Contact Info

P.O. Box 32016
Boone, NC
28606-2107
(828) 262-2295
FAX: (828) 262-2982

Chairperson:
Dr. Gregory Reck
reckgg@appstate.edu

General Questions:
Laura Anne Middlesteadt
middlestdtla@appstate.edu

Courses of instruction in Anthropology (ANT)

ANTHROPOLOGY HONORS (ANT)

1510. Freshman Honors Colloquium/(3).On Demand. Study of selected topics in general anthropology. Enrollment by invitation of the department or by application.

2510. Sophomore Honors Colloquium/(3).On Demand. Study of selected topic(s) in anthropology, encouraging independent scholarship through reading, writing and discussion. Enrollment is by invitation or application.

3510. Juniors Honors Colloquium/(3).On Demand. Seminar on a selected topic in anthropology. Enrollment is by invitation of the department, or by application.

4510. Senior Honors Thesis/(3).F;S. Independent study and research, directed by a Department of Anthropology faculty member and evaluated by a department committee. Prerequisites: successful completion of six hours Anthropology honors courses, a 3.45 GPA in Anthropology and approval of thesis topic by departmental honors committee.

ANTHROPOLOGY (ANT)

1215. Cultural Anthropology/(3).F;S. A cross-cultural study of the variety of human cultures, past and present, including the relationships between social, economic, political, and religious systems. The course is designed to develop an understanding of cultural differences so that the student may develop a deeper understanding of his or her own life, of the contemporary world, and of the applicability of cultural understanding to the solution of human and social problems. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

1220. Introduction to Archeology /(3).F;S. The scientific study of the unwritten record of the human past. Archeological theory, methods, and techniques are introduced to illustrate why and how archaeologists paint a picture of past human life and behavior and explain past human cultural variation. (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

1230. Biological Anthropology/(3).F;S. The study of the biological aspects of human beings including human evolution, primate behavior and anatomy as they relate to humans, physical variation in modern humans, and physical adaptations to environment in modern humans.

2220. Prehistory of the Southern Appalachians/(3).S. An overview of what is currently known about the prehistory of the southern Appalachian region from its initial human occupation in the Late Pleistocene epoch to the time of Spanish contact in the 16th century. The focus is on temporal variations in prehistoric Native American adaptations and interactions within the region as revealed through archaeological research.

2235. North American Archeology/(3).F. A general survey of lifeways in North America before white contact as known through archaeological information. Basic archaeological concepts and a brief discussion of the history of North American archaeology will be presented. Topical emphases include the prehistory of Alaska, the Northwest Coast, the Southwest, Plains, Great Basin, Midwest, and the Eastern United States. This course logically precedes ANT 2400 , North American Indians. (WRITING)

2335. World Prehistory/(3).S. A comparative study of human biological and cultural evolution from the emergence of the genus Homo through early civilization. The course emphasizes Old World cultures. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

2400. North American Indians/(3).F;S. An ethnographic survey of the American Indian cultures from northern Mexico to the Arctic. The modern Indian condition is also considered. (MULTI-CULTURAL)

2420. Gender, Race and Class/(3).F;S. A cross-cultural and historical study of gender and race as cultural categories with a variety of meanings. The origins and development of gender and racial categories, and their elaboration as systems of inequality within class-based societies are explored. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

2435. Stone Age Stereotypes/(3).F. Addresses stereotypes about human prehistory ("cave people") as portrayed in art, literature, and especially television and film. Reviews scientific evidence of human physical and cultural evolution in Europe and the Middle East between 1,000,000 and 10,000 years ago. Involves viewing and critically evaluating various media portrayals which provide and reinforce popular interpretations of human prehistory and evolution.

2500. Independent Study/(1-4).F;S.

2600. Southwest Field Experience/(3).S. Southwest Field Experience includes an eleven day field trip to study the anthropology of the southwestern United States. This includes visiting the Hopi, Zuni and Navaho reservations and observing the living Indian people as well as visiting several important archaeological sites which represent the ancestors of the above tribes. A minimum of six weeks of three hour preparatory classes are required prior to the trip. (MULTI-CULTURAL)

2700. South Asia through Ethnography/(3).S. This course explores human life in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka) through ethnographic and culture-historical accounts by anthropologists and others. Attending to both similarities and differences among South Asian peoples, the course offers breadth through a survey of general topics (family, religion, caste, gender, colonialism, politics, etc) as it also scrutinizes in depth a specific topic of contemporary concern, such as untouchability, ethnic strife, religious nationalism, postcolonialism, the South Asian diaspora, or globalization. (WRITING, MULTI-CULTURAL)

3120. Field Archeology/(3-6).SS. An introduction to methods and techniques of archeological site survey, mapping, and excavation. Students participate in fieldwork on one or more actual archeological sites. Prerequisite: ANT 1220 or permission of instructor.

