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Undergraduate Courses Fall 2008/09

General Anthropology | Bioanthropology | Ethnography and Ethnology | Linguistics | Archaeology | COLL Topics Courses

General Anthropology

  • A105 Human Origins and Prehistory
  • Sept (7056)
  • MY 130
  • M, W 2:30-3:20

This course will introduce you to the study of human evolution - paleoanthropology--a branch of anthropology which seeks to understand human uniqueness by studying the human past using scientific methods. The story of our past can be found in clues from a wide range of sources -- everything from details of DNA to evocative murals in Ice Age caves. This is why the scientific quest for human origins requires the curiosity of a philosopher coupled with the skills of a skeptical detective.
We will begin with an introduction to evolutionary principles. While people often think of themselves as very different from other animals, you will discover that we can learn a lot about ourselves by studying the genes, bodies and behavior of our closest living relatives, other primates, and apply this knowledge to help interpret ancient evidence.
During the second half of the class we will dig into the past, to look at fossils and archaeological sites for the evidence revealing when and where humans first began to behave like "odd animals." When did our ancestors begin to walk upright? Where were tools and art invented? What do we know about the origins of language and the development of the wide range of social and cultural practices that we consider so "human" today?
Throughout the semester we will examine examples of how researchers think about "evidence" and how scientific theories about human evolution have been built, piece by piece, from a variety of sources. We will look at examples of contrasting interpretations of scientific evidence for the human past, and study why some arguments have stood the tests of time, and are more convincing than others.
Course Work:
Lectures will introduce students to the major questions we ask about human evolution, and the various methods scientists can use to search for answers. Lectures will complement the textbook readings, but not duplicate them. We will also spend time during class periods discussing how to think critically about interesting questions that relate to our evolutionary heritage. Weekly Discussion Sections will give you the opportunity to get to know other students in the class, discuss class concepts in a small group, and also to get "hands on" experience studying important fossils, artifacts, and other types of evidence. Sections are a required part of the course, and students will receive course credit for work in sections.
Grades will be based on a combination of in-class written work and projects, take-home essay assignments, two in-class exams and a final exam.
S & H Distribution credit.

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  • A105 Human Origins and Prehistory
  • AI (7055)
  • SB220
  • M, W 7:00-9:15 pm

Meets 2nd 8 weeks only

This course is the same as the above class regarding course content; however, grading procedures, assignments and text may differ. This section meets twice a week and requires no additional discussion sections.

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  • E105 Cultures and Societies
    Moran (7074)
    JH A100
    M, W 10:10-11:00 am

This course introduces students to the full scope of Social and Cultural Anthropology. Anthropology studies humans with a very special lens: one that includes a humanistic perspective, a social scientific perspective, and an evolutionary perspective. Such an approach uses distinct theories and methods from these areas to examine the complexity represented by our species. In the course we learn how anthropologists observe humans, study how humans communicate in verbal and non-verbal ways, how they make a living and make decisions (economic, political, religious, environmental), and how they assign meaning to every bit of their world. Students in the course will gain an appreciation of human cultural, social and biological diversity; learn in depth a few cultures, and in great breadth about many more. By gaining an appreciation of cultural, social and biological differences students will gain an appreciation for the value of these differences evolutionarily, their reasons for coming into being locally, and how to interpret the complex ways we express "being human."
Required readings:
Main text: Kottak, Cultural Anthropology, latest edition.
Ethnographic readings: 3 short ethnographic studies, representing an American, an Asian, and an African society, titles TBA
Grading will be based on three examinations(combining multiple choice and essay questions), and two class participatory projects.

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E105 Cultures and Societies
AI (14661)
SB 220
T, R 7:00-9:15 pm

Above class meets 2nd eight weeks only

This course is an introduction to the ethnographic and comparative study of contemporary and historical human society and culture. This section meets twice a week and requires no additional discussion sections.

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A208 Topics: Anth Arts & Expressive Behavior
AI (15611)
BH 231
T, R 5:45-7:0 pm

Course Content: TBA

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A399 Honors Tutorial
Brondizio (7063)
TBA
Arranged

The Honors Tutorial (3 cr.) involves research and writing, culminating in an Honors Thesis.

