Anthropology
Undergraduate Study
An undergraduate major in Anthropology can serve as the nucleus for a general liberal education, or as the prerequisite for graduate training qualifying a person for positions in:
- College and university teaching
- Research
- Administrative and applied positions in government, development organizations, museums, and private businesses or corporations.
Anthropology graduates develop a well-rounded professional education in four fields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. They learn what it means to be human through the study of culture and social relations, human biology and evolution, languages, music, art, architecture, and through the study of past human communities. Graduates learn the important historical and contemporary issues of our sub-disciplines, and they learn what it means to be a “modern” Anthropologist and a citizen in an international and global community. Graduates develop an appreciation of the value of cultural diversity at the local, national and international level. They acquire a particular holistic vision that requires using a repertoire of methods in order to forge a deeper understanding of cultural contexts, both past and present. Undergraduate students may obtain experience in archaeological, ethnological and biological research.
Anthropology majors may choose either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree, both of which require 33 credits in anthropology. A bachelor of arts degree is obtained by fulfilling the college general education requirements plus 6 additional credits in Groups I, II, and/or IV. A bachelor of science degree is obtained by fulfilling the college general education requirements plus 6 additional credits in Group III.
Undergraduate students with majors in anthropology are required to take the following anthropology core courses:
| ANTHR 306 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 307 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 308 | Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTHR 450 | Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology | 3 |
| One course in statistics is required | 3 | |
A minor in anthropology consists of at least 15 credit.
| One of the following in cultural anthropology: | 3 | |
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | ||
| Topics in Latin American Anthropology | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | ||
| One of the following in archaeology or biological anthroplogy: | 3 | |
| Biological Anthropology | ||
| or ANTHR 308 | Archaeology | |
| or ANTHR 321 | World Prehistory | |
| or ANTHR 315 | Archaeology of North America | |
| or ANTHR 319 | Skeletal Biology | |
| or ANTHR 482 | Topics in Biological Anthropology | |
Communication Proficiency requirement: The department requires that a student earn a grade of C or better in:
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| Two of the following courses | ||
| Business Communication | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| An additional writing-intensive courese outside anthropology. | ||
The principal sub-disciplines of anthropology are represented by the following:
1. General cultural anthropology and ethnology:
| ANTHR 201 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 230 | Globalization and the Human Condition | 3 |
| ANTHR 306 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 313 | Kinship and Marriage in a Global Perspective | 3 |
| ANTHR 322 | Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | 3 |
| ANTHR 323 | Topics in Latin American Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 332 | Current Issues in Native North America | 3 |
| ANTHR 333 | Asian American Material Cultures | 3 |
| ANTHR 411 | Applied Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 418 | Global Culture, Consumption and Modernity | 3 |
| ANTHR 431 | Ethnographic Field School | 4-6 |
| ANTHR 434B | Cultural Anthropology | 2-6 |
| ANTHR 444 | Sex and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective | 3 |
| ANTHR 450 | Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 451B | Cultural Anthropology | 1-3 |
| ANTHR 490B | Cultural Anthropology | 1-5 |
2. Archaeology:
| ANTHR 202 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTHR 308 | Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTHR 315 | Archaeology of North America | 3 |
| ANTHR 320 | Great Plains Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTHR 321 | World Prehistory | 3 |
| ANTHR 428 | Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques | 3 |
| ANTHR 429 | Archaeological Field School | 4-6 |
| ANTHR 434A | Archaeology | 2-6 |
| ANTHR 450 | Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 451A | Archaeology | 1-3 |
| ANTHR 427I | Archaeology | 4 |
| ANTHR 490A | Archaeology | 1-5 |
3. Linguistic Anthropology:
| ANTHR 309 | Introduction to Culture and Language | 3 |
| ANTHR 451D | Linguistic Anthropology | 1-3 |
| ANTHR 490D | Linguistic Anthropology (Same as Ling 490D) | 1-5 |
4. Biological Anthropology:
| ANTHR 202 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTHR 307 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 319 | Skeletal Biology | 3 |
| ANTHR 350 | Primate Behavior | 3 |
| ANTHR 424 | Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHR 434C | Biological Anthropology | 2-6 |
| ANTHR 438 | Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior | 3 |
| ANTHR 445 | Biological Field School | 4-6 |
| ANTHR 451C | Biological Anthropology | 1-3 |
| ANTHR 490C | Biological Anthropology | 1-5 |
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degree master of arts with a major in anthropology. Graduate courses are offered in the areas of biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, history and theory, and methodology. Competence in one foreign language and in statistics must be demonstrated. A thesis, generally based on original fieldwork, is required.