3150. Human Ecology of the Southern Appalachians/(3).F;S. A study of the present-day environmental challenges in the southern Appalachians in the cross-cultural, cross-temporal perspective of human ecology. Examines how Native American and modern mountain cultures have related to their environments in the context of human ecology theory and practice in anthropology. Includes a first-hand community view of such regional issues as air pollution's effects on mountain ecosystems, and strip mining's effects on mountain communities in the modern political system. (MULTI-CULTURAL; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

3200. Zooarchaeology/(3).S. Trains students in the identification and analysis of animal remains (primarily bone and shell) recovered from archaeological sites. Students learn the major bones of vertebrates and the hard anatomy of invertebrates and how to identify several species by their distinctive bones or shells. Various approaches to the quantification and analysis of archeofaunal data are explored. Two hours lecture and two hours lab. Prerequisite: ANT 1220 or permission of instructor. (NUMERICAL DATA; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010)

3250. Archeological Laboratory Methods/(3).F. Trains students in the processing and analysis of materials recovered from archeological sites such as artifacts, ecofacts, and sediment samples. Numerical data are produced and analyzed using computer data base systems. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: ANT 1220 . (NUMERICAL DATA; COMPUTER) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010)

3305. Forensic Anthropology/(3).S. Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropological techniques to solving criminal cases. Instruction will be given in the application of archaeological techniques to crime scene investigation and removal of physical evidence from that scene. The major thrust of the course, however, is the study of human physical remains in order to provide a positive identification of the victim. This includes determination of the sex, age, race, stature, and other identifying characteristics of the subject. The class will consist of 30 hours of lecture and 30 hours of laboratory instruction for the semester. (Same as CJ 3305.) (CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

3405. Quantitative Methods in Anthropology/(3).F. An introduction to how computers, quantitative methods, and anthropological data are used to address anthropological questions. The course focuses on hands-on learning in: basic personal computer operations, the Internet, probability theory, data base management, sampling, research design, categorical analysis, linear regression, correlation, and exploratory data analysis. Students will work with original archeological, bioanthropological, and cultural data on personal computers. Prerequisites: six hours of anthropology and STT 2810. (NUMERICAL DATA; COMPUTER) (ND Prerequisite: passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010)

3410. Qualitative Methods in Anthropology/(3).S. An introduction to standard ethnographic methods used by anthropologists, including participant observation and interviewing. Research design, proposal writing, and research ethics are given special attention. (WRITING)

3420. Women and Gender in Anthropology/(3). On Demand. Examination of feminist theoretical issues concerning women and gender cross-culturally, such as feminist perspectives on the cultural construction of gender, relations of production and of reproduction, and gender as a central analytic category. Based in ethnographic information from foraging, tribal, and state societies. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING)

3430. Magic, Witchcraft and Religion/(3).F;S. A cross-cultural study of the nature and functions of belief systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the belief systems of non-Western cultures in order to provide a means through which Western beliefs can be better understood. A variety of anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of belief systems are used. (MULTI-CULTURAL)

3500. Independent Study/(1-4). F;S.

3520. Instructional A ssistance/(1).F;S. A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation. Grading will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours.

3530-3549. Selected Topics/(1-4). On Demand. An opportunity to study a special topic or combination of topics not otherwise provided for in the anthropology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when content does not duplicate.

SELECTED TOPICS SPRING 2007:

3530. Mexican Culture and Prehistory Class periods prior to the 11 day Spring Break trip will allow us to get a basic understanding of Mexico today and in the past. A research paper is expected on a specific topic related to an archaeological site or culture. We will visit 7 prehistoric sites and numerous Spanish colonial sites from bases in Mexico City and Taxco.

3531. Prehispanic Mexican Beliefs This class will explore through readings and visuals, the icons and symbols of Mesoamerica and North American native groups. We will explore the symbolism and meaning of trees, directions, colors, many animals, rocks, caves, crossroads, water, shell, and body fluids. We will also explore the belief in three souls among Mesoamerican peoples and how these beliefs relate to health, danger, artifacts, etc.

3532. Oceania: Introduction to Pacific Culture The islands of the Pacific conjure up images of an unspoiled paradise complete with white sand beaches, warm blue ocean, and palm trees surrounding quaint thatched huts beckoning us to run away from the complexities of our modern world. These images of an unspoiled "paradise" are far from accurate and reveal little of the complexity that is island Oceania. To attempt to correct this overly romanticized image of Pacific societies, this course will examine how the Pacific region was settled, the development of regional cultural systems and the role of ecological constraints upon socio-political complexity. This course will also explore the impact of contact with Western cultures upon Pacific societies, the transformation of indigenous social systems as a result of colonization, and the role of Pacific societies in contemporary geopolitical systems. The instructional format for this course is based upon class lecture supplemented by assigned text readings and video material. Class attendance and participation are essential.

3533. Anthropology of Human Reproduction Explores human reproduction from a biocultural perspective.We will be examining human reproductive anatomy, physiology, and behavior from an evolutionary perspective and filtering this through an additional lens of culture and behavior, human strategizing and decision making, which have also had a tremendous amount of influence in shaping our adaptable species. This course is designed for a broad audience- from anthropologists, to feminists, to mothers and fathers!

3534. Burial and Bioarchaeology Examines theory and method in analysis of burials and human skeletal material as a special class of archaeological evidence. Human burials and burial practices represent evidence for human behavior and traditions at a crucial moment in the personal and social world. Human skeletons are an important source of evidence about past populations- their adaptations, health, diet, rates and patterns of trauma and interpersonal dynamics, etc. Osteology is not a prerequisite but introductory archaeology or biological anthropology courses are necessary.

3550. Applied Anthropology/(3).S. This course provides an understanding of the way in which anthropological methods and knowledge can assist in solving human problems. Reviews the subfields of applied anthropology, the major forms of anthropological intervention and the methodologies used in policy science, and ethical guidelines for practitioners. Mini-internships in local agencies will be incorporated as part of the course. (WRITING)

3800. Ethnographic Writing and Video/(3).S. The general purpose of this course is to explore the nature of ethnographic representation and alternative approaches to writing. In order to accomplish this, the course will focus on three main activities: (1) reading of some current critiques and analyses of ethnographic representation; (2) reading different forms of ethnographic writing by others, including realist, confessional and impressionist tales and viewing and critiquing select ethnographic videos; and (3) practicing different forms of ethnographic writing. (WRITING; SPEAKING)

4110. Meso American Archeology/(3). On Demand. The prehistory of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras is covered from the earliest Paleo Indian up to the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards in the 16th Century. Emphasis is placed on the continuity of cultures from the Teotihuacanos to the Aztecs in central Mexico and from the Olmec to the Mayans in the southern and eastern portions of the area. Alternate years. (MULTI-CULTURAL)

4120. Appalachian Culture/(3).F. A cultural survey of rural and urban Appalachia. A brief history of the region is followed by a discussion of the contemporary social, economic, political, and cultural characteristics of the people. The impact of processes of change, including migration, urbanization, industrialization, and resource exploitation, are explored. (WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

4130. Meso American Ethnology/(3.On Demand. An integrated study of society and culture in Meso America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras), including prehistorical and historical background and an analysis of contemporary values, social structure, economic forms, politics, and religion. Contemporary issues which face this region and bear on its relationship to the world are discussed.

4210. Ethnographic Field School/(2-6).On Demand. Students will be immersed in a particular cultural context and learn to use standard ethnographic techniques to analyze and interpret the culture. Each student will live in a local community, participating in its daily activities. There will be instruction in the use of qualitative methods, such as observation, mapping, genealogies and life histories, formal interviewing, and cultural domain analysis. A research paper on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor will be required. Prerequisite: ANT 1215 or permission of instructor. (MULTI -CULTURAL; WRITING)

4220. Globalization/(3).S.Alternate years. Examines the interactions of politics, economic trends and business actions as they create patterns of international stability, crisis, and change. (Same as PS 4220.)

