Academic Catalog

Anthropology (ANTH)

ANTH 10100 Anthropology of the World: Explorations in Cultural and Biological Diversity (LA)

Introduces cultural and biological diversity through the integrative and holistic approach of cultural anthropology, linguistics, biological anthropology, and archaeology. Explores how people from different cultures, both past and present, understand, navigate, and interact with their worlds. Introduces the basics of evolutionary theory and explores the ecology and behavior of humans, their ancestors and their primate relatives. Examines archaeological evidence of key moments in our history, e.g. advent of bipedalism, the origins of agriculture, and the creation of cities and states. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: ESE, SC, SO, TIDE, TIII
3 Credits

ANTH 10300 Biological Anthropology (LA)

Introduces the study of humans as biological beings, including evolutionary principles, primate behavior, the fossil record of human evolution, and biological variation in modern populations resulting from various factors. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 2A, NS, SC, TIII
3 Credits

ANTH 10400 Cultural Anthropology (LA)

Explores the diversity of the world's societies, including "primitive" hunter-gatherer societies, herding pastoralists, peasant agriculturalists, and industrial peoples in rural and urban places. It emphasizes the role of culture in shaping human adaptations and human actions, and promotes understanding of other cultures. This course examines the way anthropologists do fieldwork, and looks at the contributions anthropology can make to an understanding of modernization, social change, urbanization, race relations, and cross-cultural communication. Reflecting the research experiences of individual professors, different sections of this course emphasize different cultures or regions of the world. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1, G, SO, SS, TIDE, TWOS
3 Credits

ANTH 10700 World Archaeology (LA)

Discusses the major achievements of prehistoric humans -- from the beginning of culture circa 2.5 million years B.C. to the rise of the earliest civilizations a few thousand years ago. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1, G, H, SO, SS, TIII, TWOS
3 Credits

ANTH 11500 Box Office Archaeology: Movies, Mummies, and the Real Indiana Jones (LA)

Explores film-based consideration of archaeology and archaeologists. Focuses on how archaeology is portrayed in visual media through time, and how media have affected archaeology, the human past, and popular culture. The romanticized image of archaeology is compared with scientific realities, specifically the nature of archaeological data, theory, field methods, and analytical techniques. (S,Y)
Attributes: SO, SS, TIII
3 Credits

ANTH 19000 Selected Topics in Anthropology (LA)

Special courses may be offered at the introductory level that encompass broad anthropological interest or issues. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. (IRR)
Attributes: 1, G, H, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 21100 Introduction to Primates (LA)

This is a survey course of the mammalian order Primates (lemurs, monkeys, and apes). After an introduction to general primate evolution, taxonomy, phylogeny, and characteristics, a different taxonomic group is reviewed each week. Topics such as the geographic distribution, anatomy, behavior, ecology, and conservation status of the focal taxa are discussed. Students also learn behavioral observation methodology and conduct a zoo study on the nonhuman primate and topic of their choice. This course satisfies the biological anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300 or BIOL 12200 or BIOL 27100. (IRR)
Attributes: 2A, AN2, NS
3 Credits

ANTH 22600 East Asia: Gender and Identity (LA)

Study of race and gender relations in East Asia from a comparative perspective that goes beyond dichotomies of East and West. Examination of the dynamics of gender and race in the contemporary world. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400. (IRR)
Attributes: AAPL, AASE, AN3, AN4, SS, WGS
3 Credits

ANTH 22800 Critical Issues in Asian America (LA)

Focuses on Asian American experiences and identities past and present within the framework of anthropological concepts including ethnicity, race, authenticity, and transnationalism. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400. (IRR)
Attributes: AACH, AASE, AN3, RPRE, SO, SS, TIDE, TPJ
3 Credits

ANTH 24000 Environmental Archaeology: Human Impact in the Past and Present (LA)

This course examines the interrelationship between humans and their environments from a long-term archaeological perspective. This course emphasizes archaeological, geological, and botanical methods and analytical techniques used for long-term environmental reconstruction. Cross-listed as ENVS 24000. Students may not earn credit for ENVS 24000. This course satisfies the archaeology requirement. Prerequisite: ANTH 10400 or ANTH 10700. (S,Y)
Attributes: ABSS, AN1, ENSS, ENVE, ESSS, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 25000 Human Biological Diversity (LA)

Focuses on human biological variation from a biocultural perspective that examines the interplay between cultural, biological, and environmental variables. Topics covered will include traits of inheritance, human biological variability and behavior, and adaptations/maladaptations to various ecosystems and sociocultural environments. This course satisfies the biological anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: One of the following: ANTH 10300, ANTH 10400, BIOL 12100, BIOL 12200, BIOL 27100. (E,S)
Attributes: 2A, AN2, ESE, NS, SC, SO, TPJ
3 Credits

