Summer Session

ANT 101: Human Biology

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: E SBC: SNW

The major concepts of biology are presented from historical, contemporary, and critical viewpoints. These concepts include the cell, the gene, molecular biology, development, and evolution. The human implications or values associated with each concept are emphasized. Formerly offered as BIO 101 and ANP 101; not for credit in addition to BIO 101 or ANP 101.

ANT 102: What Makes Us Human?

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: F SBC: GLO; SBS

An introduction to the discipline of cultural anthropology. Centers on the question of what it means to be human today by analyzing social and cultural topics such as language, food, inequality, health, and sustainability.

ANT 202: People and Pups

Undergraduate 3 credits

SBC: STAS

An introduction to the growing literature on dog evolution, behavior, and cognition to understand why dogs are so well adapted to socializing with humans and what role they play in our societies. This course provides students with a foundation in animal behavior, specifically dog behavior and human-canine relationships. Key questions will include: How do dogs communicate with each other and with us? Are dogs smarter than you think? And what is unique about the bond between people and their pups? Formerly offered as ANP 202. Not for credit in addition to ANP 202.

ANT 208: Zombiology

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: H SBC: STAS

Zombie memes have become very popular in culture and media over the past several years. Many aspects of modern zombie lore, as represented in books, movies, and television programs such as The Walking Dead, are germane to understanding important issues in current affairs, science, and other topics of anthropological interest. In this class, we will use scenes from zombie media as prisms through which to examine topics such as the spread of infectious disease in our globalized and densely populated world, predation on humans, forensic analysis of trace evidence like tooth and cut marks, the collapse of civilizations, human behavior in small band societies, violent conflict, etc.

ANT 260: How We Eat

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: K SBC: SBS; USA

An introduction to the ways in which people's food habits are shaped not only by their biological needs, but also by the economic, political, ecological, and social worlds in which they live. Students will learn about the economic underpinnings of diverse American foodways; the relationships between food, power, and social status; gendered food production and consumption; the cultural nature of "healthy eating"; the intertwining of foodways and the environment; food's role in religion; and the pressures that keep individuals eating according to cultural norms. Students will explore how these realities affect their own lives and eating habits.

ANT 308: Human Origins: TBI Fossils

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor/Study Abroad office

SBC: EXP+

This course is part of the Turkana Basin Institute's Summer Origins Field School. Students experience the field-based elements of human origins research to understand the contributions of geology, vertebrate paleontology, taphonomy, and zooarchaeology to integrated knowledge of the human past. Students learn the fundamentals of field reconnaissance; survey, plotting, preservation, collection, and curation of fossil remains; and analysis and interpretation of contexts and finds. These hands-on field and lab activities are situated in the larger framework of testing hypotheses about major questions in human origins. Students visit major paleontological sites and undertake field activities under the supervision of senior specialists and leaders of ongoing field projects. Formerly offered as ANP 308. Not for credit in addition to ANP 308.

ANT 309: Ecosystems in Madagascar

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor/Study Abroad office

DEC: E SBC: SNW

The major goal of this course is to introduce the biodiversity and diversity of ecosystems on the island of Madagascar. In addition to exploring the different habitats within Ranomafana National Park, we will embark on a ten-day trip across Madagascar. Formerly offered as ANP 307. Not for credit in addition to ANP 307.

ANT 311: Immersion in Another Culture

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: ANT 102

DEC: J SBC: DIV; SBS+

A specific world area, such as the highlands of New Guinea or the Nilotic Southern Sudan, or a particularly well-documented people such as the Trobriand Islanders, are considered in detail. Lectures, texts, and films consider ecology, history, social change, language, cultural systems, and social arrangements toward providing students with a comprehensive understanding of another cultural system. May be repeated as the topic changes.

ANT 321: Archaeological Field Methods

Undergraduate 3-6 credits

Prerequisites: ANT 104; permission of instructor

SBC: EXP+; SBS+; TECH

An opportunity to participate in all aspects of an archaeological research project. Students are trained in excavation, recording, artifact retrieval, surveying, field sorting techniques, and interpretation. This course is usually held in the summer and involves excavation of a prehistoric or early historic site.

ANT 352: Methods in Studying Primates

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor/Study Abroad office

Introduction to the concepts and practical skills needed to conduct scientific work, particularly in the study of primates, including how to collect and analyze data focusing on habitat description, primate densities, use of space, and social interactions. Topics include design and presentation of research; ecological field methods; behavioral observations and other techniques. Students are required to plan a small research study and to present their proposal in class. Some computer work outside class is required. Formerly offered as ANP 350. Not for credit in addition to ANP 350.

ANT 387: Indep Prjct in Madagascar

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor/Study Abroad office

Allows students to apply the knowledge and research methods they have acquired in preceding courses during the study abroad experience. Students will design their own research project, and carry it through from hypothesis generating, data collection, statistical analyses and written and oral presentation of results. This project will allow students to showcase both their interests and academic skill sets. The subject of this research will be based in either cultural or biological topics. Most research will be questionnaire-based. Some projects will include data collection. Formerly also offered as ANP 387.

ANT 508: Paleoanthropological Field Me

Graduate 3 credits

This course is one of three that constitutes the Turkana Basin Institute Summer Field School, an opportunity to participate in all aspects of a paleoanthropological research project, focusing on practical aspects of vertebrate paleontology, geology, zooarchaeology and taphonomy. Students are trained in field reconnaissance, fossil survey, plotting, preservation, and collection, analysis and interpretation. Hands-on examination of fossils from Plio-Pleistocene or Holocene sites around Lake Turkana will teach students how human ancestors and other animals adapted to the environments around them. Experts from TBI, Stony Brook, and other institutions provide instruction in lectures, labs, and via fieldwork within the context of on-going projects.

ANT 527: Field Meth and Tech in Archaeo

Graduate 3-9 credits

An opportunity to participate in all aspects of an archaeological research project. Students develop practical skills in excavation, and design and execute plans for recording, artifact retrieval, surveying, field sorting techniques, and interpretation. This course involves faculty-led excavation of a prehistoric or early historic site. This course is offered as both ANT 527 and DPA 527. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor