Courses
ANTH-104 CC Foundations of ANTH (3)
Anthropology is the study of humanity, examining similarities and differences from around the world within both past and present civilizations. This introductory course looks at the four main subfields of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology, for purposes of evaluating human diversity within these diverse contexts. Drawing from millions of years of human biological and cultural development, these subfields represent the foundations of anthropology and serve as a meeting point between the arts and sciences.
This course may not be taken for credit by students who have earned credit for ANTH 100D.
Attributes: CC YLIBANTH-106D P5 Cross-Cultural Interact (3)
This course examines how cultural differences affect intercultural understanding and cooperation in areas such as business, communications, and foreign aid.
Attributes: ISRS P5 YLIBANTH-107 CC Conflict & Culture (3)
This course looks at ways in which cultures are likely to differ, as well as how cultural differences may contribute to tension or conflict. Conflict sometimes results from misunderstanding, and sometimes it results from an overlap between contrasting value systems when neither side wishes to change. Students will consider why people might retain entrenched cultural values even to the point of creating and maintaining conflict, particularly in the context of tremendous diversity in the human experience.
Attributes: CC YLIBANTH-110 P1 Myth,Monster,Mystery (3)
All societies have their myths and their monsters, and various works of art to represent and give life to them. This course examines the connection between art, myth, and anthropology in the widest sense, encompassing not just legends and figures of cultural fascination, but also controversy and mystery surrounding ancient archaeological sites. This course takes a comparative approach for myth-as-art in cultures from around the world, including interpretation of ancient remains and architecture, to investigate what is likely to be true and false in the important bridge between science and art.
Attributes: ARTS P1 YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, SophomoreANTH-201D P4 The Human Animal (3)
The study of the human species as a kind of animal and the implications of human biological characteristics on human culture and behavior. Topics include the evolution of humanity, sexuality and gender, life cycle, human cognition and “race,” disease and mortality, and the relative significance of heredity and environment.
Attributes: HHHD P4 YLIBANTH-204D P5 Studying Language (3)
This course addresses the nature and structure of human languages. The methods and theories of linguistics are used to study patterns of sound, grammar, and meaning in human speech communication. Applications of linguistics to human history, language acquisition and second language learning, and the role of language in human society are discussed.
Attributes: P5 YLIBANTH-209 P5 World Cultures (3)
This course provides an in-depth analysis of certain societies across major geographical and cultural regions. Students will address themes which both separate and unite diverse societies. Particular attention is given to ethnographic methods, interaction with unique value systems held by diverse societies, and the material culture that facilitates one’s understanding these societies. Written ethnography and material culture are assessed in terms of the art and politics of social representation.
Attributes: P5 YLIBANTH-221C P4 Bones, Bodies&Detection (3)
The principles and methods of biological anthropology can be used to provide crucial evidence in the investigation of past deaths. Identification of individuals, time, and cause of death may be determined from an analysis of skeletal and, where available, soft tissue remains. Topics include homicides, genocide, battlefield casualties, cannibalism, and disease as mortality agents for human groups from the recent to the very distant past. Actual cases by forensic anthropologists are discussed.
Attributes: P4 YLIBANTH-226 P2 Anthropology of Law (3)
This course examines the operation of law as an important part of cultural systems, especially systems of religion and morality. Using a cross-cultural approach, the topics will examine different kinds of outcomes (dispute settlement, retribution of wrongs, property ownership, divorce, succession and inheritance), as well as different aspects of legal procedure (venue, evidence, testimony, oaths and ordeals, reasoning, and judiciaries). In each of these areas, the main focus will be on the close relationship between the ideas of jurisprudence and morality. Students will learn that while law is a human universal, jurisprudence can take many forms across cultures and can be related in different ways to ideas of the supernatural and beliefs in moral behavior. Prior coursework in anthropology or a social science is recommended.
