Anthropology (ANTHR)

This is an archived copy of the 2015-2016 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

ANTHR 201. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Comparative study of culture as key to understanding human behaviors in different societies. Using a global, cross-cultural perspective, patterns of family life, economic and political activities, religious beliefs, and the ways in which cultures change are examined.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 202. Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Human biological and cultural evolution; survey of the evidence from fossil primates, the human fossil record and the archaeological record, as well as living primates; introduction to research methods in archaeology and biological anthropology.

ANTHR 220. Global Sustainability.

(Cross-listed with ENV S, GLOBE, M E, MAT E, SOC, T SC). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
An introduction to the key global issues in sustainability. Focuses on interconnected roles of energy, materials, human resources, economics, and technology in building and maintaining sustainable systems. Applications discussed will include challenges in both the developed and developing world and will examine the role of technology in a resource-constrained world. Cannot be used for technical elective credit in any engineering department.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 230. Globalization and the Human Condition.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
An introduction to understanding key global issues in the contemporary world. Focuses on social relations, cultural practices and political-economic linkages among Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 306. Cultural Anthropology.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201
Survey of the major theoretical, methodological and empirical foundations of cultural anthropology. Participatory lab: focus on ethnographic methods through individual research projects.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 307. Biological Anthropology.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 202
Human evolution as known from fossil evidence, comparative primate studies, and genetic variations in living populations. Laboratory-tutorial sessions include study and discussion of human osteology, fossil hominids, simple Mendelian traits, and bio-ethics in applied biological anthropology.

ANTHR 308. Archaeology.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 202
Methods and techniques for the recovery and interpretation of archaeological evidence, its role in reconstructing human behavior and past environments. Laboratory sessions include experience in the interpretation of archaeological evidence, the use of classification systems, and prehistoric technologies such as ceramics and stone tools.

ANTHR 309. Introduction to Culture and Language.

(Cross-listed with LING). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 201 recommended
Introduction to study of language, culture and society from an anthropological perspective. Focus on language and thought, ethnography of speaking, discourse and narrative, writing and literacy, and media communication. Discussion of key theories and methods of linguistic anthropology.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 313. Kinship and Marriage in a Global Perspective.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 513). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 recommended
Comparative and historical overview of the family, marriage and kinship. Examination of cross-cultural differences in the construction and functioning of family and kin relations; role of kinship in structuring individual and collective activities; current critical and theoretical issues in kinship studies, especially integrating work on gender and sexuality.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 315. Archaeology of North America.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 515). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 202
Prehistory and early history of North America as reconstructed from archaeological evidence; peopling of the New World; culture- historical sequences of major culture areas; linkages of archaeological traditions with selected ethnohistorically known Native American groups.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ANTHR 319. Skeletal Biology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 519). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307 or college level biology
Comprehensive study of the skeletal anatomy, physiology, genetics, growth, development and population variation of the human skeleton. Applications to forensic anthropology, paleopathology and bioarchaeology are introduced.

ANTHR 320. Great Plains Archaeology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 520). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 202
Prehistoric societies of the Great Plains region of North America, from initial occupation to European contact; emphasis on sociocultural changes, continuities, and adaptations to changing environments using archaeological, ecological, ethnographic information.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ANTHR 321. World Prehistory.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 521). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 202 recommended
An introduction to archaeological sites from around the world including the Near East, Africa, Europe, Mesoamerica, and North and South America. Emphasis is on the interpretation of material cultural remains in reconstructing past societies.

ANTHR 322. Peoples and Cultures of Native North America.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 522). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or AM IN 210
Origin, distribution, and pre-contact life of the indigenous peoples of North America. Survey of culture areas; language families, social and political systems, ecological and economic adaptations, religion and spirituality; impact of European contact; cultural resilience and revitalization in contemporary American Indian life.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ANTHR 323. Topics in Latin American Anthropology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 523). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Exploration of key contemporary and historical issues in Latin American Anthropology; discussion of current anthropological approaches to studying Latin American social issues in a global context. Topics vary each time offered.

