Schedule of Classes

Introduction to field of cultural anthropology and its unique perspective for the study of human culture and societies. Examines modes of social organization and dimensions of culture worldwide. Students are introduced to the diversity of human cultures and to anthropological theories and methods through ethnographic examples drawn from a variety of non-Western cultures. Focuses on processes and institutions of enculturation, including linguistic, economic, kinship, religious, political, and aesthetic practices. Considers the processes of culture change and the effects of colonialism and globalization on these processes.

Examines the culture and social organization of a specific "non-Western" region or cultural group. Specific topics will vary by semester and will be stated in the semester schedule of classes. Geographic foci will include, among others, Asia, Latin America, and indigenous Australia. Through the study of a particular culture or geographic region, students will be exposed to anthropological theories and methods and a deeper understanding of the processes and institutions of enculturation. The course will also emphasize the effects of colonialism and globalization on the processes of cultural change in the region of study. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 semester hours.

Introduces medical anthropology and the social aspects of health, illness, and healing in different cultures. Considers the interaction between 'traditional' healing systems and biomedicine in developing nations and among transnational populations. Explore

Socio-historical analysis of the experience of Native Americans spanning the last 500 years. Focus on a variety of stereotypes and misconceptions regarding native Americans.

The purpose of this class is to learn what ethnographic and qualitative research is and how ethnographers and qualitative researchers work. Students will read and discuss a variety texts on methodological issues; read and critique ethnographic texts; and engage in qualitative research by designing a mini-research project, carrying it out, analyzing data, and writing it up. Topics covered include research questions and design, ethics and informed consent, ethnographic representation and responsibility, theoretical and practical concerns about fieldwork and participant observation, fieldnotes, interviews and life histories, processing and analyzing data, and writing up research results.