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A400 Culture in Corporations: Corporations in Culture
Peebles (16557)
TBA
M 4:00-6:15

Introduction
Over the last three decades the notion of “Corporate Culture” has been advanced by business writers and management thinkers who knew little anthropology; at the same time corporations tried to understand the role of national and regional cultures in their global expansion and they did so with little or no understanding of the contributions anthropology might make to their transnational aspirations. In far too many cases the corporation, their employees, and various countries were served poorly by amateur anthropologists and self-proclaimed ethnographers. This course will explore 1) historical and contemporary anthropological approaches to the concept of culture; 2) exemplary writings on the role of culture in corporations; 3) the ethnography of contemporary businesses; and 4) the role of various cultures in the operation of transnational corporations.
Goals
The goal of the course is to gain some understanding of just what the concept of culture and the practice of anthropology can bring to the leadership and management of businesses throughout the world. It also explores what anthropology can bring to the understanding of those who are a part of and are affected by corporations of all sizes and types, from small family enterprises to giant transnational enterprises.
Readings
The readings have been selected for their breadth of thought and place and for a coherence of focus on the high-technology industry (with one notable exception, the study of McDonalds in Asia). In addition to several monographs on the ethnography of the high-tech industries, articles will be assigned from week-to-week and electronic copies of these articles will be available though Oncourse.

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A403 Introduction to Museum Studies
Kirk (14508) AUTH GL 101

T, R 2:30-3:45 pm

This course provides a general overview of the museum profession, with particular emphasis on museums in American society. The first half of the course explores the history and philosophy of museums; the second half examines museum functions.
Although the class is not restricted to students seeking careers in museums, it does serve as the first step in the training needed by aspiring museum professionals. Students who have completed the course will be prepared to enroll in more advanced course such as A408/Museum Practicum, or to take advantage of other opportunities for experience in museum work.

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A406 Fieldwork in Anthropology
Brondizio (7064)
TBA
Arranged

Fieldwork designed and carried out by the student in consultation with faculty members.

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A408 Museum Practicum
Conrad (7065)
TBA
Arranged

The Museum Practicum (1-4 cr.) provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in museums while earning academic credit through Indiana University's Department of Anthropology. Practica require prior agreement and must be arranged with museum personnel and the course instructor, Professor Geoffrey Conrad, director of the William Hammond Mathers Museum (conrad@indiana.edu or phone 812-855-6873).
Practica may be arranged at any museum. If you wish to arrange a practicum at a museum other than the Mathers Museum, you must obtain written permission from a designated supervisor at that institution. General guidelines require that you and your supervisor agree upon the number of credit hours to be awarded, the number of hours to be worked per week, and the specific work schedule. Your designated supervisor will be responsible for assessing your performance and assigning a grade. Please bring a copy of the supervisor's statement of permission to Professor Conrad when you request authorization to enroll. Students interested in arranging practica at the Mathers Museum should visit http://www.indiana.edu/~mathers/edu/A408.pdf for detailed information regarding a specific practicum. Practica may involve collections research, conservation, education/programs, the museum store, exhibits, and photography.
To apply for a practicum at the Mathers Museum, please review the information on the website, then contact the appropriate departmental supervisor (noted at the top of each listing) to request an application and arrange an interview. Acceptance of students is limited. The required number of practicum hours worked per week at the Mathers Museum varies according to the number of credit hours of A408 the student is enrolled in, and the semester of enrollment.

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A495 Individual Readings in Anthropology
A496 Field Study in Anthropology
Brondizio (7066, 7067)
TBA
Arranged

These courses provide opportunities for students to work on independent projects, create their own courses, and combine fieldwork, lab work, or other kinds of research in creative ways, under faculty supervision.
Individual Readings in Anthropology (1-4 cr.) allows the student to work with a particular professor on a specific topic chosen by the student and agreed to by the professor. Field Study in Anthropology (3-8 cr.) gives the student a chance to earn academic credit for work "in the field."