ANTHR 323A. Latin American Anthropology: Violence and Memory.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 523A). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Exploration of key contemporary and historical issues in Latin American Anthropology; discussion of current anthropological approaches to studying Latin American social issues in a global context. Topics vary each time offered.

ANTHR 323B. Latin American Anthropology: Social movements and Democracy.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 523B). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Exploration of key contemporary and historical issues in Latin American Anthropology; discussion of current anthropological approaches to studying Latin American social issues in a global context. Topics vary each time offered.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 323C. Latin American Anthropology: Race, Class and Gender.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 523C). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Exploration of key contemporary and historical issues in Latin American Anthropology; discussion of current anthropological approaches to studying Latin American social issues in a global context. Topics vary each time offered.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 323D. Latin American Anthropology: Regional Focus.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 523D). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Exploration of key contemporary and historical issues in Latin American Anthropology; discussion of current anthropological approaches to studying Latin American social issues in a global context. Topics vary each time offered.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 332. Current Issues in Native North America.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 532). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306; ANTHR 322 or AM IN 210 recommended
Conditions and issues of contemporary American Indian peoples, historical background of contemporary life; federal policies, treaty rights, and sovereignty. Economic development and politics on reservations, family and gender roles, cultural innovation and revitalization, urbanization, recent social movements, and other current concerns.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ANTHR 333. Asian American Material Cultures.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 533). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Examination of material objects made and used by Asian Americans with both historical and contemporary focuses; transnational and interdisciplinary lenses to interpret the material world; contemporary approaches to analysis of artifacts.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ANTHR 336. Global Development.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 536). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306
Cross-cultural analysis of current development practices from an anthropological perspective; focus on international aid, development institutions, agrarian reform, indigenous knowledge, humanitarianism and human rights; introduction to main theories of political and economic anthropology.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 340. Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 540). (Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306
Survey of global religious belief and practice from an anthropological perspective. Emphasis on myth and ritual, shamanism, magic, witchcraft, beliefs in spirits, conceptions of the soul, mind and body relationships, and healing and therapeutic practices. Discussion of religious response to dramatic political and social change; effects of globalization on religious practice.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 350. Primate Behavior.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 550). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: ANTHR 202 and/or basic biology course recommended
An introduction to the Order Primates with a focus on their behavior. Biological and social adaptations of monkeys, apes, and prosimians; basic evolutionary concepts, current trends and theories in the field of Primatology and issues related to primate conservation.

ANTHR 354. War and the Politics of Humanitarianism.

(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: POL S 235, POL S 251, or ANTHR 230
Humanitarianism as a system of thought and a system of intervention in conflict and post-conflict situations: role of humanitarian organizations and actors in addressing human suffering caused by conflict or war military action as a form of humanitarian intervention.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 376. Classical Archaeology.

(Cross-listed with CL ST, RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Chronological survey of the material culture of the ancient Greece-Roman world and the role of archaeological context in understanding the varied aspects of ancient Greek or Roman culture. Among other topics, economy, architecture, arts and crafts, trade and exchange, religion and burial customs will be explored.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 376A. Classical Archeology: Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Greece.

(Cross-listed with CL ST, RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Bronze Age (Minoan and Mycenaean palatial cultures) and Early Iron Age Greece. (ca 3000-700 BCE). Chronological survey of the material culture of the ancient Greece-Roman world and the role of archaeological context in understanding the varied aspects of ancient Greek or Roman culture. Among other topics, economy, architecture, arts and crafts, trade and exchange, religion and burial customs will be explored.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 376B. Classical Archeology: Archaic through Hellenistic Greece (ca 700-30 BCE).