Courses primarily for undergraduate students:
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. Globalization and Sustainability.
(Cross-listed with ENV S, GLOBE, MAT E, M E, SOC, T SC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
An introduction to understanding 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: 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: 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: 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: 201
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 513). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 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 515). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 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 519). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 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 520). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 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 521). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 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 522). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 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 523). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or 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.
A. Violence and Memory
B. Social movements and Democracy
C. Race, Class and Gender
D. Regional Focus
ANTHR 332. Current Issues in Native North America.
(Dual-listed with 532). (Cross-listed with AM IN). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 201 or 306; 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 533). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Engl. 250
A broad exposure to the cultural expressions of Asian Americans from the nineteenth century to the present. Analysis of everyday Asian American cultural experiences within the contexts of agency, power, and identity formation.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
ANTHR 336. Global Development.
(Dual-listed with 536). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or 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 540). (Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 201 or 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 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 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.
A. Bronze Age (Minoan and Mycenaean palatial cultures) and Early Iron Age Greece. (ca 3000-700 BCE).
B. Archaic through Hellenistic Greece (ca 700-30 BCE).
ANTHR 411. Applied Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 511). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 201 or 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 518). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or 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 424. Forensic Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 524). (2-2) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 202 or 307; 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. 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.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
ANTHR 428. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques.
(Dual-listed with 528). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S.
Prereq: 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.
A. Lithics
B. Ceramics
C. Faunal remains
D. General.
ANTHR 429. Archaeological Field School.
(Dual-listed with 529). Cr. 4-6.
SS.
Prereq: 202 or 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 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.
A. Archaeology
B. Cultural Anthropology
C. Biological Anthropology
D. Linguistic Anthropology
ANTHR 438. Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior.
(Dual-listed with 538). Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 202 or 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 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.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
ANTHR 445. Biological Field School.
(Dual-listed with 545). Cr. 4-6.
SS.
Prereq: 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: 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: 201 or 202 or 308
Application of methods under actual laboratory and field conditions, including basic data management, synthesis, and analysis.
A. Archaeology
B. Cultural Anthropology
C. Biological Anthropology
D. Linguistic Anthropology
ANTHR 482. Topics in Biological Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 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.
A. Paleoanthropology
B. Primate Cognition
C. Population Conservation
D. Population Genetics and Human Evolution
ANTHR 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 9 credits in anthropology
No more than 9 credits of Anthr 490 may be counted toward graduation.
A. Archaeology
B. Cultural Anthropology
C. Biological Anthropology
D. Linguistic Anthropology (Same as Ling 490D)
H. Honors
I. Undergraduate Independent Study (Same as Ia LL 490I)
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students:
ANTHR 503. Biological Anthropology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 307
Survey of the history of biological anthropology, current developments and theoretical issues in evolution, human variation and adaptation, population studies, primates and primate behavior, and paleoanthropology.
ANTHR 509. Agroecosystems Analysis.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SOC, SUSAG). (3-4) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Senior or above classification
Experiential, interdisciplinary examination of Midwestern agricultural and food systems, emphasizing field visits, with some classroom activities. Focus on understanding multiple elements, perspectives (agronomic, economic, ecologic, social, etc.) and scales of operation.
ANTHR 510. Theoretical Dimensions of Cultural Anthropology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology
Survey of historical and current developments in topical and theoretical approaches to sociocultural anthropology. Examination and assessment of controversies; new research directions and theoretical approaches.
ANTHR 511. Applied Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 411). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, 201 or 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 513. Kinship and Marriage in a Global Perspective.
(Dual-listed with 313). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, 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 515. Archaeology of North America.
(Dual-listed with 315). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 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.
ANTHR 518. Global Culture, Consumption and Modernity.
