Anthropology Course Descriptions
Anthropology Courses
ANTH 203 – Introduction to Anthropology (3 cr): An introduction to the discipline of anthropology including an overview of the diversity of human culture from both biological and cultural perspectives. The course will examine the four sub-disciplines of the field including cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology, and archaeology.
ANTH 225 – Introduction to Museum Studies (3 cr): Survey of the history, philosophy, and management of museums including curatorship and public interpretation. Basic examination of the principles of museum exhibit design as well as aspects of exhibit preparation will be emphasized. This course will be essential to students interested in cultural resources in such agencies as the National Park Service.
ANTH 300 – Introduction to Archaeology (3 cr): Course surveys the history, theory, and methodology of archaeology as a subdiscipline of anthropology. Field skills necessary; the scientific collection of data on past cultures will be discussed as well as topics in prehistoric, historic, industrial, and underwater subareas.
ANTH 314 – Physical Anthropology and Archaeology (3 cr): A survey of the origins of humans and the development of prehistoric cultures. A focus on the major forces of human evolution as well as the study of early cultural evolution.
ANTH 315 – Cultural Anthropology (3 cr): A study of primitive cultures with respect to range and variability of human behavior. Presented to show the continuity of social life from basic human beginnings to present-day civilization.
ANTH 345 – Archaeological Field Methods and Lab (4 cr): A study of theories, methods, and techniques of archaeology as applied to analysis of environmental impacts on historic and prehistoric sites. This includes the use of social scientific techniques for mitigating the impacts of planned changes to the physical or cultural environment such as site survey, excavation techniques, laboratory techniques, and artifact analysis. This course will provide valuable knowledge on the techniques of data collection used in the study of cultural groups, with these techniques applied to environmental impact statements, urban planning, and resource management. This is predominantly a field-based and laboratory-based course.
ANTH 370 – American Architectural Heritage (3 cr): The role of American architecture as a cultural resource worthy of study and preservation is the focus of this course. Styles and periods of architecture, the consideration of architectural resources in planning and environmental education, and the reflection of American culture in the built environment will be discussed. This course will serve as an elective in cultural resource management and will be essential for students with an interest in urban planning or park administration. Cross-listed HPRE 102.
ANTH 380 – Historical Archaeology and Lab (4 cr): This course will focus on the archaeology of North America, emphasizing the methods of historical archaeology. This course will include laboratory procedures for the processing, identification, analysis, and conservation of historic period artifacts. The evolution of American culture from colonial to recent industrial society will be investigated. This course is essential for students interested in the management of historical parks and sites as well as students who plan to assist in field work and analysis necessary for environmental impact statements.
ANTH 390 – Native American Ethnography (3 cr): A survey of traditional Native American cultures in North America. This course will cover aspects of Upper Paleolithic migrations into the New World, prehistoric developments, and the ethnography and ethnology of traditional and contemporary cultures. Prerequisites: SOCI 203.