Anthropology Course Descriptions
ANTH-101 Introduction to Anthropology
The character of culture and the nature of social behavior as developed through the anthropological study of contemporary peoples. Annually. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-140 Introduction to Comparative Religions
Comparative study of major world and selected regional religions with an emphasis on the analysis of beliefs, rituals, symbolism and social organization. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-155 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-202 Film, Text, and Culture
This course examines the use of film, photography and text as data collection methods and representations for ethnographic research. Methodological and epistemological issues are explored in a comparison of ethnographic documentaries. As part of the course requirement students are expected to complete short observational and photographic projects. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or SOC 101 or 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-210 Mesoamerican Cultures
A survey of early Mayan and Aztec societies, how they fared under Spanish Colonial rule and their contemporary lives. The course focuses upon indigenous peoples, examining their articulation in contemporary states in relation to ethnic consciousness and cultural processes. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or SOC 101 or SOC 102. Biennially. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-240 Topics in Comparative Religion
A class on topics of current interest in comparative religions. Please see department for current course description. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-275 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-295 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-299 Field Experience
A course for students who wish to combine anthropology and their service learning experiences through the Humanitarian Center. 1-2 credits.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-301 Research Methods in Anthropology
Helps students critically evaluate anthropological methods and their own fieldwork strategies. Explores ethnographic fieldwork and methods through an analysis of the nature of social practice as it is reflected in the anthropological literature. Ethnographic methods include participant observation, survey skills, interviewing skills, careful attention to language and the ethical dimensions of research. Students have the opportunity to apply these methods in research projects in the local community. Prerequisites: 6 credits of Anthropology or Sociology. Biennially. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-317 Sociology of Popular Culture
This course gives a sociological look at the relationship between the many forms of popular culture and social life. What does the term "popular culture" really mean and what implications does it have for our lives? This course will attempt to answer this question through the exploration of four themes. First, we will explore the concept of popular culture and apply it to domestic and international audiences. Second, we will explore many facets of the concepts of high and low culture, highlighting the cultural, economic, and geopolitical aspects of these "modern" phenomena. Third, we will examine how the grammar of television, music, and film can have multiple social, political, and economic effects. Fourth, as popular culture today is truly a global phenomenon, we will explore some of the most relevant issues as they pertain to the international consumption of art, film, music, and reading materials. Prerequisite: ANTH 101, SOC 101, or SOC 102. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-320 South American Traditional Societies
Ethnographic studies of the social, economic and political forms of small-scale non industrial societies. This class looks at a variety of cultural systems from the Amazon Basin to the Andes, during historical and contemporary times. Prerequisite: 6 credits of Anthropology or Sociology. Biennially. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-323 Junior Seminar
Students will practice reading and evaluating primary research works in progress. Attention will be given to articulating the research process and to preparing students for their own independent research projects. Students will be instructed in pathways beyond Pacific, for example, how to find and apply to graduate programs, develop a resume, and set up a job-shadowing experience. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and must be a Sociology, Anthropology-Sociology, or Social Work major or minor. Pass/No Pass. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
ANTH-340 Symbolism, Myth and Ritual
Anthropological approaches to the study of myth, ritual and symbols which focus upon cultural meaning. Examines the nature of myth and ritual in a variety of cultures. Prerequisite: ANTH 201 or ANTH 202 or SOC 313. Biennially. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-345 Culinary Travel
This travel course explores the relationship between cuisine and culture. Before leaving campus, students must complete a series of orientation sessions as well as complete a one-week seminar. During the seminar we will read a collection of essays that will prepare the student to tour a variety of food and wine producing areas and to connect local and regional cultures with food preparation and cuisine. Specific travel destination will vary from year to year. Course may not be repeated for credit, even when travel destination varies. Prerequisite: 3 credits from Anthropology or Sociology at 200-level or above, and instructor approval. Appropriate language classes are encouraged. IS-201 is encouraged. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
ANTH-355 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-356 Culture, Cuisine and Class
Explores people's relationship to food with regard to the environment, gender, class structure and the increasing globalization and homogenization of food. Of particular importance are the cultural influences on cuisine as food plays a social, symbolic and political-economic role across cultures. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ANTH-395 Independent Study
Independent study.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-450 Directed Research in Anthropology
Directed Research in Anthropology allows students of advanced standing to participate in a research project with an anthropology faculty member in order to gain practical experience in the conduct of ongoing professional-level sociological research. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above, and instructor consent. Offered for variable credit, from 1-4 credits. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 credits total.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-455 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-475 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ANTH-494 Senior Thesis I
The focus is to assist students in selecting an area of interest from which to draw an independent research project, to do an initial literature review, to develop a theoretical framework, and to develop a research methodology for the senior research project. Prerequisite: 19 hours of Anthropology or Sociology including ANTH 301 or SOC 300. Annually in the Fall. Pass/No Pass. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
ANTH-495 Senior Thesis II
Student-conducted individual research/theoretical project. Prerequisite: 20 credits of Anthropology or Sociology including ANTH 494. Faculty supervised. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00