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Anthropology Department

Course Descriptions






1300 Fundamentals of Archaeology (4 credits)
Considers the archaeological evidence for cultural origins and change, as well as archaeological theories and methods for investigating the past. Required of all anthropology majors.
1790 Field Methods in Archaeology (4 credits)
Introduces basic methods of archaeological survey, excavation, artifact collection strategies, and field interpretation. Taught in a classroom setting, with much fieldwork involved. Students will learn to create field maps and cross-sectional drawings of archaeological features.
1992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
2000 Pioneers of Anthropology (4 credits)
Explores the development of anthropology as a field of study, including important thinkers, ideas, and relationships between the discipline and its wider intellectual and societal context. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010.
2006 Lost Tribes & Sunken Continent (4 credits)
Uses a variety of archaeological mysteries from the human past to explore how we "know" in archaeology, and science generally. Evaluates alternative approaches to making sense of mysterious phenomena, including theories of continental catastrophism, cultural diffusionism, extraterrestrial visitation, and cryptozoology.
2010 Cultural Anthropology (4 credits)
An introduction to the subfield of cultural anthropology, including investigation of varied subfield specializations such as political anthropology, economic anthropology, psychological anthropology, medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, and the anthropological study of gender, kinship, religion, and globalization.
2020 Artifacts, Texts, Meaning (4 credits)
How is it that anthropologists can look at an object in a museum collection and state with confidence what it once was a part of, how it was used, where it came from, how old it is, and even, perhaps, what it meant to the people who made it? What is an anthropological approach to documentation, an important accompaniment to the objects held in museums? In this course, participants learn about the ways anthropologists have approached researching material items and texts (both written and oral), ranging from time-tested techniques to materials science approaches. Each student in the class completes an original research project on an item held in the DU Museum of Anthropolgy (DUMA) collections. The class involves hands-on work with artifacts, lecture, and discussion.
2030 Folklore: Form and Content (4 credits)
Folklore genre and their analysis, including oral narrative, folk beliefs, jokes, dance, drama, festivals; historical and methodological discussion of folklore; folklore as a living phenomenon, including modern urban legends, with examples primarily from Europe and North America. Required fieldwork includes collection of folklore. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010.
2040 Historical Archaeology (4 credits)
Because it is the archaeology of periods for which there is also written history, historical archaeology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field. It also has a distinct set of concerns and methods that builds upon, but does not replicate, those of prehistoric archaeology. This course is designed to engage students in the practice of historical archaeology through readings, discussions, and the hands-on analysis of archaeological materials. The first class of each week will be a discussion of readings in historical archaeology. The readings will introduce student to theoretical and methodological issues in the discipline, as well as important case studies. Many of the readings will have a North American focus, but will also address international practice. The second class of each week will have a hands-on focus. Backed by readings on historic materials analysis, we will discuss and practice the types of research historical archaeologists perform on actual materials, focusing on different material types each week. Students in the course will each process and analyze a set of materials excavated from a historic site. Prerequisite: ANTH 1300 or permission of instructor.
2050 East Asian Archaeology (4 credits)
The archaeology of China, Korea, Japan and eastern Siberia from the earliest beginnings of humanity through the formation of complex societies is explored. Topics include the earliest hominids, stone tool traditions, the transition to agriculture, the development of metallurgy, and the formation of the state. The development of unique Asian cultures will be studied with attention to continuity and changes. Prerequisites: ANTH 1300, AHUM 1910, or instructor's permission.
2090 European Archaeology (4 credits)
Development of cultures in Europe from the Lower Paleolithic through Iron Age. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 1300, AHUM 1910 or instructor's permission.
2105 Human Nature (4 credits)
Human biological variation in time and space; investigation of the environmental and cultural impacts on the human organism that have led to the present diversity of the species. A scientific, evolutionary approach to human nature. Required for all anthropology majors.
2200 Native North America (4 credits)
Survey of the Native American culture, society, economy, religion and history north of Mexico.
