Anthropology (SCSA)
					.
		Dept Home A&S Page

2. INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 3 hrs
This course introduces the major concepts, theories and methods employed by anthropologists to understand social and cultural aspects of human experience. We will explore world views and belief systems of different peoples in their particular contexts. The course will explore topics such as religion and ritual, language and symbols, gender and families, individual and cultural identity, power and control, violence, conflict and social change. The course will investigate human cultural diversity by using a variety of written and visual descriptions of different groups. By examining the character of other cultures we will also become more conscious of the character of one's own culture and develop a new and critical perspective of our own cultural assumptions and biases.

76. INTERMEDIATE TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY 3 hrs
Courses listed as Intermediate Topics in Anthropology are sophomore level course topics being offered on a one time basis, or for the first time, before being added formally to the curriculum.

93. REPRESENTING CULTURAL DIFFERENCE: RACE, POWER AND PUBLIC CULTURE 3 hrs
This course critically examines ideas about cultural difference and images of otherness. Throughout, we will intercept the relationships between "us" and "them." We address this in two ways. On the one hand, we will consider the historical contexts and cultural significance of Western stereotypes of non-Western peoples and places, while on the other hand, we will explore the significance of these stereotypes for self-understandings and self-images in the West and beyond. Focusing on the intersections of race and power, we will analyze popular conceptions and academic constructions of peoples (including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos) and places (such as, Africa, the Orient, and the Pacific). Our discussions of these representations will highlight some of the central metaphors and motifs for interpreting indigenous, non-Western, and marginalized cultures (primitivism, nostalgia, exoticism). Representations of cultural difference also tell us important things about EuroAmerican culture, thus, we will scrutinize whiteness and its significance as well. In addition our consideration of dominant images and negative stereotypes, we will review efforts to reimagine cultural difference. We explore these issues and their implications in a series of interconnected cultural domains, including advertising, art, movies, museums, and scholarship. Theories and approaches drawn from anthropology, sociology, history, cultural studies, women's studies, and postcolonial studies inform class discussions and student projects Prerequisites: an entry-level course in anthropology or sociology; or the permission of the instructor.

101. FEMINIST ANTHROPOLOGY: GENDER, CULTURE, AND POWER 3 hrs

This course introduces the themes and theories central to feminist anthropology. It illustrates the emergence and implications of feminist persepcetives for cultural anthropology by examining the distinct ways anthropologists have approached the entanglements of gender, culture, and power. It begins by considering the marginalized history of women as both anthropologists and subjects of anthropological analyses. Against this background, it devotes attention to specific problems and strategies, including the body, sexuality, the state, kinship relations, and economic production. Throughout, readings, class discussions, and student projects seek not only to work through the awkward relationship between feminism and anthropology, but also to address the varieities of women's experiences and identities cross-culturally. Prereq: entry-level course in anthropology, sociology, women's studies, or instructor consent.

117. NATIVE AMERICA: ANTHROPOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL
PERSPECTIVES 3 hrs

This course examines the cultures and histories of the native nations of North America. It devotes particular attention to Native American-EuroAmerican relations and the changing ideologies, identities, and institutions emergent from these interactions. It studies these issues from a variety of theoretical perspectives, drawing examples from throughout the Americas. Prereq: An entry-level, anthropology or sociology course, or instructor consent.

125. TRAVELING CULTURES: TOURISM, MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION 3 hrs

Explores transcultural processes, movements, and exchanges. Drawing on recent scholarship in anthropology, as well as sociology and cultural studies, we address the ways in which objects, ideas, peoples, and practices have traveled and how alternative theoretical frameworks haev accounted for these 'travels'. Prereq: 6 hours credit in anthropology or sociology, including an introductory anthropology or sociology course.

141 ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY 3 hrs

This course offers an overview of anthropological theory. Beginning in the mid-19th century, it traces the history of anthropological thought, contrasting distinct frameworks for making sense of cultural patterns, practices, and precepts. As such it connects classical ideas with more recent innovations. Theoretical frameworks to be discussed include social evolution, functionalism, structuralism, and a variety of post-strucutralisms. Attention is given to the social and historical contexts framing anthropogical theories no less than the content of these theories. Prereq: entry-level course in anthropology or sociology, or permission of instructor.

150. ADVANCED TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY 3 hrs

Courses listed as Advanced Topics in Anthropology are upper level course topics being offered on a one time basis, or for the first time, before being added formally to the curriculum.

156. ETHNOGRAPHIC METHODS 3 hrs

Ethnography is an empirical, scientific approach for describing social and cultural aspects of human life. This methods intensive course will provide a comprehensive guide to ethnographic methods. We will focus on the methodological techniques utilized to grasp a group's culture and world view. The course will focus on theories, practicalities, benefits and limitations of ethnographic methods and then actually practice concepts and techniques in the field. The students are expected to conduct field research and produce a written ethnography at the end of the semester. The course begins with a brief review of the basic terms and concepts of ethnography and its histories. The course will address problems and possibilities as well as political and ethical aspects of conducting ethnography. The key methods and techniques will be covered, paying particular attention to participant observation and in-depth interviews. We will explore both conventional and experimental approaches to ethnographic writing to facilitate more effective ways of representing social cultural worlds of people. The course will also highlight examples of written ethnography, with special emphasis on feminist and activist ethnography.

197. INDEPENDENT STUDY 3 hrs

Directed but independent study and/or research in a problem area selected by the student and not otherwise provided for in a regularly scheduled course.