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2009 - 2010 Catalog
Anthropology
Taylor 122
541-552-6321
The anthropology program is part of the Social Sciences, Policy, and Culture Department. Anthropology’s diverse subject matter of “human beings in all times and places” reflects the discipline’s interest in human culture dating from the Paleolithic past to contemporary times; from exotic, distant societies to the myriad subcultures of the Western world; from the biological bases of human behavior to our most elaborate cultural creations; and in the interaction of diverse peoples from colonial to modern contexts. Grounded in the practical realities of daily life and direct ethnographic research, anthropological methods are applicable cross-culturally. Perhaps anthropology’s greatest strength, however, is the perspective it promotes: an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, human universals, and the dynamic potential of human culture.
Cultural anthropology equips students for living and working in all human societies. Anthropological skills, knowledge, and perspectives can make people more effective advocates, mediators, and translators in contexts that involve different cultural philosophies and organizational diversity. In our global world, training in cultural anthropology provides an effective basis for careers in human service, education, public health, international and community development, public administration, business, and many others.
Archaeology examines material remains to understand and explain past and present human behavior. Archaeologists excavate and analyze the tools, textiles, pottery, and other artifacts of prehistoric peoples to reconstruct ancient cultures. They also investigate the cultural interaction between Western and nonwestern societies. A major branch of contemporary archaeology deals with preserving knowledge of our country’s past through cultural resource management and historic preservation.
Coursework and curriculum in the anthropology program emphasize practical application of skills to a variety of issues. Students are encouraged to seek internships and practica placements that match their specific interests to fully develop their anthropological skills and to gain experience that will further their career goals. The program’s close and supportive relationship with local groups and organizations provides a basis for meaningful student involvement in problem solving. Practical experiences culminate in a senior capstone designed and carried out under faculty supervision.
Degrees
BA or BS in Anthropology
Minors
Anthropology
Certificates
Applied Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Resource Management
Pursuing an Anthropology Major, Minor, or Certificate
Students are encouraged to indicate their interest in an anthropology major, minor, or certificate at the first possible opportunity. Advisors are assigned to best support students’ individual interests and career goals. Regular meetings with the advisor will ensure that degree requirements are met efficiently and full use is made of program opportunities.
Requirements for the Anthropology Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.
- A minimum of 52 credits in the major, 44 of which must be upper division. All credits earned toward the major must be taken for a letter grade, except practicum and capstone courses.
- Research and Writing requirement: ANTH 301.
- Quantitative Reasoning requirement:
Complete one of the following:
| Contemporary Mathematics (MTH 105) | 4 |
| Elementary Statistics (MTH 243) | 4 |
| Fundamentals of Elementary Math I, II, III (MTH 211, 212, 213) | 12 |
| (The MTH 211, 212, 213 option is appropriate for students intending a career in elementary education.) | |
- A minimum 2.5 GPA in major courses.
Capstone
The anthropology capstone connects students’ learning about an applied issue or problem with relevant theory and methodology in anthropology. Students draw on ethnographic or archaeological expertise acquired through previous practica field experiences and coursework.
Anthropology Core Courses
(52 credits)
- Required Foundation
(12 credits)
| Archaeology and Prehistory (ANTH 211) | 4 |
| Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (ANTH 213) | 4 |
| Practicing Anthropology (ANTH 301) | 4 |
- Areas and Topics
(8 credits)
Two or more courses from:
| American Culture (ANTH 310) | 4 |
| Pacific Cultures (ANTH 317) | 4 |
| Native North America (ANTH 318) | 4 |
| Cultures of the World (ANTH 319) | 4 |
| Topics and Regions in Archaeology (ANTH 320) | 4 |
| Ritual and Religion (ANTH 332) | 4 |
| Anthropological Perspectives on the Native American Frontier (ANTH 334) | 4 |
| Topics in Global/Local Interconnections (ANTH 336) | 4 |
| Gender Issues (ANTH 340) | 4 |
| Human Evolution (ANTH 350) | 4 |
- Application
(4 credits)
One course from:
| Applied Anthropology (ANTH 460) | 4 |
| Cultural Resource Management (ANTH 462) | 4 |
- Methods
(4 credits)
One course from:
| Ethnographic Research Methods (ANTH 360) | 4 |
| Archaeological Research Methods (ANTH 370) | 4 |
- Theory
(8 credits)
| History of Ethnographic Theory (ANTH 410) | 4 |
One course from the following:
| Culture Change (ANTH 450) | 4 |
| Cultural Ecology (ANTH 451) | 4 |
| Anthropological Film (ANTH 455) | 4 |
| Cultural Rights (ANTH 464) | 4 |
- Practicum: Field Study
- Senior Capstone
- Specialized Interests
| Two or more courses in anthropology or a closely related discipline. Selection must support individual goals and be approved by an advisor. | 8 |
Anthropology Minor
(28 credits)
Students working toward a minor in anthropology are encouraged to register with an advisor through the department office.
| Archaeology and Prehistory (ANTH 211) | 4 |
| Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 213) | 4 |
| Upper division anthropology electives | 20 |
A maximum of 4 practicum credits (ANTH 409) may be counted toward the upper division electives in the minor.
Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology
The Applied Cultural Anthropology Certificate program prepares students for careers in fields in which cross-cultural or global perspectives are eemphasized. Students learn how to examine culturally related problems and policies, prepare research designs, and collect and analyze data. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in anthropology) at SOU. For certificate details, see the Certificates section of the catalog.
Certificate in Cultural Resource Management
The Cultural Resource Management Certificate program prepares students for careers in the management and preservation of prehistoric and historic cultural sites located on public and private lands. Emphasis is on methods and the development and implementation of research designs. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements of a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in anthropology) at SOU. For certificate details, see the Certificates section of the catalog.
Anthropology Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| ANTH 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 209 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 211 Archaeology and Prehistory: Perspectives on Humanity's Past |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces the archeological perspective, giving a comprehensive treatment of the way the human past is investigated. Topics include archeological theory; methods of analysis; the application of dating techniques; and a survey of the major themes and subject areas of the study of human prehistory, including our Paleolithic path, the adoption of farming, and the emergence of civilization. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). |
| ANTH 213 Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces a comparative study of human culture. Covers kinship systems, politics, economics, language, ritual, cultural change, ecological adaptations, and ethnographic methodology. Explores cultural similarities and differences and the linkages among cultural, social, political, and economic institutions. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). |
Upper Division Courses
| ANTH 301 Practicing Anthropology |
| 4 credits |
| Engages students in building the fundamental skills needed to succeed in anthropology. Writing, critical thinking, oral presentation, and library research prepare students for further upper division work. Illustrates the holistic, four-field approach of anthropology and its relevance to contemporary life. Prerequisites: USEM 103; ANTH 211 or 213. |
| ANTH 310 American Culture |
| 4 credits |
| Provides an overview of U.S. culture and society. Examines a wide range of specific cultural expressions, historical social institutions, and economic influences. Explores aspects of culture, including class, race, ethnicity, gender, immigration, ideology, globalization, and institutional structures as interconnected factors influencing various experiences of “being American.” Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| ANTH 317 Pacific Cultures |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the social and cultural diversity of indigenous Pacific Island societies and the changes that followed contact with the West. Considers settlement prehistory, voyaging, linguistic diversity, contact history, subsistence patterns, globalization, indigenous rights, and other dimensions of local life. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| ANTH 318 Native North America |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a comparative examination of cultures indigenous to North America. Explores the pre-contact economies, social and political organizations, and ceremonial systems of selected groups; the historic period of contact, treaties, and federal legislation and the cultural basis of Indian responses; and present-day issues of concern to Native American peoples in reservation communities and urban settings. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). |
| ANTH 319 Cultures of the World |
| 4 credits |
| Provides an overview of culture and society in one specific culture area or region of the world such as Latin America or the Caribbean. Examines a range of cultural expressions, the history of social and political institutions, and economic influences. Explores class, race, ethnicity, gender, immigration, ideology, globalization, and other relevant factors influencing local lifestyles. Latin American Culture topic may be applied to the Latin American studies minor. Indigenous Peoples topic may be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| ANTH 320 Topics and Regions in Archaeology |
| 2 to 4 credits |
| Introduces the archaeology of the world on a regional or topical basis. Regions studied may include Oregon, the Southwest, Africa, Europe, and South America. Possible topics include historical archaeology, zooarchaeology, and complex societies. Students may accumulate up to 12 credits of ANTH 320 under different topics. Prerequisite: ANTH 211. |
| ANTH 332 Ritual and Religion |
| 4 credits |
| Focuses on ritual, religion, and spirituality as dynamic and universal cultural institutions. Case studies draw from a wide range of indigenous, third-world, and Western societies. Covers such topics as shamanism, witchcraft and sorcery, myth, symbolism, trance, healing, and revitalization movements. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 334 Anthropological Perspectives on the Native American Frontier |
| 4 credits |
| Explores, through detailed case studies, the process of colonial and American expansion into and across North America and its impact on Native American culture, health, economy, and politics. Considers the agency by which Native American society survived this maelstrom of change, the strategies pursued by individuals and groups—both Euro-American and Indian—and the policy of the United States government to address the so-called "Indian Problem" through the end of the nineteenth century. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. |
| ANTH 336 Topics in Global/Local Interconnections |
| 4 credits |
| Explores one contemporary issue or topic using a holistic approach. Students trace local-global connections and the structural effects of personal choices through community-based research and case studies. Examines relationships among socio-economic institutions, individual behaviors, and cultural values and assumptions. Emphasizes global awareness, social action, sustainable resource use, and social justice. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. |
