ANTH 3060 - Topics in Biological Anthropology

Goals: To study topics in the subdiscipline of biological anthropology. Intended primarily for anthropology majors or those interested in majoring in anthropology.

Content: Focus varies. While the topic of this course may vary from year to year, all variations of ANTH 3060 will explore the complexity of the relationship between biology and culture and the impact of culture change on human biology. Biological anthropologists believe that human biology must be understood in the context of the associated culture. With this in mind, a variety of different methods and theories will be introduced during the class to provide a framework from which to interpret and explain human behavior practiced by human societies in the past and present. As part of this course, students will develop oral communication skills commonly engaged in by biological anthropologists including presentational speaking at an academic conference (a mock conference with 3 – 4 presenters, a moderator, and question/answer session), group discussion of published literature, and proposal presentation to affiliated interested parties, i.e. descendant community members and governmental agencies. Recent example: Bioarchaeology.

Taught: Annually, Spring semester

Prerequisite: One 1000-level ANTH course or consent of instructor (ANTH 1160 is recommended)

Credits: 4