Anthropology
253.535.7595
www.plu.edu/~anthro
Anthropology as a discipline tries to bring all of the world's people
into human focus. Though anthropology does look at "stones and
bones," it also examines the politics, medicines, families, arts,
and religions of peoples and cultures in various places and times. This
makes the study of anthropology a complex task, for it involves aspects
of many disciplines, from geology and biology to art and psychology.
Anthropology is composed of four fields. Cultural or social anthropology
studies living human cultures in order to create a cross-cultural understanding
of human behavior. Archaeology has the same goal, but uses data from
the physical remains of the past cultures to reach it. Linguistic anthropology
studies human language. Physical anthropology studies the emergence
and subsequent biological adaptations of humanity as a species.
Faculty: Klein, Chair; Brusco, Guldin, Hasty, Huelsbeck, Vaughn.
Minor: 20 semester hours.
Required: 102.
Choose: 101 or 103 or 104; 4 hours from courses listed 330-345;
4 hours from 350-499; and 4 additional hours in anthropology.
Bachelor of Arts Major: 36 semester hours.
Required: 102, 103, 480, 499.
Choose: 101 or 104; 4 hours from 330-345 (peoples courses);
4 hours from 350-465 (topics courses); 8 additional hours in anthropology,
at least 4 of which must be above 321.
Honors Major: In recognition of outstanding work, the designation with Departmental Honors may be granted by vote of the anthropology faculty based on the student's performance in the following areas:
- Anthropology course work: 3.5 minimum GPA.
- Demonstration of active interest in anthropological projects and activities outside of class work.
- Completion of a senior thesis. A paper describing independent research
must be conducted under the supervision of departmental faculty. A
proposal must be approved by the faculty by the third week of class
of the fall semester for May and August graduates, and the third week
of class of the spring semester for December and January graduates.
Back to topCourse Offerings
101 Introduction to Human Biological Diversity - SM
Introduction to biological anthropology with a special focus on human
evolution, the fossil evidence for human development, the role of culture
in human evolution, and a comparison with the development and social
life of the nonhuman primates. (4)
102 Introduction to Human Cultural Diversity - C, S1
Introduction to social-cultural anthropology, concentrating on the exploration
of the infinite variety of human endeavor in all aspects of culture
and all types of societies; religion, politics, law, kinship and art.
(4)
103 Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory - S1
Introduction to the ideas and practice of archaeology used to examine
the sweep of human prehistory from the earliest stone tools to the development
of agriculture and metallurgy and to enrich our understanding of extinct
societies. (4)
104 Introduction to Language in Society - S1
Introduction to anthropological linguistics and symbolism, including
the origin of language; sound systems, structure and meaning; language
acquisition; the social context of speaking; language change; nonverbal
communication; and sex differences in language use. (4)
192 Practicing Anthropology: Makah Culture Past and Present
- A, S1
Study of Makah culture through archaeology and history and by interacting
with the Makah. Active and service learning in Neah Bay, visiting the
Makah Nation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (4)
210 Global Perspectives: The World in Change - C, S1
A survey of global issues: modernization and development; economic change
and international trade; diminishing resources; war and revolution;
peace and justice; and cultural diversity. (Crosslisted with HIST 210
and POLS 210) (4)
220 Peoples of the World - S1
Exploration of the world's cultures through anthropological films, novels,
and eyewitness accounts. Case studies chosen from Africa, Native America,
Asia, the Pacific, and Euro-America provide an insider's view of ways
of life different from our own. (2)
225 Past Cultures of Washington State - S1
Native Americans have lived in Washington State for at least the last
12,000 years. Cultures of the people in coastal and interior Washington
beginning with the first northwesterners. An examination of the ways
that cultures change through time until the emergence of the distinctive
cultures observed by the earliest European visitors to the area. (2)
230 Peoples of the Northwest Coast - A, S1
A survey of the ways of life of the native peoples of coastal Washington,
British Columbia, and Southeastern Alaska from European contact to contemporary
times, including traditional methods of fishing, arts, potlatches, status
systems, and wealth and their impact on the modern life of the region.