2250 Ancient North America (4 credits)
Archaeological and historical examination of Native North American cultures from their appearance on the continent up to initial contact with Europeans. Illustrates the diversity and richness of indigenous lifeways, and provides a forum for examining broad issues of human cultural evolution. Compares and contrasts scientific and indigenous accounts of North America's cultural past.
2350 Ecology & Society-Ancient SW (4 credits)
Examines the archaeology of pre-Columbian cultures of the American Southwest, with specific focus on the Ancestral Puebloan ("Anasazi") cultures of the Four Corners Area. Explores the complex interactions between indigenous peoples and their environment. The time span covered is from the earliest traces of humans in the area around 12,000 years ago up to their contact with Europeans in 1540. Prerequisites: ANTH 1300.
2370 Sex and Class in Latin America (4 credits)
Women's roles in Latin America and how they are evolving; emphasis on survival strategies, productive and reproductive roles, gender relations and female political participation. May be applied toward major in Latin American studies.
2400 Social Change in Latin America (4 credits)
Modern Latin America as part of the contemporary Third World, focusing on the social anthropology of peasant and urban peoples, and how economic development and dependency affect them; emphasis on Mexico, Brazil and the Andean nations.
2410 Indians-Mexico & Central Amer (4 credits)
The Indian cultures of Mexico and Central America in historic and modern times, from the ancient Aztecs to today's peasant communities. Uses ethnohistorical and ethnographic accounts to assess the position of the Indians in Mexican and Central American society. Topics include the impact of the Spanish conquest and the social, political and religious organization of modern groups.
2600 Museums and Public Culture (4 credits)
A critical introduction to how cultures and peoples are presented in museums, festivals, tourism venues and the popular media. The course introduces students to the historical and contemporary role of museums and anthropology in public culture and the importance of both in civic life. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010
2650 Archaeological Method & Theory (4 credits)
Theories and analytical techniques used to assign meaning to archaeological materials. Prerequisite: ANTH 1300.
2992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
3000 Anthropology of Tourism (4 credits)
Considers the interaction of host and visitor cultures in foreign tourism. Explores the effects of tourism on the host culture and the expectations of the visitors. Discusses tourism's relationship to development and the various levels of needs of the tourists.
3010 World Food/World Hunger (4 credits)
An examination of issues of world hunger, international agribusiness, and food aid in an attempt to understand how food-producing resources are controlled and manipulated in the developing world.
3020 Native Religions (4 credits)
A cross-cultural survey of concepts of the supernatural and associated behavior. Topics include responses of indigenous peoples to attempted missionization; shamanistic techniques of controlling and channeling supernatural power; sacred places and their significance; myths and symbols in their cultural contexts; initiation rites; gender relationships; divination and political power.
3030 Digital Anthropology (4 credits)
Digital Anthropology introduces students to computer technology used in anthropological research. Students study and then produce a number of digital products useful in the analysis and interpretation of museum collections, for archaeological mapping and research and for the dissemination of anthropological knowledge online. This process covers the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, three-dimensional imaging programs ranging in scale from broad landscape mapping and detailed digital artifact analysis. In addition, the use of geophysical methods for imaging what is below the surface will allow students to produce images of what lies below the ground in archaeological contexts.
3040 Anthropologies of Place (4 credits)
This class is an exploration of the relationship between people and places from an anthropological viewpoint. We will concern ourselves with a variety of ideas about place, emphasizing not just how places are used, but how they infuse themselves into the lives, histories, and ethics of those who interact with them. The course readings will include book-length anthropological case studies interspersed with interdisciplinary readings about place and landscape. The course will include seminar-style discussions of readings, workshops, and observations in the field. On several occasions, we will take our class on the road, working together to think about how people and place interact. By the end of the class, each student will create their own anthropology of a place. Must be Junior standing or above.
3050 Ethnicity, Power and Identity (4 credits)
Concepts of ethnicity and identity in relation to structures of power and dominance. Construction and usage of these concepts in Western social science, colonialist ideologies and nationalist rhetoric, as well as in post-colonialist critiques and resistance struggles.
