Courses
Course Descriptions 10000s-20000s
Course Descriptions 40000-43999
Course Descriptions 44000-49999
Course Descriptions Graduate Level
ANTH 10109
Introduction to Anthropology
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ONLY
Elective
An introduction to one of the most exciting of the social sciences. Anthropology helps answer some of the most basic questions about ourselves and others—How and why did humans evolve? How did human culture develop, and why do there appear to be so many differences between cultures? How did human communication come about? Is language understood only in terms of words? How does human language work, and in what ways does it affect our ability to perceive the "real" world? Why are there so many different cultures? Are human behavior and human nature best explained by reference to genes, race, adaptation to environment, or to the symbolic nature of culture itself? Exploring the answers to these questions offers students a fascinating opportunity to learn more about their own as well as other cultures. Regardless of whether the student's major is science, engineering, business or the liberal arts, Anthropology 10109 is an elective of significance to a liberal education.
ANTH 10195
Introduction to Anthropology Honors
FIRST YEAR HONOR STUDENTS ONLY
Elective
Human beings may be classified as one species among many in biological terms, although a strict physical determination marks only the starting point for a broad inquiry into what we mean by human nature. Anthropology moves forward from this beginning to explore, in theory and by empirical investigation, the particular forms of cultural expression that characterize the development of human societies and account for their richness and their remarkable variety. This course examines the fundamental elements of this fascinating social science. It addresses the sometimes controversial evidence related to such questions as evolution and genetics, as well as issues of ecological adaptation and the emergence of complex societies. It looks into language and other symbolic systems as central components of distinctively human behavior. It concentrates with special emphasis on the vast domain of social and cultural life, drawing upon many ethnographic examples from near and far, to illustrate how anthropologists seek to study all dimensions of human experience, from kinship to kingship and from cyborgs to shamans.
ANTH 13181
Social Science—University Seminar --Exploring Anthropology
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ONLY
Anthropology, the holistic study of humanity, is the focus of this seminar course. Through discussion and analysis of a variety of anthropological texts and topics this seminar course aims to develop writing skills among first year students while exposing them to some central problems and issues of being human in an amazingly complex world. This seminar will encourage students to explore topics though both academic and popular texts and media, and attempt to conceptualize the complex biocultural nature of humanity. We will engage in topics such as:
Anthropology as a way of seeking knowledge
Human diversity: facts, myths and misunderstandings
Human behavior and communication: language and symbol
Human strategies for subsistence and survival: meeting the challenges of the past and present
Human nature(s) and what they mean for understanding our world
(This course satisfies the University social science requirement.)
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ANTH 20018
Verbal Arts and Oral Traditions
Elective
Cross-listed from: IRLL
This course will examine the practice, practitioners and different genres of the verbal arts: the folktale, legends, epic, proverb, riddle, etc., and will look at the different functions of these genres. It will also look at the research traditions devoted to the study of what has been variously termed folk narrative, oral literature, orature, as well as the verbal arts.
ANTH 20020
Irish Folk Custom and Belief: Popular Religion & Rural Ireland
Elective
Cross-listed from: IRLL
'Irish Folk Custom and Belief' is both the title of a popular work from 1967 by Seán Ó Súilleabháin (1903-1996), archivist of the Irish Folklore Commission, and an approach to the study of rural Irish popular religion. That approach was long dominant among Irish folklorists. It tended to frame rural popular religion ahistorically and to fudge the issue of its relationship to specific social groups. At the same time it led to the recording of extraordinarily rich data, mostly from the Irish-speaking population of the West.
Concentrating on the work of 19th century antiquarians and 20th century folklorists and anthropologists, the course will examine the study of rural popular religion in Ireland. It will contextualise it both in terms of historical, sociological and anthropological knowledge of Irish rural society and specifically of Irish peasant society, and in terms of the scientific study of religion. Specific topics often identified under the headings of 'folk custom and belief' will be discussed, in particular ritual, festival, magic, supernatural beings, sacred places and the oral narratives that deal with them. Specific scholarly texts, including texts by leading contemporary scholars of Irish rural popular religion, will be discussed as well as ethnographic texts recorded by the Irish Folklore Commission.