(2)
330 Cultures and Peoples of Native North America - A, S1
A comparative study of Native North American cultures from their arrival
on the continent through today. Examination of U.S. and Canadian laws,
policies, and conflicts, issues of sovereignty, and religious rights.
(4)
332 Prehistory of North America - S1
An archaeological reconstruction of economic, social, political, and
religious life in North America from the time the first settlers entered
the continent during the Ice Ages to the Mound Builders of later times
and ultimately to the first contact with European settlers. (4)
333 Native American Health - A, S1
Opportunity to study the health status of Native Americans. Overview
of the history and culture of selected Native American tribes and nations,
perspectives on health and illness, trends in population and health
status, and traditions of Native American healing. (4)
334 The Anthropology of Contemporary America - A, S1
An investigation of American social patterns and problems designed to
give insights from a cross-cultural perspective; exploration of American
solutions to common human problems; a determination of what is unique
about the "American Way." (4)
336 Peoples of Latin America - C, S1
Millions of Americans have never been north of the equator. Who are
these "other" Americans? This survey course familiarizes the
student with a broad range of Latin American peoples and problems. Topics
range from visions of the supernatural to problems of economic development.
(4)
338 Jewish Culture - A, S1
An exploration of American Jewish culture through its roots in the lifeways
of Eastern European Ashkenazic Jews and its transformation in the United
States. Emphasis on Jewish history, religion, literature, music, and
humor as reflections of basic Jewish cultural themes. (4)
340 Anthropology of Africa - C, S1
Study of Africa's diverse cultures. Focus on early studies of villages
and topics such as kinship, religion, and social structure, and on more
recent studies of urban centers, the impact of colonialism, popular
culture, and post-colonial politics. (4)
341 Ho'ike: Cultural Discovery in Hawai'i - A
The history and cultural diversity of Hawai'i. Spend time in Honolulu
and on the island of Kaua'i, visiti ng cultural sites and working with
community based organizations. Anthropological writings, history, and
literature will provide a wider perspective and a framework for analysis
of our experiences. a/y J 2003 (4)
342 Pacific Island Cultures - C, S1
Peoples of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Developments in the
Pacific region are explored, including economic development, migration,
environmental degradation, political movements, gender roles, the impact
of Western media, tourism, and cultural revivalism. How shifting theoretical
models have informed the representation of Pacific cultures will also
be considered. I (4)
343 East Asian Cultures - C, S1
A survey of the cultures and peoples of Eastern Asia, concentrating
on China but with comparative reference to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Cultural similarities as well as differences between these nations are
stressed. Topics include religion, art, politics, history, kinship,
and economics. (4)
345 Contemporary China - C, S1
An immersion into the culture and society of the People's Republic of
China; contemporary politics, kinship, folk religion, human relations;
problems and prospects of development and rapid social change. (4)
350 Women and Men in World Cultures - C, S1
An overview of the variation of sex roles and behaviors throughout the
world; theories of matriarchy, patriarchy, mother goddesses, innate
inequalities; marriage patterns, impact of European patterns; egalitarianism
to feminism. (4)
354 Geography and World Cultures: People, Places and Prospects
- S1
Explorations of how societies in North America and around the world
have adapted to their varied human and physical environments. Cases
drawn from widely different environments. Global patterns of variation
in life styles and social opportunities. Knowledge of locations and
map reading will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 102 or consent of instructor.
