Requirements & Courses

Introduction to the holistic study of human kind. Development, organization, and functioning of cultures, as well as the relationship between biology and culture.

Investigation of a selected topic. May be taken only once for credit towards the SOC or ANT major.

Study of the development and variety of human cultures, or non-genetic adaptations to natural and social environments. Using a variety of theoretical perspectives, explore a range of contemporary and recent historic cultures to gain an appreciation of diversity of human world views and life ways. Investigate the process and effects of globalization.

A basic introduction to the history, theories and methods of anthropological archaeology. Issues of stewardship, accountability, social relevance, communication, preservation, repatriation and real world problem solving are integrated into the nuts and bolts of archaeological research. Opportunities for hands-on, post-excavation archaeological laboratory research.

Focus on the physical nature of humankind and the relationship between mind-body-culture. Historic and current theoretical and methodological approaches to the investigation of the human body, its functions, and evolution. Methods and techniques used by paleontologists to investigate ancient hominids and their behavior. Examine current issues such as human demography, “race,” forensics, epidemiology, stem cell research, genetics.

Survey and excavation of a local archaeological site. Field methods, record keeping, preservation of finds, laboratory experience, and public education. Includes classroom instruction, field, and laboratory work, and a service-learning component. Course fee.

Survey and excavation of a local archaeological site. Field methods, record keeping, preservation of finds, laboratory experience, and public education. Includes classroom instruction, field, and laboratory work, and a service-learning component. Course fee.

Ethnobotanical and paleoethnobotanical approach to relationships between plants and human culture. Philosophical, ethical and technological perspectives of traditional and Western attitudes toward human-plant interactions. Issues of land-use rights, biodiversity, global stewardship and intellectual property rights. Combined lecture and seminar format.

An examination of the interplay between culture and medicine in a global context. Cross-cultural notions of healing, illness and medicine will be explored. Ethnography of medical practices, health disparities and policy implications will be examined.

Introduction to theory and methods of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasizes (1) how spatial layout shapes and constrains social, economic, and political possibilities, (2) history and ethics of mapmaking, and (3) how to input and analyze spatial data. Students will access a laptop computer and industry-standard software, ESRI ArcGIS. Preparation for GIS Certificate, internships, job opportunities.

Examines special subjects in Anthropology.

A cross-cultural study of indigenous peoples around the globe. Major themes such as colonialism, sovereignty, language, belief systems and identity are examined through deep reading of specific ethnographic case studies.

Focus on major prehistoric and historic North American cultures as revealed through archaeology and representative archaeological sites. Special emphasis on Michigan and the Midwest. Opportunities for hands-on post-excavation laboratory research.

Research from peer-reviewed and/or primary sources, application of research to data form local sites resulting in written report, exhibition, or public presentation. Supervision of field crews in Spring Term excavation and survey program. Intended for students with experience in, and serious commitment to, archaeological research.

Research from peer-reviewed and/or primary sources, application of research to data form local sites resulting in written report, exhibition, or public presentation. Supervision of field crews in Spring Term excavation and survey program. Intended for students with experience in, and serious commitment to, archaeological research.

Examines special subjects in Anthropology.

Participation in community institutions, agencies, schools, and business with individual faculty supervision. Applications of concepts through experience. About 11-14 hours of field work per week for each four credits. Includes paper report.

Designed as a culminating experience for Anthropology majors and minors. Emphasizes student synthesis and application of cumulative anthropological knowledge. Students facilitate classes and engage in an original research project culminating in a public presentation of their work.

Supervised reading or project in special areas of anthropology.

Designed for Senior Anthropology majors with the consent of the Department. Program of empirical and theoretical research.