3060 Cultural Narratives (4 credits)
Human beings are natural story-tellers. Whether reciting oral traditions or recounting personal experience, people everywhere use narratives as a way to express and to understand themselves. This course approaches cultural narratives from two angles. First, it explores the ways that anthropologists, usually trained in the social sciences, make use of and study narratives, whether through ethnographic observation, conducting an interview, gathering folklore, or archaeological interpretation. Second, the class investigates narratives that, although produced by non-anthropologists, engage with anthropological issues such as kinship, gender, work, tradition, and identity. The narratives will range broadly from fiction, to poetry, to film. These two approaches will be framed by theoretically informed readings about narrativity, both from the social sciences and the humanities. The class will involve intensive reading and writing, as it will make use of both discussion and workshop formats. Each student in the course will complete a research and writing project culminating in their own cultural narrative. Must be Junior standing or above.
3130 The Archaeology of Gender (4 credits)
This course examines the ways archaeology can contribute to the study of gender through investigations of the deep through recent past. The class will include readings on gender theory, the uses of archaeological data, and specific case studies of engendered lives in the past.
3135 The Anthropology of Food (4 credits)
Feasting, Fasting and Food focuses on foodways and food culture. Food and its acquisition and preparation are tied to the historical, social, and cultural lives of all peoples. By drawing on historical sources, ethnography, and a number of anthropological perspectives, we look at foodways as symbols of identify, at culinary tourism, at food work as trade or profession, at the study of food as art and theater, and with food and memory. Prerequisite: ANTH 2010
3150 Origins of Civilization (4 credits)
Comparison of beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, China, Mexico and Peru, emphasizing processes that make them similar. Prerequisite(s): SOCS 1010 or ANTH 1300.
3170 Applied Heritage Management (4 credits)
Considers the role of archaeology in preservation and the management of cultural resources in terms of legislation, ethics and practical application, with emphasis of the utility, necessity and reality of doing archaeology today in the public sector. Site report writing, governmental regulations and the business side of archaeology will be stressed. Archaeological information from site reports and artifact analysis will be compiled and presented in a digital format. Prerequisite: ANTH 1300 or instructor's permission.
3200 Human Origins and Evolution (4 credits)
Examines the fossil record for human evolution from 6 million years ago to the origin of modern Homo sapiens, including current theories, evidence, and controversies. Considers the historical and sociological contexts of human evolutionary studies, popular myths and misconceptions, and alternative scenarios for the future evolution of the human species. Prerequisite: completion of NATS Foundations and one SOCS Foundations.
3250 Guatemalan Field School (4 credits)
This class provides students with the chance to interact with highland Guatemalan women involved in an on-going development project. Students are participant observers who will be gathering socio-demographic data from locals. They will apply their Spanish language skills.
3290 Art and Anthropology (4 credits)
Study of the concept of art and its multiple roles in society from a cross-cultural and historical perspective. Commodification of culture through tourism and the global art market; arts of resistance and survival; and cultural expression and community development.
3310 Indigenous Environment (4 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to particular environmental issues that affect indigenous peoples, including subsistence and economic issues; sacred lands; cultural property dilemmas; and the impact that use of traditional cultural properties by others - including nation-state governments; corporations; and tourists - have on indigenous peoples' cultural and social integrity. Particular focus is on one of these issues - travel and particularly "ecotravel" and "ecotourism."
3350 Latin American Archaeology (4 credits)
Covers the prehistory of the western hemisphere south of the Mexico-U.S border, from initial colonization of the hemisphere by Paleoindian people, to the origins of agriculture and the rise of civilization, Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, Chavin, Moche and Inca cultures will be covered in detail.
3360 Cross-Cultural Perspective Wmn (4 credits)
Confronts question about women's lives and women's status in global perspective. It addresses issues such as why women have been subordinate to men in so many cultures, how one actually measures dominance and subordination, and whether there is some biological basis for gender inequality. Broad theoretical questions on the status of women are discussed and form the basis for the analytical inquiry which follows.
