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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. Biological anthropology studies the emergence and subsequent biological adaptations of humanity as a species.
FACULTY: Klein, Chair; Arai, Brusco, Gargano-Ray, Guldin (on leave), Hasty (on leave), Huelsbeck, Vaughn.
BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR: 36 semester hours.
Required: 102, 103, 480, 499.
Choose: 101 or 104; 4 hours from 330345 (peoples courses);
4 hours from 350465 (topics courses); 8 additional hours in anthropology, at least 4 of which must be above 321.
MINOR: 20 semester hours.
Required: 102.
Choose: 101 or 103 or 104; 4 hours from courses listed 330345; 4 hours from 350499; and 4 additional hours in anthropology.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS: 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:
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 endeavors 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, visiting 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. (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. (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)
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, 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? How
products and favors acquire magical meanings, circulating through gifts
and barter and how magical meanings change, moving to different
cultures. 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)
387 Special Topics in Anthropology
Selected topics as announced by the department. Courses will
address important issues in archaeology and cultural anthropology. (14)
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. (18)
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. (14)
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.
(14)
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)