ANTH 20023 Majors and minors only
Introduction to Irish Folklore
Elective
Cross-listed from: IRLL
This course will discuss the 19th century concept of folklore and its application in Ireland. ´Irish folklore´ is usually understood in terms of three main and related domains: ´folk narrative´ (or oral literature), ´folk belief´ (or popular religion) and ´material folk culture´. These will be examined with special emphasis placed on narrative. Representative oral narrative texts from the Gaelic tradition will be studied in translation.
ANTH 20025 Majors and minors only
World Religions
Elective
Cross-listed from: THEO
A theological exploration of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and the relationship of Christianity to those religions. The goal of this exploration is specifically (1) to set forth the essential characteristics of the world's great religions, (2) to disengage the essential differences between Christianity and the other world religions, (3) to identify the distinctiveness of Catholicism within the family of Christian traditions, and (4) to examine historically and systematically the Christian theological appraisal of other world religions. Thus, the course will enable the students to gain a deeper understanding of Christianity by "passing over" into and experiencing as well as appraising the different major religious traditions of the world. To enhance the learning experience, the course will use the BBC film series titled THE LONG SEARCH. Each of these hour-long films focuses on perspectives of the world's major religions.
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ANTH 20030 Majors and minors only
World Religions in Christian Perspective
Elective
Cross-listed from: THEO
The course examines the foundations of several world religious traditions (e.g., Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism). Focusing on key religious ideas and practices, it compares and contrasts them with one another and in relation to the Christian design for life worked out in Catholic experience and theological reflection.
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ANTH 20100
Human Origins and Evolution
Elective
This is a course for non-majors/minors in anthropology on the current state of research on human origins. It is pitched at a general audience assuming no background other than capable critical thinking and writing skills. The course will be structured around key questions about human evolution. What is evolutionary theory and how does it contrast with other ways of explaining humanity's place in nature? How do we go about finding and identifying fossil human ancestors? How do we know their antiquity, and what clues are there about the behavior of our forbears? In particular, when and why did they start walking upright, making tools, building living shelters, populate different parts of the world, and master fire? What, if anything, does our evolutionary past imply about our modern lifestyles and the biological variation in current human populations? Finally, what is the future of human evolution?
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ANTH 20105
Introduction to Human Ethology
Elective
Human ethology studies various aspects of human development, not just within our own culture, but across diverse cultures. This science is most unique because it looks at both evolutionary processes and the behavior of monkeys and apes to more holistically understand contemporary human behavior. For example, using cross-cultural and cross-species data, this course conducts an exploration of the cultural and evolutionary origins of language, non-verbal communication, laughter, sleep, deception, morality, infant behavior, parenting, human aggression, sexual behavior, gender development, and human courtship rituals.
ANTH 20109
Introduction to Anthropology
Elective
An introduction to one of the most exciting of the social sciences. Anthropology helps answer some of the most basic questions about ourselves and others—How and why did humans evolve? How did human culture develop, and why do there appear to be so many differences between cultures? How did human communication come about? Is language understood only in terms of words? How does human language work, and in what ways does it affect our ability to perceive the "real" world? Why are there so many different cultures? Are human behavior and human nature best explained by reference to genes, race, adaptation to environment, or to the symbolic nature of culture itself? Exploring the answers to these questions offers students a fascinating opportunity to learn more about their own as well as other cultures. Regardless of whether the student's major is science, engineering, business or the liberal arts, Anthropology 20109 is an elective of significance to a liberal education.
ANTH 20111
Anthropology of Human Sexuality
Elective
Sexuality is a complex and multi-faceted suite of biological and cultural/behavioral components. It is an important part of the human existence, especially in modern day North American society. This course seeks to examine human sexuality in an anthropological context. We will review sexuality in an evolutionary perspective via a comparison of nonhuman primate sexual behavior and the theoretical constructs surrounding adaptive explanations for human sexuality. The physiology of sex and the development of the reproductive tract will also be covered. The remainder of the course will consist of the evaluation of data sets regarding aspects of human sexual practice, sexual preference, mate choice, gendered sexuality, and related issues of human sexuality.
