HELP 2014-15 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Anthropology Program Contract All Courses | Print this Page

Anthropology

Taylor 122
541-552-6321

Jessica Piekielek, Coordinator

Anthropology’s diverse subject matter of “human beings in all times and places” reflects the discipline’s interest in human culture dating from the Paleolithic past to contemporary times; from exotic, distant societies to the myriad subcultures of the Western world; from the biological bases of human behavior to our most elaborate cultural creations; and in the interaction of diverse peoples from colonial to modern contexts. Grounded in the practical realities of daily life and direct ethnographic research, anthropological methods are applicable cross-culturally. Perhaps anthropology’s greatest strength, however, is the perspective it promotes: an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, human universals, and the dynamic potential of human culture.

Cultural anthropology equips students for living and working in all human societies. Anthropological skills, knowledge, and perspectives can make people more effective advocates, mediators, and translators in contexts that involve different cultural philosophies and organizational diversity. In our global world, training in cultural anthropology provides an effective basis for careers in human service, education, public health, international and community development, public administration, business, and many others.

Archaeology examines material remains to understand and explain past and present human behavior. Archaeologists excavate and analyze the tools, textiles, pottery, and other artifacts of prehistoric peoples to reconstruct ancient cultures. They also investigate the cultural interaction between Western and nonwestern societies. A major branch of contemporary archaeology deals with preserving knowledge of our country’s past through cultural resource management and historic preservation.

Coursework and curriculum in the anthropology program emphasize practical application of skills to a variety of issues. Students are encouraged to seek internships and practica placements that match their specific interests to fully develop their anthropological skills and to gain experience that will further their career goals. The program’s close and supportive relationship with local groups and organizations provides a basis for meaningful student involvement in problem solving. Practical experiences culminate in a senior capstone designed and carried out under faculty supervision.

Pursuing an Anthropology Major, Minor, or Certificate

Students are encouraged to indicate their interest in an anthropology major, minor, or certificate at the first possible opportunity. Advisors are assigned to best support students’ individual interests and career goals. Regular meetings with the advisor will ensure that degree requirements are met efficiently and full use is made of program opportunities.

Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology

The Applied Cultural Anthropology Certificate program prepares students for careers in fields in which cross-cultural or global perspectives are emphasized. Students learn how to examine culturally related problems and policies, prepare research designs, and collect and analyze data. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in anthropology) at SOU. For certificate details, see the Applied Cultural Anthropology Certificate .

Certificate in Cultural Resource Management

The Cultural Resource Management Certificate program prepares students for careers in the management and preservation of prehistoric and historic cultural sites located on public and private lands. Emphasis is on methods and the development and implementation of research designs. To qualify for the certificate, students must also meet the requirements of a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in anthropology) at SOU. For certificate details, see the Cultural Resource Management Certificate .

Program Requirements

Programs

Major

• •  Anthropology, BA or BS

Minor

• •  Anthropology Minor

Certificate

• •  Applied Cultural Anthropology Certificate
• •  Cultural Resource Management Certificate

Courses

Anthropology

• ANTH 199 - Special Studies

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  1 to 18 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
• ANTH 209 - Practicum

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  1 to 6 credits
  Practicum. May not be repeated for additional credit.
• ANTH 211 - Archaeology and Prehistory: Perspectives on Humanity’s Past

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  4 credits
  Introduces the archeological perspective, giving a comprehensive treatment of the way the human past is investigated. Topics include archeological theory; methods of analysis; the application of dating techniques; and a survey of the major themes and subject areas of the study of human prehistory, including our Paleolithic path, the adoption of farming, and the emergence of civilization. Approved for University Studies (Explorations Strand F–Social Science).
• ANTH 213 - Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity

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  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. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Approved for University Studies (Explorations Strand F–Social Science).
• ANTH 214 - Language in the USA

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  4 credits
  Provides an introduction to linguistic anthropology through several examples of languages in the United States, which include indigenous (Native American) languages, colonial languages, languages introduced through recent immigration, and languages that newly developed in the United States. Topics include an overview to language usage patterns and norms; how language is linked to personal and group identity; an introduction to linguistic analysis; how languages differ, change and influence each other; and how language usage and ideologies both reflect and affect policy. Approved for University Studies Explorations - Strand F. (Cross-listed with ENG 214  .)
• ANTH 299 - Special Studies

