation.

(Same as ART-128.) This course will examine a variety of cultural groups where artistic, spiritual, and cultural experience are integrated or woven into the fabric of life as a whole. It will focus on Native American and other cultures where ritual, art, and daily life are not compartmentalized. The course will also include cross-cultural case studies and field trips.

An examination of the range of human cultures through the perspective of Cultural Anthropology. The course work will include selected case studies and theoretical constructs, including the concepts of culture, ethnic identity, and cultural pluralism.

A survey of Native American Indian cultures in different regions of North America, including their social/economic structures, world views, artistic traditions, and their histories before and after European contact.

An examination of the indigenous peoples and their cultures in the Amazon and the Andes, including contemporary economics, religion, social organization, politics, the arts, and issues of current concern.

An examination of the nature and structure of contemporary Mexican society (social, economic and political organization) of both indigenous and dominant cultures. Also included for study are issues of current concern such as urbanization, migration and transnationalism, ethnicity and indigenismo, and employment.

An in-depth examination of the contemporary indigenous and urban people of the Andes and their cultures, including contemporary economics, religion, politics, social organization the arts and issues of current concern. As part of the immersion experience, students will focus on Cusco, Peru, and will integrate their learning with field participation and experience in Cusco and nearby indigenous villages, markets, artisan workshops, and religious festivals.

Prerequisites: One course in anthropology.

Readings in a specific area of anthropology, requiring a formal paper summarizing the study. See independent study guidelines.

A comparative study of aesthetics, artistic creation and the role of image, art, and artist in cultural context.

(Same as REL-302.) An anthropological approach to religious meaning and ritual in small-scale societies and ethnic subcultures. The course analyzes theories of religion, myth, and ritual by comparing cultures in various areas of the world, including contemporary crisis and change.

Also see ATH-202. Examination of American cultural diversity through the perspective of Cultural Anthropology. Students are required to complete the readings for ATH-202 and attend that class. In addition, students will be assigned formal readings, written examinations and final papers appropriate to the 300 level. Students who have already completed ATH-202 are not allowed to enroll for ATH-302A.

An anthropological approach to culture change and development. The course will examine cultural systems affected by development from colonial and post-colonial agencies and the impact of those changes in small-scale and state societies.

A study of social documentary photography and ethnography, which examines society and culture through visual images rather than words or written texts. Students will learn the basics of photography and anthropology, and undertake ethnographic assignments.

An examination of the concept of gender, or the meaning of being and behaving male or female through cross-cultural case studies. The course will include cultural roles and statuses and their structural positions and representations.

A cross-cultural examination of environmental development and ideological constructs from selected case studies of non-industrial societies in the Americas and Africa. The course will examine adaptation to the environment as shaping social structure and ideology, as well as how ideology shapes the society's environmental use.

An in-depth examination of the pre- Columbian cultures and civilizations of the Andes, focusing on Cusco and the Incan Empire and then working backward to preceding civilizations and forward to what cultural elements have continued into contemporary Andean culture. As part of the immersion experience, students will visit all important Incan archaeological sites, including Machu Piccho, and several pre-Incan sites.

An examination of contemporary issues confronting indigenous peoples in Canada, the United States, and Latin America, through comparative case studies, such as land claims/invasions, colonialism and assimilation, revitalization efforts, self-government and representation in the state.

An examination of the development of theories of culture from classical models through 20th century American, British, and French anthropological thought to recent cultural interpretations that are emerging in our own time.

Prerequisites: SOC-100 or ATH-101.

(Same as SOC-490) An introduction to the methods of qualitative field research and data analysis. Students will formulate and carry out an independent research project and formally present the results.

Prerequisites: Permission.

Intensive reading or field research in a specific area of anthropology, requiring a formal paper summarizing the study.

Prerequisites: Permission.

Supervised work or research in a social service agency with approval of the department. A term paper or formal report is required. Reading assignments may be required. See internship guidelines.