ANTH 25500 The Human Journey: Exploring Our Evolution (LA)

This course examines how humans evolved anatomically, biologically, behaviorally, and culturally (e.g., tool technologies) over the last seven million years. The course tracks major events and evidence for human origins, with an emphasis on the reconstruction of behavior from paleontological and anatomical remains, and reviews recent finds, examines casts of fossils, and discusses the evidence for competing theories concerning our hominid ancestors. Prerequisites: One of the following: ANTH 10300, BIOL 12100, BIOL 12200, BIOL 22700. (F,O)
Attributes: 2A, AN2, NS, SC, TWOS
4 Credits

ANTH 26000 Anthropology of Sex and Gender (LA)

Examines anthropological approaches to the study of sex (the genetic distinctions among male, female, intersex, and other biological variants), and gender (the socially and culturally constructed ideas about masculine, feminine, and gender variations beyond the binary). References evolutionary theory (e.g., sexual selection), primatology models, human origins research, gender differences in the public and private domain, feminist theory, cross-cultural gender variance, sexuality, gender identity, the controversy over sex differences in learning, and gender stereotypes in the media. This course counts toward the theory requirement for majors. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300 or ANTH 10400. (IRR)
Attributes: AN2, AN3, AN4, DV, ESE, SC, SO, TIDE, TPJ, WGSI
3 Credits

ANTH 27500 North American Archaeology (LA)

A survey of the origin and development of native North American cultural from their appearance on the continent to their contact with Europeans. In addition to describing North American culture history, the course aims to instill in students an appreciation for the diversity and accomplishments of Native American cultures. Topics to be discussed include when humans arrived in North America, the origins of agriculture, and the rise of complex societies. This course satisfies the archaeology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 or ANTH 10700. (Y)
Attributes: 1, 2A, AN1, H, NACH, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 29000 Seminar in World Ethnography: Selected Topics (LA)

Focus on particular geographic areas not generally covered in other upper-level regional courses, such as Polynesia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400. (Y)
Attributes: AACI, SS, WGS
3 Credits

ANTH 30200 Ethnographic Field Methods (LA)

Explores the ways that cultural anthropologists obtain and interpret ethnographic data during fieldwork. Topics include history of anthropological methods; methods of collecting and analyzing data; ethics of research; and creating a research proposal. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 and one 200 level anthropology course. Anthropology majors only. (S, Y)
Attributes: ESTS, SS
4 Credits

ANTH 30500 Archaeological Methods and Techniques (LA)

Focus on the ways that archaeologists discover, analyze, interpret, and explain the lifestyles of past cultures. The course is arranged in the way that archaeologists approach the solution of a research problem. Topics include the nature of archaeological evidence, how data are obtained through survey and excavations, the many kinds of analysis that archaeologists use to identify past lifeways, the techniques of dating sites, and how entire prehistoric culture systems are reconstructed. Also included are discussions of the use of theory in explaining cultural change and cultural processes, the field of cultural resources management, and ethics in archaeology. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 or ANTH 10700 and either one 200-level anthropology course or junior standing and one additional social science course. (F,E)
Attributes: NS
4 Credits

ANTH 30800 Methods in Field Primatology (LA)

Provides training in the various stages of the research process used in the study of primate behavioral ecology. Includes laboratory instruction on observational methodology and ecological assessment, applied through a series of associated exercises. Includes guidance on developing research topics and hypotheses, data collection, analyses, and presentation of research results. Students will conduct a research project in primatology. Students are responsible for nominal fees associated with laboratory field trips. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300 and one 200-level course in BIOL, ANTH, or ENVS. (F,O)
Attributes: QL
4 Credits

ANTH 31100 Primate Behavior and Ecology (LA)

Primates are among the most social animals. Why do nonhuman primates behave as they do? This course seeks to answer this question by reviewing the extensive variation in primate behavior and ecology and the evolutionary basis of the differences. The emphasis is on understanding the adaptive significance of the many diverse facets of primate social behavior within an ecological context. The class highlights current research issues in the field of primate behavioral ecology and examines how research is conducted and reported. Students will conduct a zoo observation study on the nonhuman primate and behavioral topic of their choice. This course satisfies the biological anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300 and either ANTH 21100 or BIOL 27100. (IRR)
Attributes: 2A, AN2, AN4, NS
3 Credits

ANTH 31500 Animals & Human Exceptionalism (LA)

Explores the historical and current relationship between nonhuman animals and humans, focusing on anthropogenic influences on animal welfare, conservation, and interpretations of animal cognition and emotions. Examines the concept of human exceptionalism, the belief that humans have special status or value among all biodiversity based on our unique capacities, and how this has influenced societal attitudes and actions towards nonhuman animals, both wild and domestic, in different parts of the world. Discusses how the evolutionary success of the human species has negatively impacted animal species globally. Prerequisites: Any ANTH course at 200-level or higher. (O,S)
Attributes: AN2, AN3
3 Credits

