Anthropology and Sociology - Ursinus College

Anthropology
anthropology and sociology
Anthropology is by definition and scope an interdisciplinary subject which addresses itself
holistically to the study of people from many places and many periods of time. Anthropology
encompasses four distinct but interconnected subfields of study: physical or biological anthropology,
social and cultural anthropology, prehistoric archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. The goal
of the Department is to help the student to understand what it means to be human and
to appreciate our own value system more fully through an exposure to the systems of others.
ANTH-100. Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology Faculty
Sociocultural anthropology is one of four subfields in anthropology. This course will emphasize sociocultural
anthropology but will also briefly look at the other subfields: physical, prehistoric archaeology, and linguistics.
Our main focus will be placed on family patterns, kinship relationships, political organization, economic
systems, religion, the arts, and social change. Prerequisites: None. Four hours per week. Four semester hours.
(SS, G.)
ANTH-205. Introduction to Archaeology Staff
Archaeology is the subdiscipline of anthropology that seeks to understand cultures of the past on the basis of
their material remains. This course provides basic instruction in methods and theory in archaeology, followed
by a survey of world prehistory that focuses on the development of societal complexity, as interpreted through
archaeological data. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)
ANTH-220. The Maya: Ancient and Modern. Faculty
A study of the Maya people of tropical Mexico, ancient and modern. The ancient Maya will be examined
through their architecture, art, and epigraphy, including visits to archaeological sites and museums in
tropical Mexico. The modern Maya will be encountered in visits to villages and families in tropical Mexico.
Prerequisite: None. Field investigations accompanied by readings, lectures, and an independent glyph project.
Four semester hours. (This course is part of the UC in Maya Mexico Program.) Four semester hours. (G, S.)
ANTH-222. Drugs for Mind and Body Dr. Gallagher
An analysis of the uses of both medicinal and mind altering drugs with emphasis on the original inhabitants
of the Americas and a comparative look at their uses in the United States today. While the primary focus of
this course is on the utilization of drugs, we can only understand the use within the context of the societies
as a whole; therefore, we will also read several ethnographic accounts of Native American societies in which
these drugs were used. Prerequisite: any 100-level course in Anthropology or Sociology or permission of the
instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS, G.)
ANTH/GWMS-225. Gender and Kinship Cross-Culturally Dr. Gallagher, Dr. Oboler
The structure of sex and gender roles has important implications for marriage, the family, and kinship
in all societies. This course examines sex and gender roles, sexuality, mate selection, marriage customs, divorce,
childbearing, parenting, spousal and other kin relations, across the spectrum of world cultures. Prerequisite:
any 100-level course in Anthropology or Sociology or permission of the instructor. Three hours per week.
Four semester hours. (SS, G.)
ANTH-232. Adaptation in the Pacific and East Asia Dr. Gallagher
This course will explore the physical and spiritual views of the peoples of the Pacific and East Asia both preand
post-Western contact. On the physical side, we will study topics such as the navigation techniques of
the Pacific Islanders domestication of plants in New Guinea and the Pacific and the relationship to nature
and the many inventions of East Asian cultures. On the spiritual side, we will explore the religions of China,
Japan, and Austronesia, and the impact of contact with the West as seen in the Cargo Cults of the Pacific.
Prerequisite: any 100-level course in Anthropology or Sociology or permission of the instructor. Three hours
per week. Four semester hours. (SS, G.)
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