This is an archived copy of the Spring 2015 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Anthropology (ANTH)

Courses

ANTH 125   Cultural Anthropology (3 Hours)  

This introductory course will employ various anthropological theories, perspectives and methodologies to critically and comparatively examine an array of cultural and social topics as they relate to selected Western and non-Western cultures and societies. 3 hrs./wk.

ANTH 125H   HON: Cultural Anthropology (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors Department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 126   Physical Anthropology (3 Hours)

This course is an introduction to selected concepts and principles important to an understanding of evolutionary forces and their influence on the physiology and behavior of humans. The importance of the scientific method will be explored. Awareness of humans and their place in nature will be achieved by examining basic genetics, micro- and macroevolution, primate ecology and behavior, the paleoanthropological evidence for human evolution, and modern human adaptation and variation. 3 hrs./wk.

ANTH 126H   HON: Physical Anthropology (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors Department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 130   World Cultures (3 Hours)

This introductory course will utilize an ethnographic approach to introduce students to various cultural and social practices of Westernized and non-Westernized cultures and societies from around the world. This course will examine a wide range of topics including economic production, religion, world view, kinship patterns and political and economic institutions. 3 hrs./wk.

ANTH 130H   HON: World Cultures (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 134   Native Americans (3 Hours)

This ethnographic course will introduce students to the indigenous peoples and First Nations of North, Central and South America, with particular attention being paid to North America. This course will focus on selected First Nations cultures and societies to examine a wide range of topics including arts, oral traditions, religions, and Indian-White relations. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 134H   HON: Native Americans (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 135   American Indian Artistic Tradition (3 Hours)

This course introduces students to many art forms of the various American Indian nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mediums to be explored include traditional and contemporary visual art, traditional and contemporary music and dance, oral tradition, and film. In addition, social, political, economic, and legal influences on art will be discussed. Lectures, discussions, readings, and films will be utilized to accomplish this. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 136   Contemporary American Indian Cultures & Societies (3 Hours)

This course will introduce students to the contemporary lifeways and cultural and social practices of the Native peoples of the United States. The primary focus of this course will be the second half of the 20th century through the present. A wide range of topics and issues will be covered, including, but not limited to, current Indian-White relations, federal and international laws and policies, economic development, gender issues, health disparities, contemporary arts, and religious practices. Course objectives will be accomplished through lectures, discussions, readings, and video presentations. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 142   World Prehistory (3 Hours)

This course is an introduction to the variety and continuity of the prehistoric human past. Through the archaeological record we will consider the evolution of humans, the transition of foraging to farming economies, the rise of complex societies, secondary state formation, and the collapse of complex societies. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 142H   HON: World Prehistory (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 144   Archaeology (3 Hours)

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and findings in archaeology. The historical origins of the discipline and modern approaches to understanding the past will be presented. The course will describe the range of archaeological evidence and techniques for locating, analyzing, and interpreting these remains. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 144H   HON: Archaeology (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ANTH 146   Archaeology of Ancient North America (3 Hours)

This course is an introduction to the indigenous peoples and cultures of ancient North America. Drawing upon archaeological and anthropological perspectives, we will survey the culturally diverse and environmentally complex continent from the first Ice Age peoples through the earliest interactions with Europeans. Key theoretical issues considered in this course include human-environmental interaction, the emergence of complexity, warfare, ritual and religion, trade, and identity. Finally, we will explore how new archaeological evidence and contemporary approaches have changed our perspectives on the peoples and lifeways of ancient North America and impacted our ethical responsibilities to their descendants. 3hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 150   People and Cultures of Mesoamerica (3 Hours)

This course is a survey of Mesoamerican cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices from the prehistoric era to the present day. Through the archaeological, historical, and ethnographic record we will adopt an anthropological perspective on the global, national, regional, and local forces on everyday life in Mesoamerica. 3 hrs.lecture/wk.

ANTH 153   The Anthropology of the Paranormal & Supernatural (3 Hours)

This introductory course will employ various Western and non-Western perspectives, including scientific and popular culture theories, to critically and comparatively examine a wide array of phenomena classified as paranormal or supernatural. Topics to be covered include extra-sensory perception, witchcraft and magic, ghosts, extra-terrestrial beings, and cryptozoological organisms. Lectures, discussions, readings, and films will be used to accomplish the aforementioned, as well as optional trips to local locations associated with the paranormal and supernatural. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 160   Medical Anthropology (3 Hours)

This course will introduce students to an understanding of human health and disease that includes both culture and biology. Western and non-Western cultures will be considered. This course will consider topics such as medical beliefs and curing practices, disease and nutrition, the connection between inequality and health disparities, and how to apply medical anthropological concepts to real-world problems. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ANTH 205   Archaeological Field Methods (5 Hours)

This course is a practicum of archaeological field methods and techniques. The fundamental principles of archaeological research will be considered. Students will create and implement their own research design in the context of on-going investigations. Emphasis will be placed on practicing the essential skills needed to conduct archaeological research. 160 integrated lecture lab hrs./semester.

ANTH 291   Independent Study* (1-7 Hour)

Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA minimum and department approval

Independent study is a directed, structured learning experience offered as an extension of the regular curriculum. It is intended to allow individual students to broaden their comprehension of the principles of and competencies associated with the discipline or program. Its purpose is to supplement existing courses with individualized, in-depth learning experiences. Such learning experiences may be undertaken independent of the traditional classroom setting, but will be appropriately directed and supervised by regular instructional staff. Total contact hours vary based on the learning experience.

ANTH 292   Special Topics: (1-3 Hour)

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced discipline-specific content related to the study of Anthropology, not usually taught in the curriculum. Due to the breadth and depth of the discipline, this course may expand upon a topic introduced in a current course, synthesize topics that cross-cut existing courses, or explore a topic not addressed currently in the Department of Anthropology curriculum. Students may repeat Special Topics in Anthropology for credit but only on different topics.