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2007-08 Catalog

Anthropology

Approved Courses

 Anthropology (ANTH)

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ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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. Cross-listed with HIST 210 and POLS 210. (4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 335: The Aztecs - C, S1

“The temple steps ran red with blood,” thus goes the collective cry in Spanish descriptions of Aztec sacrifice.  This course examines this fascinating culture using ethnohistoric and archaeological information.  The objectives are to understand the nature of Aztec culture and how it helps provide a more realistic perspective of Mesoamerican prehistory. (4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 341: Ho'ike: Cultural Discovery in Hawai'i – A, S1

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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 352: The Anthropology of Age - S1, C

This course examines the braod diversity of how cultures define the behavioral strategies of people as they age, how aging differentially is experienced by men and women, and how intergenerational family relationships change as individuals make transitions between life stages. Global issues of health, development, and human rights are considered. (4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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. (1-4)

ANTH 368: Edible Landscapes - The Foraging Spectrum - C, S1

The course examines foragers in Africa, North America, and Australia.  Using classic ethnographic literature, it provides a cultural ecological perspective of foraging societies in a variety of environments.  It also examines how foraging studies inform archaeological research, and the challenges that these peoples now face in a rapidly changing world. (4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 387: Special Topics in Anthropology - S1

Selected topics as announced by the department. Courses will address important issues in archaeology and cultural anthropology. (1–4)

ANTH 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. Cross-listed with RELI 392. (4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 491: Independent Studies: Undergraduate Readings

Reading in specific areas or issues of anthropology under supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (1–4)

ANTH 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)

ANTH 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)

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