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Bioanthropology

  • B200 Bioanthropology
  • Kaestle (7070)
  • WH 120
  • T, R 2:30-3:45 am

B200 is an introductory course in bioanthropology. It is required for the undergraduate major in anthropology, and it is a prerequisite for many advanced courses in bioanthropology. B200 carries NMNS credit toward the COAS distribution requirements. You will NOT be able to count this course toward the S & H requirement. We recommend B301, a three credit lab course that also carries NMNS credit, concurrent with or following B200 for anyone who plans a career in anthropology, and for significant hands-on experience in bioanthropology. In B200 we will survey the field of bioanthropology, emphasizing the ways in which ideas about human evolution are tested using evidence from the fossil record, from living non-human primates, and from contemporary human groups.
There will be an emphasis on understanding the underlying principles and science of evolution. Grades are based on four objective exams (each worth 15% of the final grade), as well as several short essays, laboratories and other hands-on activities, making up the remainder of your grade (a total of 40%). Exams and essay questions will be based on lectures, videos, assignments from your textbook, and on short, article-length readings. The objective in the essay assignments is to build skills in reading and assessing scientific articles. Labs will emphasize an understanding of evolutionary forces, analysis of research videotape taken by primatologists observing wild chimpanzees, and observations of physical and biochemical features of living humans.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP LABS. Exams are multiple choice. The exams are not cumulative, and all four are similar in length and structure.
Make-up exams are short-answer/essay in format. Your fourth exam is on the day listed in the schedule of classes as the final for this class, and you must plan your travel around the exam schedule. Please contact the instructor before ANY exam you must miss.

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  • B200 Bioanthropology
  • AI (14507)
  • SB 140
  • R 7:00-9:15 pm

This course is the same as the class above regarding course content; however, grading procedures assignments and text may differ.

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  • B200 Bioanthropology
  • AI (27040)
  • BH 105
  • T, R 5:45-7:00 pm

This course is the same as the class above regarding course content; however, grading procedures assignments and text may differ.

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  • B301 Laboratory in Bioanthropology
  • AI (7071)
  • SB 060
  • M,W 12:30-2:15 pm

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic research techniques used by biological anthropologists through hands-on experience and an introduction to the literature of the field. The course is divided into two main sections. The first focuses on human skeletal anatomy, and the second covers methodologies used in forensic anthropology, paleontology, primatology, human growth and development, and population genetics. This course counts for the NMNS distribution requirement.

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  • B370 Human Variation
  • Muehlenbein (17799)
  • SB 220
  • T, R 2:30-3:45

This course will examine physiological variation within and between human populations in reference to ecological and evolutionary principles such as adaptation and evolution by natural selection. The course will provide introductions to life history theory and reproductive ecology, which will allow us to critically analyze the genetic and environmental sources of physiological variation in contemporary human populations. Although the foci of this course are based on evolutionary biology, readings are selected to reflect thegeneral interests of natural and social scientists alike.

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  • B400 Human Behavior Evolutionary Perspective
  • Wiley (7072)
  • SB 060
  • T 9:30-11:45 am

In this course we will explore the evolutionary roots of human behavior, and more broadly, seek to understand human behavior from an evolutionary perspective. We will first review Darwin’s contributions to evolutionary theory, and link them to modern understandings of heredity. Then we will consider current theoretical models that are have been developed to explain the evolution of behavior across animals. These include kin selection, group selection, sexual selection, and life history theory. We will consider evolutionary models of behavior that elucidate a biological basis for behavior (which makes it subject to natural selection); those that argue from what is predicted by evolutionary theory; and those that make use of data from primate studies and the fossil record to argue for the adaptive significance of contemporary human behavior. Throughout the course we will make use of data derived from the fossil record, genetics, studies of non-human primates, cross-cultural comparisons, and surveys of contemporary human behavior. The scope of human behavior will be inclusive, and range from morality to bipedalism. We will also maintain an open critical stance toward evolutionary hypothesizing about human behavior.

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  • B400 Human Reproductive Ecology
  • Vitzthum (25813)
  • SB 131
  • F 11:15-1:30 pm

This advanced-level seminar will explore the theoretical models and empirical evidence regarding the extent and causes of variation in human reproductive functioning. The principal focus is on the physiological and behavioral mechanisms that link variation in reproductive traits with variation in the physical, biological and social conditions that an individual must accommodate and exploit for survival and reproduction. Reproductive traits include age and size at puberty, at first live birth, and at peak reproductive maturity; mating strategies; number, size, quality, spacing and sex ratio of offspring; probability of conception; probability of pregnancy loss; offspring provisioning including lactation; and age at menopause. Although the focus is on women, we will also examine what is known of reproductive variation in men and draw upon the relevant literature on non-human primate.
The meeting format is principally open discussion augmented by some lectures in the initial weeks of the course. Required readings, completed before each meeting, are drawn from the published scientific literature (typically 3 articles per week, totaling as much as 40 pages per week). The grade is based on weekly class participation, written short summaries of the required readings submitted at each meeting, and a term project which may take several forms (for example, literature review, research proposal, research activity) determined in consultation with the instructor.