3370 Sex and Class in Latin America (4 credits)
Women's roles in Latin America and how they are evolving; emphasis on survival strategies, productive and reproductive roles, gender relations, and female political participation. May be applied toward major in Latin American Studies.
3380 Women and Development (4 credits)
A case study approach to understanding women's status and the problems of combining productive and reproductive responsibilities in developing countries.
3390 Geoarchaeology (4 credits)
Use of geological methods to interpret archaeological sites; ancient landscape reconstruction, study of environmental change and habitation.
3400 Ethnology of China (4 credits)
Anthropological study of contemporary Chinese society including birth, life and death; gods, ghosts, and ancestors; men and women; families and marriage; urban and rural life; and Han and ethnic minorities.
3430 Visions, Utopias and Messiahs (4 credits)
Ghost dance, peyote religion, cargo cults, peasant revolution, charismatic leaders, messianic movements in cross-cultural perspective; roles played by cultural systems, historical circumstances, and social conditions in generating social movements.
3470 Applied Anthropology (4 credits)
The practical application of cross-cultural knowledge and awareness to the solution of social and cultural problems. Ethnographic methodologies, a review of the history of applied anthropology; and a consideration of the ideological and ethical components of applied anthropology are covered.
3485 Anthro and Underdevelopment (4 credits)
Anthropological approach to some of the developing world's most pressing social problems and how anthropologists can make a relevant contribution in confronting, studying, and changing the nature of underdevelopment.
3500 Culture and The City (4 credits)
Examines the past and future of the city as a human built environment that reflects and reproduces social, political, economic, and cultural forces and ideals. Begins with the origin of cities in antiquity and ends with contemporary urban landscapes. Analysis is sensitive to both the technologies and aesthetics of urban form. Emphasis is on the possibilities for urban redesign to meet the problems of 21st century city life. Prerequisite: Foundational course in AHUM or SOCS.
3640 Race, Sex and Evolution (4 credits)
Examines the history of thought about the nature and evolution of human racial differences and sexual characteristics, from the mid-19th century to the present day. Considers scientific and poplar models for explaining the evolution of racial differences, male-female reproductive behavior and gender roles. These models are examined in light of comparative primate data, ethnographic data and the material record of human evolution. Prerequisite: ANTH 2105.
3650 Dynamics of Culture Change (4 credits)
Considers culture change and the agents of change. Focuses on changes in indigenous cultures around the world resulting from colonialism, 1850-1950; forced acculturation, the tension between worldwide economic development and human rights and the changing nature of the post-colonial world.
3660 Anthropological Theory, Method (4 credits)
History and development of particular schools of thought, paradigms, methods and methodologies that characterize contemporary anthropology. Intellectual, artistic developments, world-wide sociopolitical and economic processes that shaped much of anthropological thinking of the times. Research methods in reconstruction of human history and qualitative ethnolographical research. Prerequisite: Either SOCS 1010 or ANTH 2010 or equivalent.
3661 Learning in Museums (4 credits)
Comprehensive introduction to museum education and skill development. Examines informal education, learning theories, interactive education, exhibits and programs.
3680 Quantitative Methods-Anthro (4 credits)
The use of statistics in all branches of anthropology; data screening; parametric and nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite: any course in basic statistics.
3701 Topics in Anthropology (4 credits)
Specialized topics in anthropology. Check with the Department of Anthropology or the Schedule of Classes for further information; open to students who are nonmajors; may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010.
3702 Topics in Anthropology (4 credits)
Specialized topics in anthropology. Check with the Department of Anthropology or the Schedule of Classes for further information; open to students who are nonmajors; may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010.
3703 Topics in Anthropology (4 credits)
Specialized topics in anthropology. Check with the Department of Anthropology or the Schedule of Classes for further information; open to students who are nonmajors; may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: SOCS 1010.