ANTHR 411. Applied Anthropology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 511). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306
Theoretical and practical considerations of applying anthropological knowledge to contemporary cultural, political and economic issues. Dynamics of directed change in contemporary world cultures. Principles, theories, and ethics of international development projects from a sociocultural perspective.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 418. Global Culture, Consumption and Modernity.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 518). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 306 recommended
Cross-cultural study of the impact of globalization, with an emphasis on economic consumption and the movement of goods, ideas, and peoples across cultural and national boundaries.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

ANTHR 419. Topics in Cultural Anthropology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 306
In-depth study of current topics in cultural anthropology, such as recent theoretical trends, new methodologies, or new research on a specific region. Topics vary each time offered. Each section may be taken once for credit up to 9 credits. No more than 9 credits of ANTHR 419 courses may be applied towards graduation.

ANTHR 419A. Topics in Cultural Anthropology: Theory.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 306
In-depth study of current topics in cultural anthropology, such as recent theoretical trends, new methodologies, or new research on a specific region. Topics vary each time offered. No more than 9 credits of ANTHR 419 courses may be applied towards graduation.

ANTHR 419B. Topics in Cultural Anthropology: Methods.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 306
In-depth study of current topics in cultural anthropology, such as recent theoretical trends, new methodologies, or new research on a specific region. Topics vary each time offered. No more than 9 credits of ANTHR 419 courses may be applied towards graduation.

ANTHR 419C. Topics in Cultural Anthropology: Regional Focus.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 306
In-depth study of current topics in cultural anthropology, such as recent theoretical trends, new methodologies, or new research on a specific region. Topics vary each time offered. No more than 9 credits of ANTHR 419 courses may be applied towards graduation.

ANTHR 419D. Topics in Cultural Anthropology: Others.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ANTHR 306
In-depth study of current topics in cultural anthropology, such as recent theoretical trends, new methodologies, or new research on a specific region. Topics vary each time offered. No more than 9 credits of ANTHR 419 courses may be applied towards graduation.

ANTHR 424. Forensic Anthropology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 524). (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 202 or ANTHR 307; ANTHR 319 recommended
Comprehensive study of forensic anthropology, a specialized subfield of biological anthropology. Emphasis is placed on personal identifications from extremely fragmentary, comingled, burnt, cremated and incomplete skeletal remains. All parameters of forensic study are included as they pertain to anthropology, including human variation, taphonomy, entomology, archaeology, pathology, epidemiology; genetics and the non-biological forensic disciplines. An appreciation for the wide range of medicolegal and bioethical issues will also be gained.

ANTHR 425. Professional Preparation in Anthropology.

(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Junior classification in anthropology or permission from the instructor
Instruction and guidance in the development of professional skills needed for success in academic and non-academic anthropological careers. Topics will include strategies for internship and job searches, creating resumes and CVs, composing personal statements and cover letters, and developing contacts and sources. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

ANTHR 427I. Field Archaeology.

(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4. SS.
Nature of cultural and environmental evidence in archaeology and how they are used to model past human behavior and land use; emphasis on Iowa prehistory; basic reconnaissance surveying and excavation techniques.

ANTHR 428. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 528). (2-2) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 308
Laboratory processing, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological materials such as lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Laboratory sessions emphasize analytical techniques including classification, data acquisition and organization, and computer applications.

ANTHR 428A. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques: Lithics.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 528A). (2-2) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 308
Laboratory processing, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological materials such as lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Laboratory sessions emphasize analytical techniques including classification, data acquisition and organization, and computer applications.

ANTHR 428B. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques: Ceramics.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 528B). (2-2) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 308
Laboratory processing, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological materials such as lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Laboratory sessions emphasize analytical techniques including classification, data acquisition and organization, and computer applications.

ANTHR 428C. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques: Faunal remains.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 528C). (2-2) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 308
Laboratory processing, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological materials such as lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Laboratory sessions emphasize analytical techniques including classification, data acquisition and organization, and computer applications.

ANTHR 428D. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques: General.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 528D). (2-2) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S. Prereq: ANTHR 308
Laboratory processing, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological materials such as lithics, ceramics, and faunal remains. Laboratory sessions emphasize analytical techniques including classification, data acquisition and organization, and computer applications.