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  1 to 18 credits
  Credits to be arranged.  Repeatable.
• ANTH 301 - Practicing Anthropology

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  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. Prerequisite(s): USEM 103 ; ANTH 211 , ANTH 213 , or ANTH 214  ; Restricted to Anthropology majors or certificates.
• ANTH 310 - American Culture

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  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.” May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strands I and J). Prerequisite(s): Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements
• ANTH 317 - Pacific Cultures

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  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 International Studies major and minor and the Native American Studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand J).
• ANTH 318 - Native North America

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  4 credits
  Offers a comparative examination of cultures indigenous to North America. Explores the pre-contact economic, social, and belief systems of selected groups; the history of federal legislation and policies relating to Indian affairs; and present-day issues of concern to Native American peoples in reservation communities and urban settings. May be applied to the Native American Studies certificate and minor and to the International Studies major and minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration -  Strand J).
• ANTH 319 - Cultures of the World

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  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, and all topics may be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand J). Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements
• ANTH 320 - North American Prehistory

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  4 credits
  Surveys the archaeological record of ancient North America. Considers regional cultures, chronologies, artifacts and interpretive themes. Will explore over 10,000 years of prehistory and broad issues in North American archaeology. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits.

    Prerequisite(s): ANTH 211  or ES 103  or NAS 268  .

• ANTH 332 - Ritual and Religion

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  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 and provide the basis for cross-cultural generalization. Topics such as shamanism, witchcraft and sorcery, myth, symbolism, trance, healing, and revitalization movements are explored through an anthropological perspective. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor and the Latin American Studies minor. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213 .
• ANTH 334 - Anthropological Perspectives on the Native American Frontier

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  4 credits
  Explores, through detailed case studies, the process of colonial and American expansion into and across North America and its impact on Native American culture, health, economy, and politics. Considers the agency by which Native American society survived this maelstrom of change, the strategies pursued by individuals and groups—both Euro-American and Indian—and the policy of the United States government to address the so-called Indian Problem” through the end of the nineteenth century. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor, and the Native American Studies minor and certificate. Approved for University Studies (Intergration - Strand J). Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements
• ANTH 336 - Topics in Global/Local Interconnections

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  4 credits
  Explores one contemporary issue or topic using a holistic approach. Students trace local-global connections and the structural effects of personal choices through community-based research and case studies. Examines relationships among socio-economic institutions, individual behaviors, and cultural values and assumptions. Emphasizes global awareness, social action, sustainable resource use, and social justice. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strands I and J). Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits.

   

• ANTH 340 - Anthropology of Gender

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  4 credits
  Explores contemporary status, roles, categories, and ideologies associated with genders from a cross-cultural perspective. Case studies provide comparative insights and help students to develop their understanding of the complex role gender plays in human society. In addition, students will consider dynamics of power in relation to gender and sexuality as well as the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with other aspects of identity.
  Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  or ANTH 214  or GSWS 201  or SOC 204  .
• ANTH 350 - Human Evolution

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  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(s): ANTH 211 
• ANTH 360 - Ethnographic Research Methods

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  4 credits
  Provides 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. Emphasizes skills development in participant observation, interviewing, and focus group methods. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213 .
• ANTH 370 - Archaeological Research Methods

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  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(s): ANTH 211 
• ANTH 375 - Archaeological Field School

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  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. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
• ANTH 380 - Methods in Linguistic Anthropology

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  4 credits
  Advanced examination of language structure, use, and ideology, with a focus on research methods and disciplinary norms. Addresses formulating a research proposal, selecting and using suitable methodologies, analyzing and interpreting data, and assessing and addressing ethical concerns. Students will design and execute two original field research projects. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 214  or ENG 214  . (Cross-listed with ENG 380  .)
• ANTH 399 - Special Studies

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  1 to 18 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
• ANTH 401 - Research

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  1 to 9 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
• ANTH 403 - Thesis

