Anthropology

The field of anthropology is the scientific study of people from all periods of time and in all areas of the world. Anthropology, as a discipline, focuses on both the biological and cultural characteristics of our species (Homo sapiens). In this course, students explore this discipline by looking at how each of the major branches of anthropology attempts to answer the basic question: What does it mean to be human?

A lab class which incorporates methods and techniques used in excavating archaeological and paleontological sites. Students are able to participate on an excavation site dealing with the Ice Age Floods and a mammoth.

A class used to explore new coursework.

Archaeology is the study of the cultural past of humankind and ANTH& 204 provides an introduction to the field of anthropological archaeology. In this course, students examine the major concepts, theories, and methods of anthropological archaeology that contribute to an understanding of the human past. This course also includes surveys of past cultures from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Physical Anthropology is the study of human beings from an evolutionary and biological perspective and ANTH& 205 provides an introduction to this sub-field of anthropology. In this course, students examine our own species (Homo sapiens) by looking at the biological basis of life, the processes of evolution, our primate relatives both living and extinct, and the variation seen in modern human populations.

Cultural Anthropology is the branch of anthropology that studies the species Homo sapiens from a cultural perspective. This course examines and attempts to explain the diversity and similarity of cultures and peoples throughout the world.

Biological Anthropology focuses on the use of empirical evidence to place humans in perspective within our historical and biological world. The Biological Anthropology laboratory is designed to allow students, through examples and hands-on exercises, to understand the evolutionary processes that have produced modern humans. This course is designed to complement the Biological Anthropology course (ANTH& 205). $11.40 lab fee.

The cross-cultural study of the relationship between humans and the supernatural world. Unlike other religious studies scholars, anthropologists are more concerned about the relationship and interconnections between people's religious traditions and beliefs, and other aspects of society. The objective of this course is familiarizing students with certain aspects that are common to many of the world's religions. This course explores and analyzes the meaning of myth systems, the importance and meaning of religious symbols, rituals, religious specialists, how different societies organize supernatural powers and entities, and then finally a quick survey of the world's religions. We will do this in order to come to appreciate the significance all religions hold for the people who follow them, and develop a broad definition of religion that enables us to examine myriad systems of belief on equal terms.

A class used to explore new coursework.