(4)
355 Anthropology and Media - C, S1
Exploration of mass media produced and consumed in diverse cultural
contexts. Examination of how mass media cultivate forms of gendered,
ethnic, religious, and racial identities, and how different forms of
media engage with the dynamic forces of popular culture and the political
agendas of states and political opposition groups. (4)
360 Ethnic Groups - A, S1
Examines the nature of ethnic groups in America and abroad; the varying
bases of ethnicity (culture, religion, tribe, "race," etc.);
problems of group identity and boundary maintenance; ethnic symbols;
ethnic politics; ethnic neighborhoods; and ethnic humor. (4)
361 Managing Cultural Diversity - A, S1
Practical guidelines on how to approach people of other cultures with
sensitivity and empathy and with an eye toward mutually rewarding interaction.
Learn how to avoid negative attitudes toward cultural diversity and
develop a positive curiosity about the global diversity represented
in workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. (2)
365 Prehistoric Environment and Technology: Lab Methods in Archaeology
- S1
Laboratory interpretation of archaeological materials. Techniques used
in interpreting past human ecology, technology, and economy. Analytical
procedures for bone, stone, ceramic, and metal artifacts; analysis of
debris from food processing activities. Analysis of materials from archaeological
sites. (4)
370 The Archaeology of Ancient Empires - C, S1
The origins of agriculture, writing, cities, and the state in many parts
of the world, comparing and contrasting the great civilizations of antiquity,
including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Asia, Mesoamerica, and South America.
(4)
375 Law, Politics, and Revolution - C, S1
A study of politics and law through the political structures and processes
of traditional and contemporary societies; concepts of leadership, factionalism,
and feuds, power, authority, revolution, and other reactions to colonization;
law and conflict resolution; conflicts of national and local-level legal
systems. (4)
377 Money, Power, and Exchange - S1
What are the cultural meanings of money, products, wealth, and exchange?
How do they vary in different cultures? We will see how products and
favors acquire magical meanings, circulating through gifts and barter
and how magical meanings change, moving to different cultures. We will
examine the power of exchange, creating complex social relationships
at local, global levels. (4)
380 Sickness, Madness, and Health - C, S1
A cross-cultural examination of systems of curing practices and cultural
views of physical and mental health; prevention and healing; nature
and skills of curers; definitions of disease; variation in diseases;
impact of modern medical and psychological practitioners. (4)
385 Marriage, Family, and Kinship - C, S1
Explores the nature of domestic groups cross-culturally, including the
ways in which religion, myth, magic, and folklore serve to articulate
and control domestic life; how changing systems of production affect
marriage and domestic forms; and how class and gender systems intertwine
with kinship, domestic forms, and the meaning of "family."
(4)
386 Applied Anthropology - S1
Exploration of the uses of the anthropological approach to improve human
conditions. Focus on anthropologists' involvement and roles in applied
projects. Review of theoretical, ethical, and practical issues. Field
component. (4)
392 Gods, Magic, and Morals - C, S1
Anthropology of religion; humanity's concepts of and relationships to
the supernatural; examination of personal and group functions that religions
fulfill; exploration of religions both "primitive" and historical;
origins of religion. (Crosslisted with RELI 392) (4)
465 Archaeology: The Field Experience - S1
Excavation of a historic or prehistoric archaeological site, with emphasis
on basic excavation skills and record keeping, field mapping, drafting,
and photography. The laboratory covers artifact processing and preliminary
analysis. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1-8)
480 Anthropological Inquiry - S1
Historic and thematic study of the theoretical foundations of sociocultural
anthropology; research methods; how theory and methods are used to establish
anthropological knowledge. Required of majors in their junior or senior
year. (4)
491 Independent Studies: Undergraduate Readings
Reading in specific areas or issues of anthropology under supervision
of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1-4)
492 Independent Studies: Undergraduate Fieldwork
Study of specific areas or issues in anthropology through field methods
of analysis and research supported by appropriate reading under supervision
of a faculty member. Prerequisite: departmental consent. (1-4)
499 Capstone: Seminar in Anthropology - SR
Examine anthropological methods and apply anthropological theory to
an investigation of a selected topic in contemporary anthropology. Required
of majors in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite for other students:
departmental approval. (4)