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  1 to 9 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
• ANTH 405 - Reading and Conference

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  1 to 6 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
• ANTH 407 - Seminar

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  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
  
  
• ANTH 409 - Practicum: Field Study

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  1 to 8 credits
  Offers students the opportuntiy to apply anthropological perspectives, concepts, and methods in a cultural, field, or laboratory setting. Sites may include schools, health and human service organizations, governmental agencies, tribes, or other possibilities aligned with each student’s academic and professional interests. Encourages community service or cultural resource management orientation. Repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. Prerequisite(s): Upper division standing and instructor consent
• ANTH 410 - History of Ethnographic Theory

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  4 credits
  Surveys the development of anthropological concepts. Students read extracts from anthropological classics and contemporary theorists to gain an understanding of key disciplinary issues and the development of anthropological thought. Written assignments and seminar discussion help students develop skills in analysis and clear expression of ideas. Prerequisite(s): Anthropology major, certificate, or minor; and senior standing.
• ANTH 414 - Senior Capstone

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  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. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite(s): Completion of major core requirements
• ANTH 450 - Culture Change

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  4 credits
  Examines culture change in nonwestern and Western societies. Investigates interrelationships between local and global levels. Covers topics such as theories of change, trends and patterns of change, social movements, community development, and other forms of organized, purposeful change. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213 
• ANTH 451 - Cultural Ecology

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  4 credits
  Considers the range and variation of the relationships between humans and their habitats throughout prehistory into the present day. Illustrates the dynamic interplay between culture, society, physiology, settlement and subsistence practices, technology, and the natural and built environment. Draws case studies from a range of ethnological, archaeological, ethnohistoric, and current perspectives. May be applied to the International Studies major and minor. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  or ANTH 211  or ES 103  .
• ANTH 452 - Global Environmental Movements

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  4 credits
  Explores the diversity of contemporary environmental movements through ethnographic case studies from different parts of the world. In each case, we will consider how environmental conflicts and movements are shaped by cultural contexts and relations of power. Topics will include conservation, environmental justice, land rights, social movements, political ecology, and theories on nature, culture, and social change. The goal of the course is to expand students’ awareness of how people view nature cross-culturally, how understandings of environment shape social movements, and how local and global processes shape people, places, and environmental struggles. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  or ES 103  , junior standing or permission of instructor.
• ANTH 455 - Anthropological Film

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  4 credits
  Explores film as a tool for ethnographic representation and documentation. Takes a historical approach to visual anthropology, examining changes in disciplinary expectations and film techniques. Ethical, methodological, and conceptual issues regarding ethnographic representation are critically examined. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213 .
• ANTH 460 - Applied Anthropology

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  4 credits
  Traces the historical development of anthropological practice. Relates contemporary uses of anthropological perspectives and methods in a variety of institutional and cultural settings to applied concepts and issues. Examines ethical considerations. Examples may be drawn from public policy, program assessment, community development, education, health and human services, and environmental topics. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  or ANTH 214  or SOC 204  or SOC 326  .
• ANTH 462 - Cultural Resource Management

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  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. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 211  or ES 103  .
• ANTH 464 - Cultural Rights

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  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 International Studies major and minor, and the Native American studies minor and certificate. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  plus 4 credits of upper division anthropology
• ANTH 505 - Reading and Conference

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  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged in special consultation with professor. Repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.
• ANTH 507 - Seminar

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  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable for a maximum 16 credits.
• ANTH 509 - Practicum

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  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable for a maximum 16 credits.
• ANTH 552 - Global Environmental Movements

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  4 credits
  Explores the diversity of contemporary environmental movements through ethnographic case studies from different parts of the world. In each case, we will consider how environmental conflicts and movements are shaped by cultural contexts and relations of power. Topics will include conservation, environmental justice, land rights, social movements, political ecology, and theories on nature, culture, and social change. The goal of the course is to expand students’ awareness of how people view nature cross-culturally, how understandings of environment shape social movements, and how local and global processes shape people, places, and environmental struggles. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 213  or ES 103 , graduate level standing or permission of instructor.

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