UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Course Descriptions—Anthropology (ANTH)

ANTH 101 Introduction to Anthropology: Archaeology and Physical Anthropology (3)

A survey of general patterns in the development of human culture, addressing the biological and morphological aspects of humans viewed in their cultural setting. Students who complete both ANTH 101 and 102 may not receive credit for ANTH 340, BEHS 340, or BEHS 341.

ANTH 102 Introduction to Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology (3)

A survey of social and cultural principles inherent in ethnographic descriptions. Students who complete both ANTH 101 and 102 may not receive credit for ANTH 340, BEHS 340, or BEHS 341.

ANTH 298 Special Topics in Anthropology (1-3)

A presentation of anthropological perspectives on selected topics of broad general interest. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

ANTH 343 Physical Anthropology and Archaeology (3)

An interdisciplinary, intermediate-level exploration of contemporary and applied issues in physical anthropology and archaeology. Discussion covers evolution, human biological variation, primate studies, and archaeological frameworks and challenges. Focus is on theory and its application in dealing with concerns in our global society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ANTH 340, ANTH 343, or BEHS 340.

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3)

An interdisciplinary, intermediate-level exploration of contemporary issues in cultural anthropology and linguistics. Discussion covers variation in human social organization, ethnographic field methods, world views, and relationships amongst cultures, as well as cultural dimensions of language. Focus is on theory and its application in dealing with concerns in our global society. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ANTH 340, ANTH 344, or BEHS 340.

ANTH 350 Medical Anthropology (3)

Recommended: ANTH 102 or ANTH 344. A global survey of health, illness, and healing. Discussion covers the interactions between health, culture, and disease, as well as Western and non-Western biomedical traditions and biocultural approaches to health. Emphasis is on application of anthropological research methods (e.g., observational, qualitative, and ethnographic approaches) to the study of health and disease.

ANTH 351 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)

Recommended: BIOL 160 or BIOL 201. An introduction to the study of forensic anthropology, designed to provide a basic understanding of the analysis of human skeletal remains and how forensic anthropologists work as part of the medical forensic team. Topics include the investigative methods used in forensic anthropology; the standards for forensic anthropological investigations; and methods for determining sex, ancestry, time since death, and personal identification of human remains. Specific examples of forensic anthropology cases are reviewed.

ANTH 398 Intermediate Special Topics in Anthropology (1–3)

A presentation of anthropological perspectives on selected topics of broad general interest. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

ANTH 398F Human Skeletal Remains (1)

A fundamental overview of investigative methods used by anthropologists and archaeologists in the study of human skeletal remains. Discussion covers the application of forensic anthropology and archaeology to crime scene investigations, mass disasters, human rights work, and historical reconstructions.

ANTH 398K The Great Apes (1)

An introduction to the behavior, ecology, and life history of great apes (bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans), emphasizing conservation of great ape populations in the wild. Great ape taxonomy is reviewed. Topics include great ape behaviors and adaptations (such as hunting, tool use, self-medication) and whether great apes exhibit culture and language.

ANTH 398S Peoples and Cultures of the World: South Asia (1)

Recommended: ANTH 102 or ANTH 344. An anthropological overview of peoples and cultures of South Asia, comprising the modern nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bhutan. A survey of the geography, archaeology, history, and languages of South Asia is provided. Discussion covers social and religious traditions, with emphasis on the caste system of social hierarchy and its impact on society from an anthropological point of view.

ANTH 486A Internship in Anthropology Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in anthropology. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to anthropology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

ANTH 486B Internship in Anthropology Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in anthropology. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to anthropology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).