4310. Human Osteology/(3). Alternate Years. Introduction to human skeletal and dental anatomy emphasizing the application of that knowledge to the analysis of human remains from archaeological contexts. Applications include determination of sex, age at death, stature, and population affiliation. Techniques for reconstructing populations, interpreting disease experience and examining microevolution will be covered. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. (NUMERICAL DATA) (ND Prerequisite: passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

4402. Archeological Theory/(3).F. Explores the history of archaeological thought since the 18th century (including evolution, cultural history, and processualism) and concludes with contemporary theory (postprocessualism and feminism). Participation in Internet archaeological activities will supplement coursework and readings. Prerequisites: ANT 1220; and ANT 2220 or ANT 2235 or ANT 2335. (WRITING)

4425. History of Anthropological Ideas/(3).F. A critical examination of the most influential ideas and theories in anthropology from the 19th century to contemporary theoretical schools, viewed in historical context. Changing conceptions of research strategies, research questions, and modes of explanation, as they relate to developing ideas about the nature of anthropology and human culture, are explored. Required for majors. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING)

4550. Senior Seminar in Anthropology/(3).F;S. An opportunity for upper level students to reflect upon the anthropological perspective and to contemplate and articulate their own image of anthropology. Diverse issues ranging from the consideration of ethics to the examination of career opportunities to reflections upon the overall meaning of anthropology will be discussed. Designed as a final on-campus opportunity for students to systematically reflect upon their vision of the anthropological enterprise and to integrate their experience in anthropology in relationship to their future goals. Ideally should be taken during the final semester of on-campus study. Required for majors. Prerequisite: ANT 4402 , 4425 or 4570 or approval of instructor. (SPEAKING; WRITING)

4565. Agrarian Studies and Rural Development/(3).On Demand. Descriptive and theoretical analysis of peasantry in the context of world economic and political systems in the face of globalization. Explores the political economy of rural development and prospects for sustainable development from a comparative perspective. (MULTI-CULTURAL) (Dual-listed with ANT 5565.)

4568. Language and Culture/(3).On Demand. An overview of the complex relations between language, culture and society as conceived by linguists and anthropologists. The course takes both an historical and an ethnographic approach to language, and involves close readings of theoretical works on language as well as comparative, cross-cultural readings in the ethnography of speaking. (Same as CD 4568)

4570. Sustainable Development in the Modern World System/(3).F;S. This course examines the political economy and cultural ecology of global economic development. It assesses the differing social and material impacts for the peoples of core and peripheral world regions. Students design or assess a sustainable development program in a selected local-regional setting. Required for the sustainable development minor. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

4600. Medical Anthropology/(3).F. An examination of health, illness, and the treatment of disease from a cross-cultural perspective. Includes discussion of various theories of illness, types of healers, and the empirical basis for folk medicine and alternative forms of therapy. (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

4700. Historical Archaeology/(3).On Demand. The study of America since the late 16th century as known through its material culture. This course focuses on the different types of sites (domestic, military, industrial) and how they have been studied by archeologists in order to create a more complete picture of past American lifeways. Also emphasized is the identification, analysis, and preservation of artifacts plus issues such as Native American contact, ethnicity, adaptive strategies and socio-economic status recognition. Alternate years.

4750. Archaeological Site Reporting/(3).On Demand. Students will use their experience and knowledge gained in other archaeology courses to analyze and interpret an excavated site. Each student will author a section of the site report which will normally be published. Prerequisites: ANT 3120 and 3250 . (WRITING)

4900. Field Experience: Internship/(3-6). On Demand.
Graded on S/U basis only.

GRADUATE COURSES

5120. Appalachian Culture and Social Organization/(3).F. Exploration of dominant cultural principles and values and their relationship to historical, economic, and political themes, and to social organization and social dynamics; analysis of the socio-economic structure of Appalachian communities, and of the meaning of kinship and its relationship to community organization and processes.

5200. Sustainable Development: Theory, Method and Case/(3).S.Alternate years. A seminar on the social theory and applied methods of project interventions in communities and regions. A survey of relevant economic and ecological theory and assistance in developing a comprehensive research proposal.

5500. Independent Study/(1-4).F;S.

5530-5549. Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand. An opportunity to study a special topic or combination of topics not otherwise provided for in the anthropology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when content does not duplicate.

5610. Ethnographic Field School/(2-6).On Demand. Students will be immersed in a cultural setting and learn to use standard ethnographic techniques to analyze and interpret the culture. There will be instruction in the use of qualitative methods, such as observation, mapping, genealogies and life histories, formal interviewing, and cultural domain analysis. Students will design and carry out an ethnographic research project.

5900. Field Experience: Internship/(3-12). On Demand.Supervised placement in a setting which provides an opportunity to observe and practice anthropological skills. Graded on an S/U basis.

5989. Graduate Research/(1-9).F;S. This course is designed to provide access to University facilities for continuing graduate research at the master's and specialist's levels. It is graded on an S/U basis and does not count toward a degree.

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