Anthropology (ANTH)

ANTH 1200 - Introduction to Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the primary theories, concepts, and methodologies relating to anthropology. The main subfields of cultural anthropology, archeology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and applied anthropology are surveyed and their integration is highlighted for a more in-depth understanding of the complexities in modern human societies and behavior.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Global Citizenship (CAS), Ignatian Service, Service Learning, Sociology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Identities in Context, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci

ANTH 1210 - Humans Past, Present, and Future: Introduction to Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the primary theories, concepts, and methodologies relating to anthropology. The main subfields of cultural anthropology, archeology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and applied anthropology are surveyed and their integration is highlighted for a more in-depth understanding of the complexities in modern human societies and behavior.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Global Citizenship (CAS), Ignatian Service, Service Learning, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Identities in Context, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci

ANTH 1930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2080 - Urban Issues: Poverty and Unemployment

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This class examines contemporary urbanism from a global perspective. It takes as its point of departure a fundamental paradox: The globally connected economy has enabled the accumulation of unparalleled wealth; while at the same time, it has produced staggering inequality within and across cities.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Global Citizenship (CAS), Sociology Elective, Soc-Urban, Imm & Demog, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence, Urban Poverty - Applied, Urban Poverty- Introduction, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci

ANTH 2200 - Cultural Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical foundations and methodological approaches of Cultural Anthropology. It focuses on the concept of culture and how it relates to various topics, including ethnicity, language, adaptive strategies, kinship, political systems, gender, and religion. The purpose of the course is to give students a broad perspective on the types of anthropological research and discuss how the work of anthropologists is relevant to understanding the human condition.

Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, International Studies-General, Sociology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci

ANTH 2210 - Biological Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

The course examines humans within an evolutionary context to better understand ourselves as apart of the natural world. Topics include: the history of evolutionary thought, molecular and population genetics; human variation and adaptation throughout the world. We will examine extant (living) and extinct primates (including the human fossil record) as evidence of our own evolutionary history, and the biological and cultural strategies of humans through time.

Corequisite(s): ANTH 2215

Attributes: Neuroscience - Anthropology, Natural Science Req (A&S), Sociology Elective, Soc-Health & Medicine, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2215 - Biological Anthropology Lab

Credit(s): 1 Credit

This is a 1-credit laboratory course that will give you hands-on experience with many of the subjects covered in the Biological Anthropology lecture course (ANTH 2210). We will study genetics, evolution, systematics, the nonhuman primates, human skeletons and fossil hominins through the use of in-class worksheets, handouts, lab exercises, group projects, and optional zoo field trip, and videos. (Offered annually)

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 2210*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Corequisite(s): ANTH 2210

Attributes: Sociology Elective

ANTH 2240 - Archaeology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Archaeology is the study of past cultures through the analysis of their material remains. This course introduces archeology as a subfield of anthropology and emphasizes the scientific methods and procedures, tools and techniques used by archaeologists to investigate, reconstruct, interpret, preserve, and learn from artifacts, features, and ecofacts.

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2400 - Linguistic Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores fundamental questions about the relationship between language and culture: How do the structures of our language influence our perception of reality? How does language shape who we are and who we are taken to be? How do we transcend our individual perspectives to participate in a shared world? How does language draw attention to its own beauty? Students will leave this course with an understanding of key themes and problems that interest linguistic anthropologists. They will also sharpen their academic writing skills, hone their analytic capacities, and adopt a range of strategies for participating in intellectual exchange. (Offered as needed)

Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), Neuroscience - Anthropology, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2460 - Global Mental Health

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will discuss how anthropologists think about emotions and emotional support across cultures, the meanings of illness and disease, and the historical construction of psychiatric knowledge and power in East Asia, Western Europe, and North America.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, International Studies-Health, Sociology Elective, Soc-Health & Medicine, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2470 - Medical Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

States of illness and health are not simply the result of biological processes. If we want to understand why people get sick and how they get better, we must attend to the social and cultural aspects of medicine and disease. This course is an introduction to medical anthropology: the study of cultural meanings, social relations, and systems of power that shape experiences of illness and health. Medical anthropological research produces powerful insights about the extra-biological aspects of health and health care that can reduce disease burdens and improve health outcomes. (Offered occasionally)

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Sociology Elective, Soc-Health & Medicine, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 2980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ANTH 3200 - Anthropological Theory

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course introduces the major theories that inform anthropology. The course investigates a range of topics including issues of agency, subjectivity, history, social change, power, culture, and representation. The course objectives include: the appreciation of history of the anthropological study, anthropological theory, reading literacy in the discipline, and its communication.

Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1200

Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3210 - Science and Pseudoscience

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will explore the data surrounding notable claims such as Atlantis, Piltdown man, Shroud of Turin, and other myths and hoaxes in anthropology. Students will learn the nature of scientific inquiry and how the scientific method is applied to archaeological as well as other areas of social science research.

