Anthropology

Classes

ANT107: Introduction to Anthropology

This is an introduction to the principles and procedures of anthropology. The course is divided into two main areas: Physical Anthropology, which covers the physical nature of humans and the evolution of this nature; and Cultural Anthropology, which covers the cultural nature of humans including the origin and development of social institutions.

ANT108: World Archaeology

This introduction to world prehistory traces our shared human past from the emergence of human material culture to the rise and establishment of ancient states and empires. Special attention devoted to the study of the early civilizations of Western Asia, Europe, China, India, Africa, and the Americas provides for the understanding of how and why the various continents developed their unique civilizations. Archaeological discoveries provide the basis and background for this study.

ANT211: Comparative Cultures

This course provides an in-depth examination of selected contemporary societies focusing on their customs, language, values, key social institutions and stratification systems. The various internal and external forces affecting political, economic, religious and social cultural dynamics in different, distinct cultures are examined. Students explore the differing social relationships within the family and the community in selected societies. The course also provides a review of selected anthropological case studies from many world cultures.

ANT215: People & Cultures of Middle East

This course is an overview of the cultures of the contemporary Middle East. Emphasis is placed on understanding the region’s cultural, social, political, and religious diversity. Popular and academic conceptions (and misconceptions) of the region are examined and a general history of the region is introduced in order to develop an anthropological perspective on the contemporary culture as observed in the villages, towns, cities, and nations of the region.