ANTH 32000 Anthropology of Religion (LA)

The religious experience from the standpoint of ethnographic field studies and from various theoretical approaches. Examines the relationships among religion, culture, and society. Explores the evolution of the anthropological study of religion. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology and theory requirements for Anthropology majors. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400. (IRR)
Attributes: AN3, AN4, RSEA, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 33500 Women and Culture (LA)

The lives of women vary considerably cross-culturally. This course explores the nature of this variation as well as the cultural construction of gender roles. Special attention is given to the relationship between gender roles and economics, politics, power, authority, religion, and family life. Using case studies from various regions of the world, including the United States, the course examines how women's lives are affected by their social status, race, ethnicity, and position in the life cycle. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement for majors. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400; Sophomore standing. (IRR)
Attributes: 1, AN3, SS, WGS, WGS3
3 Credits

ANTH 37000 Applied Anthropology (LA)

Examination of a major new career field in anthropology, comparing the activist role of the applied anthropologist with the research orientation of much of the discipline. Manner in which the perspectives, field methods, and cultural knowledge of anthropologists have been applied in planning, implementing, and evaluating economic and social change projects. Case studies documenting the complexity of projects suggest the risks, demands, and challenges of applied anthropology, as well as the potential for ethical conflict and failure. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 and either one 200-level anthropology course or junior standing and one other social science course. (F or S,Y)
Attributes: AN3, AN4, ENSS, ESSS, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 37100 Field School in Biological Anthropology (NLA)

This field course involves travel to an off-campus location to learn about one (or more) subdisciplines within the subfield of biological anthropology. Field schools may focus on anatomy, forensic anthropology, paleoanthropology, primatology, or another subdiscipline. Students will employ the methods used by researchers in the field and actively collect data. Students also will learn how to summarize data and present results. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credit hours. Additional costs to students will include travel to field site, living expenses, and research-related activities. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. May be taken for one to six credits, depending on the nature of the field school. (IRR)
Attributes: 2A
1-6 Credits

ANTH 37400 Archaeological Field School (NLA)

Experience in archaeological fieldwork. Training in the basic techniques of archaeological research design, reconnaissance, survey, mapping, excavation, and basic field laboratory methods. Use of a transit, laying out of grids, and identification of different kinds of archaeological data, such as ceramics, lithics, features, and ecofacts will be covered. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 or ANTH 10700, and either a 200-level anthropology course or junior standing with one additional course in the social or natural sciences. Travel and living expenses will be responsibility of student. (SUM, IRR)
6 Credits

ANTH 37500 Environmental Anthropology (LA)

Examination of the cultural dimensions of the sustainable use and management of natural resources in the context of global efforts to effect social change and economic development. Much of the focus is on less-developed countries' indigenous peoples, rural peasants, urban underclass, and their ethnoecologies. Critical attention is also paid to industrialized nations' impact on peoples and cultures of the third world and to their role as dominant forces in establishing global environmental policy. Included in the course are case studies of the United States' "culture of consumption," an examination of the relationship between development and the environment, and a discussion of public policy alternatives. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement and counts towards the theory requirement for majors. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400 and either one 200-level anthropology course or junior standing and one other social science course. (F or S,Y)
Attributes: 1, AN3, AN4, ENSS, ENVE, ESSS, G, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 38300 Anthropology of the Body (LA)

Examination of analytic concepts of the body and embodiment from various theoretical perspectives (including feminist, Marxist, and phenomenological theories). Focus on ethnographic examples of the ways that the body is socially and culturally constructed within and across cultures. This course satisfies the cultural anthropology requirement and counts towards the theory requirement for majors. Prerequisite: ANTH 10400; junior standing. (IRR)
Attributes: AN3, AN4, SS, WGS, WGS3
3 Credits

ANTH 38400 Forensic Anthropology (LA)

Introduction to the scientific principles and cultural context of forensic investigations. Review of archaeological and osteological approaches that contribute to the search, recovery, identification, and interpretation of the remains of deceased individuals. Combination of lectures, labs, and mock investigation exercises. This course satisfies the biological anthropology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300, BIOL 11500, BIOL 11900, BIOL 12000, BIOL 12100, or BIOL 12200; and one ANTH course at level 2. (IRR)
Attributes: AN2, NS
4 Credits

ANTH 38800 Origins of Agriculture (LA)