(Dual-listed with 418). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or 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 519. Skeletal Biology.
(Dual-listed with 319). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 307 or college level biology recommended
Comprehensive study of the skeletal anatomy, physiology, genetics, growth, development and population variation of the human skeleton. Applications to forensic anthropology, paeopathology, and bioarchaeology are introduced.
ANTHR 520. Great Plains Archaeology.
(Dual-listed with 320). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 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 521. World Prehistory.
(Dual-listed with 321). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 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 522. Peoples and Cultures of Native North America.
(Dual-listed with 322). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 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.
ANTHR 523. Topics in Latin American Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 323). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, 201 or 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.
A. Violence and Memory
B. Social Movements and Democracy
C. Race, Class and Gender
D. Regional Focus
ANTHR 524. Forensic Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 424). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 319
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 528. Topics in Archaeological Laboratory Methods and Techniques.
(Dual-listed with 428). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S.
Prereq: 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 organization, and computer applications.
A. Lithics
B. Ceramics
C. Faunal remains
D. General.
ANTHR 529. Archaeological Field School.
(Dual-listed with 429). Cr. 4-6.
SS.
Prereq: 202 or 308
Summer field school for training in archaeological reconnaissance and excavation techniques; documentation and interpretation of archaeological evidence.
ANTHR 530. Ethnographic Field Methods.
Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, permission of instructor
Field training experience in ethnography. Problems emphasizing field studies in the contemporary societies of the world. Focus on techniques of data gathering and analysis.
ANTHR 531. Ethnographic Field School.
(Dual-listed with 431). 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 532. Current Issues in Native North America.
(Dual-listed with 332). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, 201 or 306; 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.
ANTHR 533. Asian American Material Cultures.
(Dual-listed with 333). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Engl. 250
A broad exposure to the cultural expressions of Asian Americans from the nineteenth century to the present. Analysis of everyday Asian American cultural experiences within the contexts of agency, power, and identity formation.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
ANTHR 536. Global Development.
(Dual-listed with 336). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ANTHR 201 or 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.
ANTHR 538. Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior.
(Dual-listed with 438). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 202 or 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 540. Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion.
(Dual-listed with 340). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 6 credits in anthropology, 201 or 306 recommended
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 541. Seminar in Forensic Sciences.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable. S.
Prereq: One 200-level science course or graduate classification
Seminars by professional criminalists, research scientists, Certificate students, and educators. Emphasis on opportunities for research and development, citizen involvement, and educational outreach related to forensic science. Weekly report required.
ANTHR 542. Independent Research and Presentation in Forensic Science.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: Enrollment in the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences
Research topic approved by course instructor. Written and oral reports required. Oral report given in forensics seminar, Chem 540.
ANTHR 544. Sex and Gender in Cross-cultural Perspective.
(Dual-listed with 444). (Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 201; 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 545. Biological Field School.
(Dual-listed with 445). Cr. 4-6.
SS.
Prereq: ANTHR 202 or BIOL 101 and permission of instructor
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 550. Primate Behavior.
(Dual-listed with 350). (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 555. Seminar in Archaeology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 308 or 429
Examination of the history of anthropological archaeology and current issues and debates concerning methods, theories and the ethics of modern archaeology.
ANTHR 582. Topics in Biological Anthropology.
(Dual-listed with 482). (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.
A. Paleoanthropology
B. Primate Cognition
C. Population Conservation
D. Population Genetics and Human Evolution
ANTHR 590. Graduate Independent Study.
(Cross-listed with IA LL, A ECL, EEOB). Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Same as Ia LL 590I)
ANTHR 591. Orientation to Anthropology.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Admission to the Anthropology Graduate Program
Introduction to the Anthropology program, including the requirements for successful degree completion, department administrative procedures, ethics in anthropology and current trends in the four subfields of anthropology. Required of graduate students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses for graduate students:
ANTHR 610. Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, SUSAG, SOC, A E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor
Historical, biophysical, socioeconomic, and ethical dimensions of agricultural sustainability. Strategies for evaluating existing and emerging systems of agriculture in terms of core concepts of sustainability and their theoretical contexts.
ANTHR 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Same as Ia LL 699I.)