3741 Introduction to Conservation (4 credits)
Introduction to physical properties of materials found in museum artifacts and specimens. Discusses preventative conservation principles and methods.
3742 Museum Exhibit Development (4 credits)
Introduces general principles of planning, development, production, and evaluation of museum exhibits. Explores design elements and methods of evaluation. Students will have the opportunity to do exhibit mockups and exhibit evaluation.
3743 Managing Collections (4 credits)
Principles and methods regarding acquisition, documentation, conservation and accessibility of collections. Law, registration methods, computerization, policy, development, ethics, and preventive conservation are also discussed.
3750 Ethnographic Methods (4 credits)
In this course, students study the art and science of ethnographic research methods, conduct quarter-long field research projects, and write practice ethnographies. The course requires students to apply the American Anthropological Association's Code of Ethics in their research and to write Institutional Review Board applications for their projects. Course readings include texts on ethnographic methods as well as controversial and exemplary ethnographic publications for student dissection and debate.
3790 Field Methods in Archaeology (4 credits)
Introduces basic methods of archaeological survey, excavation, artifact collection strategies, and field interpretation. Students will learn to create field maps and cross-sectional drawings of archaeological phenomena.
3800 Capstone Sem Anthropology (4 credits)
This seminar brings anthropology to bear on a topic of special significance. It assesses grasp of the key concepts, theories, and insights of anthropology, and critically reflects on the nature and history of the discipline. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
3880 Technology and Adaptation (4 credits)
Considers the concepts of "ecology", "culture", "adaptation", "landscape" and "architecture". Focuses on defining and examining adaptation and the role of culture and technology in achieving adaptations. Highlights the concept of landscape - culturally defined physical space - and the cultural artifacts that interpret and modify it in the course of human adaptation to its ecological components.
3885 Anthro and Underdevelopment (4 credits)
This class presents an anthropological approach to some of the developing world's most pressing social problems. In some ways the class is a dramatic departure from what anthropologists have normally studied. Recently, however, many researchers working in developing countries have come to grips with the realities facing the people they write about, e.g., poverty, inequality, racism, hunger, etc. This course is an example of the new, and still controversial, involvement of anthropologists in confronting, studying and changing the nature of underdevelopment.
3890 Context of Material Culture (4 credits)
Examines how material culture both reflects and actively structures political, economic, and cultural life. Considers the relationship between people and their material culture (portable objects, non-portable objects, buildings, socially-created landscapes) in western, non-western, ancient, and contemporary cultural contexts. Reading materials draws from the fields of ethnology, archaeology, folklore, geography, history, art, and architecture.
3981 Museum Internship (1 to 6 credits)
3990 Summer Field Sch-Archaeology (4 to 6 credits)
Archaeological excavation, survey and recordings; analysis and conservation of artifacts in the field.
3991 Independent Study (1 to 15 credits)
3992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
3995 Independent Research (1 to 10 credits)
4000 Advanced Anthropology (4 credits)
4010 Cultural Anthropology (4 credits)
4030 Folklore: Form and Content (4 credits)
Folklore genre and analysis, including oral narrative (legend, folktale), folk beliefs, jokes, dance, drama, festivals; historical, methodological discussion of folklore as field of inquiry; folklore as living phenomenon, including modern urban legends, examples primarily from Europe, North America; required field work includes collection of folklore.
4040 Historical Archaeology (4 credits)
Because it is the archaeology of periods for which there is also written history, historical archaeology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field. It also has a distinct set of concerns and methods that builds upon, but does not replicate, those of prehistoric archaeology. This course is designed to engage students in the practice of historical archaeology through readings, discussions, and the hands-on analysis of archaeological materials. The first class of each week will be a discussion of readings in historical archaeology. The readings will introduce students to theoretical and methodological issues in the discipline, as well as important case studies. Many of the readings will have a North American focus, but will also address international practice. The second class of each week will have a hands-on focus. Backed by readings on historic materials analysis, we will discuss and practice the types of research historical archaeologists perform on actual materials, focusing on different material types each week. Students in the course will each process and analyze a set of materials excavated from a historic site.