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ANTH 20120
Current Topics in Bioanthropology
Elective
This course explores the latest developments in biological anthropology such as, but not limited to, aggression and cooperation in human and nonhuman primates, population genetics, human diversity, the concept of race, primate evolution and behavior, patterns of adaptation, and evolutionary medicine. Emphasis will be on the role of biological systems and evolutionary theory.
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ANTH 20316
The Irish in Us: Comparative Perspectives on Being Irish and Irish-American
Elective
This class provides an educational and entertaining reflection on the deep historical and cultural intertwining of America and Ireland, and the extent to which our world is shaped by Irish people, culture and heritage. Drawing upon the skills of three Notre Dame professors, each of which has different interests, in this class we explore comparative perspectives of the cultural, economic, and political context of being Irish and Irish-American. In this class we seek to provide new perspectives on the interconnections between Ireland and America, in the past, present and future. Based on lectures and presentations, we explore some fundamental historical questions, such as how were the Irish Famine, emigration, and economic developments of the 18-20th centuries interconnected, and how did the Irish Diaspora shape the historical and cultural trajectory of America. Similarly, we explore what it is to be Irish and Irish-American, be it through family history, or growing up watching Notre Dame football. What are the interconnections between regional Irish identities, language, and history? Finally we explore how American, let alone global, culture is being actively shaped by Irish culture (such as literature, theater, film, music), and the extent to which this is a dynamic process. Looking at it from a different perspective, how has the reintroduction of such an idealized form of Irishness to Ireland, impacted the country? Drawing upon literature, history, archaeology and folklore, this class will illustrate the different ways we can explore and conceive of the past and present world of Ireland and Irish-America. Seeking answers to these questions offers students a fascinating opportunity to learn more about Ireland, America, and the connections between these cultures and peoples.
ANTH 20320
Introduction to International Development Studies
Elective
This course will serve as an introduction to the field of international development, with particular focus on the various disciplines that have contributed to and shaped the development discourse over the past 8 decades. Readings and lectures will draw from economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, environmental and technological sciences, public health and epidemiology, area studies, ethnic studies, and gender studies. A large component of this course will focus on in-class discussions and presentations that engage the broader debates within development studies to critically evaluate the development discourse/process, as well as understand emerging critiques of international development. Required course work will include group or individual student projects that critically investigate ongoing development issues and propose engaged solutions that include restoration and social justice and human dignity.
ANTH 20325
Business, Economics, and Culture
Elective
Economic, political and cultural interactions between geographically distant groups have been intensifying over the past century and the 21st century is being seen as the Global century. In this rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the role of cultural (religious, ethnic and political/socio-economic) factors in determining and shaping interactions. In this course, we will use an ethnographic focused approach to explore the impact of cultural variations on many issues that have arisen or will potentially arise in the course of contemporary global economic interactions. These include the relationships between reciprocity, redistribution and market behaviors, cultural differences in business strategies, relationship building and formation of partnerships, marketing techniques, consumer behavior, and political and environmental situations. We will also look at the impact of business interaction on regional and local economies in Asia (India), Africa (Kenya and the Sudan) and Latin America (Mexico and Guatemala). Course work will include discussions based on readings, documentaries, an individual ethnographic project and report, and a final paper on the application of cultural factors for global interactions.
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Anthropology for the 21st Century
Elective
Anthropology enters a 21st century filled with far-reaching possibilities and dangerous new problems. To meet these challenges and to offer new understandings and solutions, anthropology needs to both assess its classic approaches and develop new innovative ones. Globalization. New forms of political and economic power and poverty. Changing patterns and crises of health, environment, and development. Violence, and novel ways of belonging. Transformations in our very sense of identity (from gender through belief to ethnicity), and perhaps our thinking… how do we as anthropologists best meet the changing terrains of self and world unfolding today?