The development and spread of agriculture arguably changed the course of human history more than any other single cultural process. This seminar reviews the history of thought and debate concerning the development of prehistoric agriculture and the processes of plant cultivation and domestication. Emphasis is placed on recent interdisciplinary developments in ethnobotany and archaeobotany that allow detailed, complex scientific evidence to be considered. Readings and discussion include historical pieces, theoretical treatises, and regional case studies from around the world. Students will learn of the diversity of anthropological theory in the context of the study and analysis of one of humanity's fundamental lifeway changes. This course satisfies the archaeology requirement. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400, ANTH 10700, or BIOL 12200 and either one 200-level anthropology course or junior standing and one additional social science course. (IRR)
Attributes: AN1, AN3, AN4, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 39000 Seminar on Anthropological Issues (LA)

Consideration of central issues in contemporary anthropological research. Recent seminars have dealt with politics, educational systems, and economic development. Prerequisites: ANTH 10400; two courses in the social sciences. (Y)
Attributes: AN1, SS
3 Credits

ANTH 41100 Primate Conservation (LA)

This course explores the distribution, diversity, abundance, and rarity of lemurs, monkeys, and apes. It investigates how human behavior such as habitat disturbance and hunting impact primate populations. Issues to be discussed include various conservation strategies and tactics employed to protect our closest-living relatives, for example, taxon and area priorities, captive breeding, restocking and reintroduction, and ecotourism. Prerequisites: ANTH 31100; or ANTH 21100 and permission of instructor. (IRR)
Attributes: 2A, AN2, NS, WI
3 Credits

ANTH 45800 Research in Anthropology (NLA)

Provides students an opportunity to conduct individual research in any of the subfields that are not fieldwork, such as laboratory analysis, text analysis, tape transcription, or library research on a specific topic. Prerequisites: ANTH 30200, ANTH 30500, or ANTH 30600, and completion of H&S dean's independent study/internship form. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credits. (F, S and SUM, Y)
1-6 Credits

ANTH 45900 Internship in Anthropology (NLA)

Provides students an opportunity to conduct individual research that is not fieldwork in any of the subfields and under the supervision of a professional. Internships are arranged individually at the student's request with an instructor and a sponsoring agency. Prerequisites: ANTH 10300, ANTH 10400, or ANTH 10700, permission of instructor, and completion of H&S dean's office internship form. Can be repeated to a maximum of six credits. (F, S and SUM, Y)
1-6 Credits

ANTH 46000 Advanced Readings in Anthropology (LA)

Arrangements are initiated by the student interested in a topic not covered by regular course offerings. Prerequisites: One ANTH course at 20000-level or above and one ANTH course at 30000-level or above; permission of instructor. (F-S)
Attributes: UND
1-4 Credits

ANTH 47500 Ethnographic Fieldwork/Research (LA)

An alternative to ANTH 47001 for advanced anthropology students with a focus in cultural anthropology whose research plans would benefit from a more individualized approach. The independent research or fieldwork may be conducted within or away from the Ithaca area under supervision by an anthropology faculty member. Prerequisites: ANTH 30200; consultation with and permission of instructor. (F-S,Y)
Attributes: NASE, RPRE, UND
1-6 Credits

ANTH 47600 Archaeological Fieldwork/Research (LA)

An alternative to ANTH 47002 for advanced anthropology students with a focus in archaeology whose research plans would benefit from a more individualized approach. The independent research or fieldwork may be conducted within or away from the Ithaca area under supervision by an anthropology faculty member. Prerequisites: ANTH 30500; consultation with and permission of instructor. (F-S,Y)
Attributes: UND
1-6 Credits

ANTH 47700 Biological Anthropology Fieldwork/Research (LA)

An alternative to ANTH 47004 for advanced anthropology students with a focus in biological anthropology whose research plans would benefit from a more individualized approach. The research or fieldwork may be conducted within or away from the Ithaca area under supervision by an anthropology faculty member. Prerequisites: ANTH 30600; consultation with and permission of instructor. (F-S,Y)
Attributes: UND
1-6 Credits

ANTH 47900 Anthropology Fieldwork/Research (LA)

Provides advanced anthropology students the opportunity to engage in team-based or independent research projects under the supervision and guidance of a faculty member. Projects can be in any field of anthropology; students must have taken a methods course to be able to succeed in this project-based course. Prerequisites: At least one course with an ANM attribute. (O,S)
3 Credits

ANTH 49500 Anthropology Capstone (NLA)

Provides an integrative and holistic summary of student's anthropological training. Major themes and issues in the subfields of anthropology will be discussed, and the relationships between the field and the department's curriculum and the student's coursework, including fieldwork, will be analyzed. Discussion of career opportunities, preparation for postgraduate work, and skills assessment will be conducted as well. Fulfills the ICC Capstone requirement. (F)
Attributes: CP
2 Credits