4050 East Asian Archeology (4 credits)
Archeology of China, Korea, Japan, Siberia from a half million years ago to rise, spread of Buddhism.
4090 European Archeology (4 credits)
Development of cultures in Europe form Lower Paleolithic through Iron Age.
4150 Archeology of Peru (5 credits)
Prehistory of Peru from early Paleoindians to the rise of Chavin, Moche and Inca civilization.
4200 Native North America (4 credits)
Native American cultures north of Mexico.
4250 North American Archeology (4 credits)
Prehistoric archeology in North America from earliest traces of human occupation to European contact; emphasis on cultures north of Mexico, east of Rockies.
4300 Cycles of Conquest (4 credits)
Peoples, cultures of American Southwest, northern Mexico; emphasis on Indian, Hispanic populations, their relationships to Spaniards, Mexicans, Anglos.
4350 Ecology & Society-Ancient SW (4 credits)
Cultural history of American Southwest from earliest traces of humans to European contact; emphasis on four corners area of northern Southwest.
4360 Cross-Cultrl Perspectives Wm (4 credits)
4370 Sex & Class in Latin America (4 credits)
Evolving role of women in Central and South America from precolonial states to modern cities, rural areas.
4380 Women and Development (4 credits)
Case study approach to understanding women's status; problems of combining productive/reproductive responsibilities in developing countries.
4400 Social Change in Latin America (4 credits)
Modern Latin America as part of contemporary Third World; social anthropology of peasant/urban peoples; how they are affected by economic development, dependency; emphasis on Mexico, Brazil, Andean nations.
4410 Indians-Mexico & Central Amer (4 credits)
Indian cultures of Mexico, Central America in historic, modern times, from ancient Aztecs to today's peasant communities; ethnohistorical/ethnographic accounts to assess position of Indians in Mexican, Central American society; impact of Spanish conquest; social, political, religious organization of modern groups.
4450 Ancient American Civilization (4 credits)
4550 Africa: Traditions & Transform (4 credits)
4650 Archeological Interpretation (4 credits)
Theories and analytical techniques used to assign meaning to archeological materials.
4660 History-Anthropological Theory (4 credits)
History and development of conceptual structure of contemporary anthropology; application to specific problems in cultural anthropology, ethnology and archeology.
4700 Readings in Anthropology (1 to 5 credits)
Directed readings in anthropology under faculty supervision. May be repeated for credit.
4701 Special Topics in Anthropology (1 to 5 credits)
4702 Special Topics in Anthropology (1 to 5 credits)
4703 Special Topics in Anthropology (1 to 5 credits)
4704 Special Topics in Anthropology (1 to 5 credits)
4740 Perspectives-Museum Studies (4 credits)
4744 Working in Museums (4 credits)
This course introduces students to the basic principles and methods of museum work, by exploring the origin and history of museums, their role in society, and the core museum functions of collection, preservation, exhibition and education. Other topics covered include: professional ethics and associations; issues of diversity and community; the nature of cultural work and it's value to society.
4745 Museum Practicum (2 credits)
Individually designed practicum in student's area of interest.
4750 Masters Museum Exhibit (4 credits)
Required for MA with museum studies concentration. Type of exhibit and placement planned with student's committee.
4800 Ethics Professional Practice (4 credits)
Considers ethical principles and issues in the practice of ethnology, archaeology, and museum anthropology. Covers ethical theory, case studies of ethical dilemmas in the field, and the responsibility of practicing anthropologists to the people and resources that they study.
4810 Native Arts-Non Western World (4 credits)
Economic, social, political, religious context of native craft production in selected non-Western societies.
4885 Anthro and Underdevelopment (4 credits)
4981 Museum Internshp (1 to 6 credits)
4982 Perspectives on Asian Women (2 credits)
4991 Independent Study (1 to 17 credits)
4992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
4995 Independent Research (1 to 17 credits)