Technology—from the Oldowan industry to the Information Age. From
Trajan’s Market to Walmart. From Lascaux to iPod. Humans cannot be
parted from their technology. We invent it, improve it, covet it, love
it, lose it, steal it, waste it and even intentionally bury it.
Chimpanzees and gorillas invent and use it. People use it get food to
eat, to get from place to place, to augment their love lives.
Technology plays into times of birth, marriage, and death. Languages
change in order to express and accommodate it. People use it to get
well, or to make others sick. They use it to be entertained. They use
it to express creativity. In the process of focusing on people and how
they feel about technology, this capstone seminar will integrate what
you have garnered over the course of your studies in Anthropology. The
course is designed to weave your many experiences together.

Format: reading and discussion sometimes headed by guest discussion
leaders from across the subfields. Trips to places where there is
technology (stores, museums, Kinsey Institute). You will have an
opportunity to produce a creative research paper on a topic of your
choice. Students will be presenting their research in a
mini-symposium. Intensive Writing (IW) credit available by special
arrangement. Sketchbook/journal with your observations of people using
technology.

Open to and recommended for junior and senior anthropology majors. Can
be taken in lieu of an upper level B, E, L, or P course to satisfy the
Anthropology major requirement for upper level subfield courses.

Readings:
Articles on e-reserve. For some classes, students will find and report
on books/ articles in special topical areas.