ANTH 20350
Chinese Society and Culture
Elective
From headlines we often have the impression that China is becoming “capitalist” and will soon be just like us. It is true that China is rapidly changing, yet it will not soon resemble the United States. It is also wrong to regard everything about it as radically new. This course introduces students to the complexities of contemporary Chinese society in the context of the past. Topics covered include food, family and gender, political activity, ethnicity and identity, urban and rural life, work and unemployment, economic complexity, multilingualism, arts, religion, medicine and the body, and literature. We will look at film, fiction, the Internet, ethnographies, standard historical accounts, and other sources to ensure a multifaceted understanding of China beyond its usual superficial portrayal as a vast potential market of consumers (though that’s not entirely wrong!). Students will be encouraged to investigate a topic of their choosing in greater depth.
ANTH 20360
Societies and Cultures of Latin America
Elective
This course is a broad introduction to the societies and cultures of Latin America. We will cover the history of the region – from the colonial past, independence movements and revolutions, postcolonialism and race relations – as well as the current events, trends, and cultures that have been shaped by this history. The latter will include important present-day issues such as power relations and class, violence and politics, secular and religious ideologies, family and gender relations, migration and transnationalism, ethnic relations, art and literature, and globalization and change. I expect students to understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures in Latin America as well as to explore how the current societies and events have been shaped by the unique histories of the region.
Students who have completed the Notre Dame language requirements in Spanish are eligible to register for an additional 1-credit discussion section as part of the Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC) initiative in the College of Arts and Letters, ANTH 22360 (see below).
ANTH 20380
Anthropology of Gender
Elective
Gender is a fundamental organizing principle in societies through time and across space. Gender is a cultural construction that is grounded in perceived biological differences. Gender shapes what it means to be masculine and feminine; how economic resources and social power are distributed; and how marriage, kinship and reproduction are understood, among many other things. Are there gender universals? What role do politics and economic systems play in the determinations of gender? We will use interdisciplinary examples from economics, political science, anthropology, psychology, art, architecture, and history to explore the various ways in which gender defines differences, organizes societies, and shapes human experiences.
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ANTH 20390
Societies and Cultures of Africa
Elective
Sub-Saharan Africa is a geographically massive territory distinguished by a tremendous diversity of cultures, customs, languages, histories, identities, and experiences. In this course, we explore this wealth of diversity, alongside a survey of some of the broad historical and contemporary trends and movements that have characterized the subcontinent. A brief introduction to African geography is followed by an overview of African history in the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras. The remainder of the course is devoted to the study of present-day Africa, including readings on social organization, religion, music, art, popular culture, politics, economics, as well as on the contemporary crises and challenges of warfare, poverty, and HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Readings will include historical, ethnographic, literary, and autobiographical texts, and will be supplemented by a number of African-directed films.
ANTH 20400
Language, Culture and Society
Elective
This course examines language and communication from an anthropological perspective. That is, we look at language as it is fully embedded in human culture and society rather than as an object in itself. A complete understanding of the range of language in human life requires some investigation of its variations and the meanings these variations have for speakers and hearers. Language and, secondarily, other communicative behavior has both referential meaning and also social and pragmatic meaning; it does things as well as means things. Our goal in this course is to become aware of the many ways language functions in social life, whether social actors are aware of these functions or not. Hence, we will read about investigations into language from a number of different perspectives, and will do some of our own investigations, helping to sharpen our appreciation of the ways of speaking observable around us.
Topics will include: 1) Language, culture, and thought, 2) Practicing ethnography in linguistic anthropology, 3) Conversational analysis, and 4) Language and identity.
