This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of biological anthropology. Topics will include evolutionary theory and basic genetic concepts; survey of non-human primates with emphasis on models for understanding human evolution; the fossil evidence for primate/human evolution; emergence of culture and language; the origins and significance of human physical diversity; and the implications of population growth for the future of the species.

This laboratory course provides experiences in applying the principles and techniques of biological anthropology. Topics will include: the Scientific Method, Mendelian and molecular genetics, population genetics, variation in contemporary human populations, forensics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, human osteology, primatology, and comparative human fossil morphology.

This course is an introduction to the comparative study of cultural systems. Emphasis will be on the research methods, concepts, and theories which apply to an understanding of the worldwide diversity of human behavior in all major aspects of culture, including economics, social organization, politics and legal systems, language, subsistence strategies, social stratification, gender roles, art, and belief in the supernatural. Culture change will also be addressed.

This course is an introduction to anthropological archaeology, including discussion of scientific methods, the history of archaeology, field and laboratory methods used in the acquisition and analysis of archaeological data, techniques of age determination, and theories used to interpret the past. It explores strategies for explaining cultural behavior and cultural change, including important cultural sequences, and addresses the relevance of archaeological studies to contemporary social issues. Archaeological ethics and real-world issues concerning looting, collecting, preservation, cultural resource management, and the role of indigenous peoples are examined.

This course is a survey of traditional and contemporary native cultures of North America. Emphasis will be placed on the anthropological concepts and theories which facilitate an understanding of the rich diversity of American Indian life, including economics, social organization, politics, supernaturalistic beliefs, a variety of current issues and other topics.

This course introduces the socio-cultural perspective in linguistic anthropology. Students will be provided with an overview of the relationship between language and culture, including the basic structure of language, human interaction using verbal language and non-verbal cues, how language reflects and shapes thought, the expression of social status and identity, and the construction of social relationships. The course also exposes students to anthropological theories of language origin, variation in language, language change, and language endangerment.

Explores the biological and socio-cultural aspects of sexuality and gendered experiences. Highlights both the diversity and shared meanings of such experiences by analyzing and comparing examples from traditional and contemporary world cultures. Topics that we will cover may include biological understandings of sex, the cultural construction of gender, gender roles and division of labor, sexuality, the body, ritual, religion, kinship, discrimination and resistance.

Beliefs about the supernatural are found in all known societies. This course surveys some of the religious systems found in cultures around the world, past and present. Beliefs and practices related to magic, witchcraft, and divination are given particular attention, as are those related to shamanism, supernatural beings, rituals, and reform movements. Anthropological theories of the origins and functions of beliefs are examined with an emphasis on the application of cultural relativism when considering other cultures and beliefs.

Culture shapes our identity, our worldview, and how we make sense of the world. Yet in an increasingly globalized world, cultures are rapidly changing as they come into contact with global economies, media, and transnational social forces. This course will focus on how global forces in culture change have an impact on groups of people within the United States and other select ethnographic regions around the planet. The course considers such global forces as modernization, development, trade and finance, tourism, migration and refugees, transnationalism, ethnicity and diasporas, technology and digital media, and tribal cultures. Culture change will be illustrated through various ethnographic examples and includes issues such as women's issues, environmental change, underemployment, famine, terrorism, the digital divide, minority and indigenous people activism, and overpopulation.

This course is an archaeological survey of World Prehistory from the emergence of human culture through the development of early civilizations. By examining the archaeological record of cultures in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands, students will explore the trajectory of human cultures through several key developments including early ice age adaptations, origins of agriculture, establishment of permanent settlements, the rise of complex social organization, and specialized technologies.

This course is an introduction to forensic science. The techniques and methods used by forensic scientists to collect and evaluate biological and physical evidence in the modern forensic laboratory will be presented through demonstrations and guest presentations. Emphasis is placed on applied forensic methods, evaluation of the limitations of current techniques and interpretations, and how to pursue a career in a particular specialty area of forensic science.

This course is an introduction to forensic science lab procedures and crime scene investigation. Students will practice the techniques and methods used by crime scene investigators and forensic scientists to evaluate, document, and collect biological and physical evidence.

This course explores the application of standard scientific and anthropological techniques to identify human remains and to assist in the detection of a crime. It introduces a basic overview of the fields of forensic anthropology and human osteology. Focus is on the techniques used to make estimates of age, sex, ancestry, and stature; recovery techniques; and the procedures used in the medico-legal framework.

This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.