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Sociology and Anthropology

Anthropology Courses

Lower Division Courses

ANTH 199 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

 

ANTH 209 Practicum

Credits to be arranged

 

ANTH 211 Physical Anthropology and Archaeology: Perspectives on Humanity’s Past

4 credits

Introduces the study of humans as a biological and cultural species, past and present. Topics include human genetics and variation, evolutionary theory, primate ecology and adaptations, and the methods used to reconstruct past human physiology and behavior. Surveys data from the fossil and archaeological record of our hominid ancestors, from small-scale societies of the Paleolithic era to more recent, politically complex societies. 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 (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 321 World Prehistory

4 credits

Surveys the prehistoric archaeology of Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas from the first evidence of human cultures to the beginnings of written history. 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 Special Topics: Native North America

4 credits

Examines selected topics and issues of traditional, historical, or contemporary importance to Native American communities. Topics may include anthropological perspectives on the history of Indian-White interactions and anthropological perspectives on the history and culture of the people of the Pacific Northwest or other cultural areas. May be applied to the Native American studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements.

 

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

Applies anthropological concepts and methods. Settings may include schools, museums, medical facilities, government agencies, businesses, subcultural groups, and other social institutions. Encourages a 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 and stability. Covers such topics as theories of change; innovation, evolution, adaptation, and acculturation; movements and other forms of organized, purposeful change; change agents; and tradition, persistence, and resistance to change. Prerequisite: 4 credits of upper division anthropology.

 

ANTH 451 Ecology of Small-Scale Societies

4 credits

Analyzes gathering, hunting, fishing, pastoral, and horticultural societies from an ecological perspective. Illustrates the dynamic interplay between culture, physiology, other organisms, and physical environment. Draws case studies from a range of ethnological, archaeological, and ethnohistoric perspectives. Prerequisite: ANTH 211 or 213.

 

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. Prerequisites: ANTH 213 plus 4 credits of upper division anthropology.

 

ANTH 460 Applied Anthropology

4 credits

Traces the historical development of anthropological practice. Relates contemporary uses of anthropological methods in a variety of institutional and subcultural settings to applied concepts and issues. Examines ethical concerns. Examples may be drawn from public policy, community development, education, health and medicine, business, resource management, and evaluation and assessment. Prerequisites: ANTH 213 and 301.

 

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. ANTH 211 and 301 recommended.

 

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.

 

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