ANTH 20501
Archaeology: Myths and Facts
Elective
2-credit-hour course
The general public views archaeologists in a highly stereotyped manner. This course explores the public’s perception of what archaeologists do and why they do it, and seeks to better understand the broader goals and contributions of the study of archaeology. We will explore this question through a range of media, including how the public and media stereotype archaeological research through films and novels, such as Indiana Jones. We will also examine the development of alternative / pseudoscientific explanations for ancient phenomena (for instance, the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, the destruction of Atlantis, and the use of the Nasca lines by Aliens). Finally, students will investigate the modern social context of conducting archaeology today: how can archaeology help us to understand the world in which we live? We will draw on case studies from throughout the world, including examples from North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
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ANTH 20502
Ancient Technology: Rocks to Silicon Chips
Elective
2-credit-hour course
This class explores the social, cultural and intellectual contexts of ancient technologies. In this class students will learn when and how humans developed critical technologies in the past, and discuss how they have impacted the world we live in today. Lecture and discussion topics include how ancient people initially used the earth’s elements to improve daily lives (the invention of pottery, the extraction of minerals by mining, and the development of different forms of metallurgy), how they built upon this foundation to expand their lives (the invention of optical systems, the development of concrete for building, fermentation of fruits and vegetables, the development of ancient medical technologies for mummification and brain surgery), expanded their awareness of the world they lived in (development of time keeping, calendrics, and astronomy), and eventually the manipulation of ancient technologies for conflict (siege engines, wooden warships). In each of these cases, attention is directed to the development and social context of these inventions, challenging students to understand the ancient past as a complex and rich foundation of the world today.
ANTH 20503
Archaeology: Myths and Facts
Elective
This course explores the public's perception of what archaeologists do and why they do it, and seeks to better understand the broader goals and contributions of the study of archaeology. We will draw on case studies from throughout the world, including examples from North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
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ANTH 20510
Origins of Human Civilization
Elective
This course is an introduction to archaeology and to world prehistory. It will provide students with a basic understanding of what archaeology is, how it is done, and what it has produced. Fundamental principles of archaeological theory and practice will be illustrated by examples from throughout the world in order to introduce important themes such as the origins of food production, the rise of cultural complexity, the peopling of the world, and the development of technology. The course covers cultural evolution from the invention of the first stone tools through the rise of ancient civilizations such as those of the Maya, Incas, Egyptians, and Near East.
ANTH 20520
Archaeology of Egypt
Elective
This course introduces students to ancient Egypt, one of the most fascinating societies of the ancient world. Through lectures, films, readings, and small group projects, students will explore the origins and fluorescence of the rich cultures of Egypt, ranging from the earliest farming societies to the splendors of Roman Egypt under the rule of Cleopatra. The course structure focuses students’ attentions on key anthropological concepts, such as kinship, ritual, political economy, mortuary practices, cultural contact, and the future of Egyptian archaeology, by exploring case studies that highlight the extraordinary archaeological heritage of the country.
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ANTH 20540
Ancient Cities and States
Elective
Ancient civilizations are interesting not only for their often spectacular remains, but also for what they can tell us about our own urban society. This course explores the archaeology of ancient cities and states by focusing on several case studies, including ancient societies of Mesoamerica and the ancient Near East.
ANTH 20550
Archaeology of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan
Elective
This course introduces students to the rich prehistoric and early historic archaeology of the southern Levant, the region encompassing modern Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The course will explore the archaeology of the region chronologically, and topics will include the origins of agriculture, the emergence of towns and cities, international seafaring and exchange, the Philistines and Sea Peoples, and the influence of neighboring empires.
ANTH 20900
Irish-American Tap Dance
This course does not count for credit toward the major, minor, or honors major.
Teaches a variety of tap dance skills. Recital will take place at the end of the semester. May NOT be used towards the anthropology major or minor.
ANTH 22360
Societies and Cultures of Latin America; Discussion
Students currently enrolled in ANTH 20360 and who have completed the Notre Dame language requirements in Spanish are eligible to register for an additional 1-credit discussion section as part of the Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC) initiative in the College of Arts and Letters. Students who choose this option will carry out additional reading in Spanish (approximately 10 to 15 pages a week) and meet once a week with the professor in a Spanish-language discussion. There will be additional brief writing assignments. This LAC section will be graded on a pass/fail basis, and thus is NOT eligible to satisfy an elective in the anthropology major or minor. Permission required.