| ANTH 340 Gender Issues |
| 4 credits |
| Uses the concept of gender to explore contemporary status, roles, categories, and ideologies associated with women and men. Extensive case studies provide comparative insights and help students develop their understanding of the complex role gender plays in human society. May be applied to the women’s studies minor. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 350 Human Evolution |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a detailed review of human evolution. Topics include primate morphology, behavior, and phylogeny; the emergence of australopithecines and bipedalism; the evolution of the genus Homo; the social behavior and diet of early hominids; the emergence of anatomically modern humans; and the methods of human osteology, hominid fossil identification, hominid skeletal morphology, and taxonomy. Prerequisite: ANTH 211. |
| ANTH 360 Ethnographic Research Methods |
| 4 credits |
| Includes instruction and field experience in qualitative research. Addresses formulating a research proposal, selecting and using suitable methodologies, analyzing and interpreting data, and assessing ethical concerns. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 370 Archaeological Research Methods |
| 4 credits |
| Provides instruction and laboratory experience in archaeological research. Topics include the theoretical basis of research design, site surveying and mapping, archaeological geology and stratigraphy, dating, typological and technological analysis of artifacts (e.g., lithics, ceramics, and historical artifacts), and faunal/floral analysis. Prerequisite: ANTH 211. |
| ANTH 375 Archaeological Field School |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces methods for recovering artifacts and other information from sites. Instruction is performed in field conditions at a prehistoric or historic site. Covers research design, excavation, mapping, and recording. Includes a special course fee. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. |
| ANTH 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 401 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 403 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 405 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 407 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| ANTH 409 Practicum: Field Study |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Offers students the opportuntiy to apply anthropological perspectives, concepts, and methods in a cultural, field, or laboratory setting. Sites may include schools, health and human service organizations, governmental agencies, tribes, or other possibilities aligned with each student's academic and professional interests. Encourages community service or cultural resource management orientation. Prerequisites: Upper division standing and instructor consent. |
| ANTH 410 History of Ethnographic Theory |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys the development of anthropological concepts. Students read extracts from anthropological classics and contemporary theorists to gain an understanding of the history of anthropological thought. Prerequisites: ANTH 213, anthropology major or minor, and senior standing. |
| ANTH 414 Senior Capstone |
| 4 credits |
| Senior seminar for anthropology majors. Provides the basis for a synthesis paper and public presentation through coursework, practicum, experience/research, conceptual and theoretical understandings, and methodological skills. Includes a reflective component linking applied experiences to professional goals. Prerequisite: Completion of major core requirements. |
| ANTH 450 Culture Change |
| 4 credits |
| Examines culture change in nonwestern and Western societies. Investigates interrelationships between local and global levels. Covers topics such as theories of change, trends and patterns of change, social movements, community development, and other forms of organized, purposeful change. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 451 Cultural Ecology |
| 4 credits |
| Considers the range and variation of the relationships between humans and their habitats throughout prehistory into the present day. Illustrates the dynamic interplay between culture, society, physiology, settlement and subsistence practices, technology, and the natural and built environment. Draws case studies from a range of ethnological, archaeological, ethnohistoric, and current perspectives. Prerequisite: ANTH 213; or ANTH 211 or ES 103. |
| ANTH 455 Anthropological Film |
| 4 credits |
| Explores film as a tool for the investigation of cultures, subcultures, and cultural elements. Takes a critical approach to visual anthropology and examines filmmaking styles, contemporary issues, and ethical concerns. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 460 Applied Anthropology |
| 4 credits |
| Traces the historical development of anthropological practice. Relates contemporary uses of anthropological perspectives and methods in a variety of institutional and cultural settings to applied concepts and issues. Examines ethical considerations. Examples may be drawn from public policy, program assessment, community development, education, health and human services, and environmental topics. Prerequisite: ANTH 213. |
| ANTH 462 Cultural Resource Management |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the contested values inscribed onto places of historic or cultural significance. Reviews objectives, legislation, and ethics for the management of prehistoric and historic cultural resources. Studies field survey methods for identifying and evaluating archaeological sites. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Prerequisites: ANTH 211 and ES 103. |
| ANTH 464 Cultural Rights |
| 4 credits |
| Explores issues related to the rights of individuals and groups to practice culture and participate in cultural community. Discusses cultural rights as a critical concept in public policy and practice. Examines how groups assert cultural uniqueness, how dominant institutions respond to cultural diversity, and how cultural rights are limited. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Prerequisites: ANTH 213 plus 4 credits of upper division anthropology. |
