Introduces the discipline of anthropology by examining the diversity of human cultures that have been described by historical and current anthropologists. The principles of anthropology are explained with a focus on how culture impacts people's lives within global communities and societies. Comparisons are drawn with students' own cultures. Fulfills one of the Foundations - Social and Behavioral Sciences. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Offered fall and winter semesters.
Spring/Summer 2024 - Online Fall 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
Examines the dynamic interplay between human biology and culture through the study of human evolution. Grounded in the mechanisms of evolution, the class examines the emergence of our species and our relationship to nonhuman primates, among other topics. Fulfills Foundations - Life Sciences. Offered fall and winter semesters.
Fall 2024 - Online Winter 2025 - Online
This course examines the consequences of decisions made by our ancestors, the successes and failures of past civilizations, so that we may better understand our own behavior. Development of world civilizations is explored using historic, archaeological, and other perspectives that inform us about the past. Fulfills Foundations - Historical Analysis. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Offered fall and winter semesters.
Spring/Summer 2024 - Online Fall 2024 - Online
A cross-cultural study of contemporary religions. Examines the diversity of religious meanings through the lived experiences of cultures, traditions, and sects around the world. Exposes students to anthropological interpretations of religion through a range of methods, including ethnography. Themes include symbolisms, ritual, death, shamanism, healing, magic, pilgrimage, and interfaith movements. Fulfills Cultures - World Perspectives. Part of the Identity Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Spring/Summer 2024 - Online
This course introduces students to medical anthropology, the study of health and healing across societies. Concepts of health, illness, becoming and staying healthy, cultural practices that encourage or inhibit disease, the influence of social institutions, health disparities and environmental influence on health will be investigated. Part of the Health Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Winter 2025 - Online
Compares different adaptive strategies of cultures from around the world and seeks understanding of ethical and social values different groups have related to the environment. Attention is focused on how humans relied on cultural mechanisms in the past to adapt and change their physical and natural environment. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Part of the Sustainability Issue. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Junior standing, fulfillment of general education Foundations - Writing, and either Historical Analysis or U.S. Diversity.