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3240 - Anthropology of Sex & Gender

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines human sexuality in an anthropological context, highlighting the importance of integrating biological and cultural aspects of sexuality. Broad perspectives on sexual behavioral patterns across, and within, human cultures are taken. Topics include sexuality in an evolutionary perspective, the physiology of sex, human sexual practices around the world, and gendered sexuality.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Sociology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3260 - Peace and Conflict

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines cooperation and conflict in human sociality. We compare the underlying assumptions that humans are innately aggressive or war-like with data to the contrary. We look at cross-cultural examples through a series of readings by contemporary social science authors, and also examine our evolutionary past for clues to what is really 'human nature'.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, International Studies, Sociology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3270 - Climate Change & Environmental Futures

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines current ecological problems and conservation/management efforts around the world, and combines case studies with classic anthropological theory to explore the ethical, cultural and biological ramifications of habitat use and environmental change. Topics include population growth, large-scale development, biodiversity conservation, sustainable environmental management, indigenous groups, consumption, and globalization.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Sociology Elective, Soc-Health & Medicine, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3280 - Forensic Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the field of forensic anthropology, which involves the analysis of human skeletal remains within the context of a legal investigation. We will explore knowledge of human osteology, dentition, skeletal variation, and pathology to identify human remains.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3290 - Native Peoples of North America

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to past and present indigenous cultures of North America. The course explores the beliefs, behavioral systems, economic and sociopolitical systems, and regional attributes of North America's indigenous peoples.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci, Diversity in the US (A&S)

ANTH 3340 - World Archaeology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course discusses significant archaeological discoveries throughout the world that serve to inform us about our human past, from human origins to the advent of writing, focusing on major cultural changes documented through archaeology.

Attributes: International Studies, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3390 - Studies in Culture: Spain

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores cultural diversity, change, and continuity in contemporary Spain, considering the legacy of the Civil War and dictatorship in shaping aspects of Spanish culture. Topics include changing attitudes toward sex, sexuality, and gender roles; the influence of the Church; immigration and multiculturalism; and separatist movements. Students critically engage with findings from ethnography, social survey, and popular media.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity in the EU, International Studies, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3910 - Internship

Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1000; CORE 1500*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: UUC:Reflection-in-Action

ANTH 3930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 3980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ANTH 4240 - Primate Social Behavior

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the social lives of primates. The course includes an introduction to primate evolution and taxonomy and behavioral ecology. The course covers topics such as conservation, behavior, physiology, reproduction, and evolution of social organization will be highlighted.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Neuroscience - Anthropology, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 4530 - Urban Ethnography: Cities in a Global Perspective

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This class draws on ethnographic texts set in cities the world over to help understand recent tensions in St. Louis. Highlighted are the (uneven) circulation of people, objects, and opportunities within cities. We consider how the ethnographic method can inform the work of urban planners and policy makers.

Prerequisite(s): (SOC 1100, SOC 1110, SOC 1120, or ANTH 1200)

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Global Citizenship (CAS), Sociology Elective, Soc-Urban, Imm & Demog, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Applied

ANTH 4540 - Environmental Impact

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course examines the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability in cities around the world. Also examined are policies and opportunities to address the challenges of sustainability from both developed and developing countries.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Sociology Elective, Soc-Urban, Imm & Demog, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 4710 - Field Recovery Methods

Credit(s): 4 Credits

This course emphasizes the scientific methods and procedures used by archaeologists and forensic scientists to investigate, reconstruct, interpret, preserve, and learn from artifacts, features, and eco-facts. Students learn to process, inventory, analyze and interpret the archaeological record and write a preliminary report on their findings.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 4720 - Archaeological Lab Method

Credit(s): 2 Credits

This course introduces archaeology, a subfield of anthropology, and the scientific methods and procedures used to investigate, reconstruct, interpret, preserve, and learn from artifacts, features, and ecofacts. Students learn to process, inventory, analyze and interpret the archaeological record and write a preliminary report on their findings.

Attributes: Anthropology Elective

ANTH 4800 - Research Activity: Supervised

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course provides students with research experience under the guidance of a faculty member. Student involvement in various components of the faculty member's research project(s) is the typical form. The course provides competitive advantages for students interested in applying to graduate schools.

Prerequisite(s): (ANTH 4240, ANTH 4530, ANTH 4710, SOC 2000, SOC 4015, or SOC 4025)

Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 4870 - Capstone in Anthropology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course allows anthropology majors to write a rigorous 25-page paper that focuses on a single topic in depth. Develop a serious scholarly manuscript that you could use for graduate school applications, or (in exceptional cases) as a paper that could be presented at conferences or submitted to third-tier anthropology journals.

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

ANTH 4930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

ANTH 4980 - Advanced Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)