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  • B472 Bioanthropology of Aboriginal America
  • Cook (27028)
  • SB 060
  • T, R 3:00-4:15 pm

This course will review the demography, epidemiology, and variability that physical anthropologists and other scientists have documented in New World peoples, both prehistoric and modern. Research on Indian and Inuit-Aleut peoples has shaped physical anthropology as a discipline in the Americas, and we will spend some time looking at this historical context. Probably the most interesting and consistent scientific issue throughout this history has been the isolation of the American continents from the Old World as a force in human adaptation and variation. We will examine theories of the peopling of the New World, the effects of diverse life ways on human biology, and the massive biological and social changes that followed European colonization.
B472 is an intensive writing course. We will stress clear, concise presentation of ideas in all written work. Students will gain experience in using the writing style that anthropology journals require. We will spend about 10 percent of class time discussing your written work.
Grades will be based on four papers (90%), and on participation in class discussions (10%). The first 3 papers are 5-8 page exercises aimed at developing writing and critical skills. They are worth 20% each. You may revise and resubmit any of these papers if the initial grade is B or less.
The last paper is a longer critical review worth 30%.

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  • B525 Genetic Method in Anthropology
  • Kaestle (27038)
  • SB 060, SB 251
  • M, W 2:30-3:45 pm
  • Prerequisites: ANTH B200 AND instructor’s permission.

This course is designed to fulfill a requirement within the bioanthropology graduate program pertaining to research methods. As such, it will cover basic methodologies associated with research investigations that relate genetics to bioanthropology. Principle areas include the theory and practice of Mendelian genetics, human/medical genetics, forensic genetics, molecular genetics, and human population genetics. The particular field within bioanthropology referred to as anthropological genetics will be stressed. This means that there will be an emphasis on microevolutionary processes that serve to explain current and recent past gene distributions and genetic structure of human populations. This course is organized into both seminar discussions of assigned readings and exercises, some of which will be carried out in class, in addition to wet laboratory work, to be carried out in the anthropology department's genetic anthropology teaching lab. There will be no textbook for this course. Rather, the readings will be excerpted from existing textbooks and will also include published research papers, all of which will be available in PDF format. In addition, there will be a laboratory manual with directions for and explanations of the wet laboratory procedures used in this course, as well as hints for the exercises. Each student will need a scientific calculator, a lab notebook, and a 3-ring binder. We will discuss what qualifies as a ‘lab notebook’ on the first day of class. One half of the course grade will be based on in-class and take-home exercises and lab analyses, one quarter on discussion participation, and one quarter on a take-home final project.

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  • B602 Paleopathology
  • Cook (27039)
  • SB 260
  • F 2:30-5:00 pm
  • Instructor Autorization Required

This course deals with the identification and description of disease in ancient populations. Analysis of human skeletal remains is stressed, but we will also discuss comparative pathology, paleodemography, mummified tissues, and analysis of visual and textual representations of disease. B200, B301, and permission are required for undergraduates registered in this course.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Each student will prepare a seminar presentation on a topic in paleopathology, with demonstration of specimens and techniques where this is appropriate, and a bibliography for distribution to class members. I will provide you with models for your presentation during the first three meetings. You should meet with me during the first week of class to choose a topic and discuss how to go about finding resources.
2. There are weekly written lab exercises weeks 2 through 12. These stress practice in describing lesions and mastery of technical vocabulary. Please post your lab exercises on the bulletin board. Read your colleagues' essays and discuss writing issues among yourselves to build your skills.
3. Everyone is expected to participate in discussion of assigned readings. Prepare for class each week by developing a question or comment to contribute to the seminar. Expect two article-length readings each week. You should read the related sections of Aufderheide and Rodriguez each week as well. Use this text as a reference book as you read the assigned readings.
4. The focus of the course is a guided research project. This is due in oral summary and written form at our last meeting. The written version should conform to an appropriate journal style, for example AJPA or IJOA. You will spend the second half of the course on your research project. It may or may not relate to your seminar presentation.
Many of the research projects from previous semesters have resulted in publications on meetings presentations. We will plan research projects with this goal in mind. Both case studies and surveys of a category of pathological change in one or more ancient groups are appropriate.
TEXTS: Aufderheide and Rodriguez: Encyclopedia of Human Paleopathology Ortner: Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains

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Ethnography and Ethnology

Under Construction

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Linguistics

Under Construction

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Archaeology

Under Construction

COLL Topics Courses taught by Anthropology Faculty

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Other Courses Taught by Anthorpology Faculty:

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