ANTHR 429. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques: Archaeological Field School.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 529). Cr. 4-6. SS. Prereq: ANTHR 202 or ANTHR 308
Summer field school for training in archaeological reconnaissance and excavation techniques; documentation and interpretation of archaeological evidence.

ANTHR 431. Ethnographic Field School.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 531). Cr. 4-6.
Hands-on training in ethnographic field methods; students will carry out research projects in socio-cultural anthropology, learning a variety of investigative research techniques commonly used in social sciences.

ANTHR 434. Internship.

Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior or senior standing
Supervised practice in government agencies, museums, and business organizations. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Not more than 6 credits of internship experience may count towards the major. No credits in Anthr 434 may be used to satisfy Anthropology core courses for majors or for the Anthropology minor.

ANTHR 434A. Internship: Archaeology.

ANTHR 434B. Internship: Cultural Anthropology.

ANTHR 434C. Internship: Biological Anthropology.

ANTHR 434D. Internship: Linguistic Anthropology.

ANTHR 438. Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 538). Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 202 or ANTHR 307
Primate behavior and ecology in evolutionary perspective: biological and social adaptations of prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Introduction to the Order Primates, basic evolutionary concepts, and techniques of behavioral observation. Focus on theory and methods current in Primatology, including applied conservation biology.

ANTHR 444. Sex and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 544). (Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ANTHR 201; ANTHR 306 recommended
Cross-cultural examination of the social construction of genders out of the biological fact of sex. Emphasis on non-western societies. Topics, presented through examination of ethnographic data, will include the range of gender variation, status and roles, the institution of marriage, and symbols of gender valuation.

ANTHR 445. Biological Field School.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 545). Cr. 4-6. SS. Prereq: ANTHR 202 or BIOL 101
Summer field school for training in behavioral and ecological methods for primatologists. Proposal, data collection and analyses, and presentation of research topic in primatology.

ANTHR 450. Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ANTHR 306
Survey of the historical foundations of anthropology and its interrelated four sub-fields; key figures in 19th and 20th century anthropology with a focus on major theoretical contributions.

ANTHR 451. Practicum in Anthropology.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: ANTHR 201 or ANTHR 202 or ANTHR 308
Application of methods under actual laboratory and field conditions, including basic data management, synthesis, and analysis.

ANTHR 451A. Practicum in Anthropology: Archaeology.

ANTHR 451B. Practicum in Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology.

ANTHR 451C. Practicum in Anthropology: Biological Anthropology.

ANTHR 451D. Practicum in Anthropology: Linguistic Anthropology.

ANTHR 482. Topics in Biological Anthropology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 582). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307
In-depth study of current topics in biological anthropology, such as new fossil specimens, research on the evolution of cognition, the emergence of applied primatology, and the dynamic field of population genetics as each relates to the Order Primates.

ANTHR 482A. Topics in Biological Anthropology: Paleoanthropology.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 582A). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307
In-depth study of current topics in biological anthropology, such as new fossil specimens, research on the evolution of cognition, the emergence of applied primatology, and the dynamic field of population genetics as each relates to the Order Primates.

ANTHR 482B. Topics in Biological Anthropology: Primate Cognition.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 582B). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307
In-depth study of current topics in biological anthropology, such as new fossil specimens, research on the evolution of cognition, the emergence of applied primatology, and the dynamic field of population genetics as each relates to the Order Primates.

ANTHR 482C. Topics in Biological Anthropology: Primate Conservation.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 582C). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307
In-depth study of current topics in biological anthropology, such as new fossil specimens, research on the evolution of cognition, the emergence of applied primatology, and the dynamic field of population genetics as each relates to the Order Primates.

ANTHR 482D. Topics in Biological Anthropology: Population Genetics and Human Evolution.

(Dual-listed with ANTHR 582D). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F. Prereq: ANTHR 307
In-depth study of current topics in biological anthropology, such as new fossil specimens, research on the evolution of cognition, the emergence of applied primatology, and the dynamic field of population genetics as each relates to the Order Primates.

ANTHR 490. Independent Study.