Attributes: ISFS P2 YLIBANTH-231C P4 The Primates (3)
They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and yet their behavior and biology remind us of ourselves. This course examines the diverse primate order from the most primitive prosimians to the clever monkeys and apes. This course studies the evolution of the primates, their behavioral and biological characteristics, and the current state of primates around the globe. Comparisons with human behavior and biology and the effect of humans on primate communities is discussed. Special topics include: how the study of primates can contribute to a better understanding of human behavior, the conservation and protection of non-human primate communities, and the use of primates in medical research and media productions.
Attributes: P4 YLIBANTH-237 Language & Society (3)
This course examines how language, cultural values, and society are embedded within one another. Drawing from sociolinguistics, this course looks at various language systems in contrast to English, as well as how English is spoken differently at different times and in different social contexts. Explorations of social contexts and how cultural values shape (and are shaped by) language are core aspects of this course. No prior competency in any language other than English is required for this course.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-238 P5 Global Health (3)
This course explores key elements of global health including tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, chronic disease transitions, environmental health threats, healthcare access, healthcare policy and administration, and cultural dimensions of health in diverse social environments and international political contexts. Questioning the distinction between “international” and “global” health, this course emphasizes both disagreements and commonalities in promoting health among diverse, under-resourced, and challenging populations.
Attributes: P5 YLIBANTH-240 P2 Magic Witch & Religion (3)
This course consists of a comparative examination of religion in world cultures, and the various approaches toward it as a subject of study in Anthropology. Different orientations toward supernatural power are considered including magic and witchcraft. Religious beliefs and practices will be examined as well as various kinds of human specialists who deal with the supernatural. The role of religion in human life including ritual and myth will be considered.
Attributes: P2 YLIBANTH-241D P3 Medical Anthropology (3)
Medical anthropology explores health and medical issues from a cross-cultural and evolutionary perspective, highlighting the diverse ways in which different cultures deal with human conditions of illness and disease. The focus is on the intersection between culture and biology. Topics include traditional healing practices, social epidemiology, relationships between humans and other primates, and the effects of globalization on disease transmission and treatment.
Attributes: HHCF P3 YLIBANTH-243 P5 Ethnomedicine (3)
Medicine is an interactive and discursive process which cannot be separated from language, culture, social values, and political relationships. This course presents health and disease in a cross-cultural perspective, assessing medical interactions in diverse cultural settings. In particular, this course examines the intersection of medicine, illness, and culture within the field of medical sociolinguistics. Emphasis is given to the cultural component of medicine (hence ethnomedicine), with attention to specific diseases within specific cultures.
Attributes: P5 YLIBANTH-254 Ancient Civilizations (3)
This course looks at the rise, expansion, cultural features, and eventual demise of the seven main early civilizations: Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Indus Valley, Ancient China, Highland Mesoamerica, Lowland Mesoamerica, and Ancient Peru. Drawing from archeological investigation, these civilizations will be studied comparatively and with attention to individual features and characteristics.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-260 P4 Genetics,Hlth,Variation (3)
This course considers ways of understanding human biological variation with particular attention to interaction between genetic inheritability and health. While the course begins with a survey of inheritance and population genetics, it also looks at the distribution of simple and complex traits for both resistance and susceptibility to particular types of disease. Finally, health is considered on the population level and evaluated for evolutionary impact and genetic drift.
Attributes: P4 YLIBANTH-264 P4 Paleopathology (3)
Ancient bones tells stories not just of who they once belonged to, but how they lived, what happened to them, and what health or illnesses they experienced. Paleopathology is the study of ancient disease, primarily through the interpretation of human remains. Yet paleopathology also includes written or artistic records, plant and animal remains, evidence of ancient pathogens and pathogen evolution, and patterns of behavior associated with human burial. Ancient disease and pathogens are ultimately evaluated for evolutionary impact on both ecological relationships and human biological variation.
Attributes: P4 YLIBANTH-305 Sem:Cultural Anthropology (3)
An examination of the development of anthropological science from the 19th century to the present. The course focuses primarily on trends in cultural anthropology. The theoretical and methodological contributions of important anthropologists are critically examined. The nature and operation of theory and data collection in anthropology are emphasized.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: ANTH-203D D- OR ANTH-203T D- OR ANTH-204D D- OR ANTH-204T D-
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorANTH-306 Sem in Biological ANTH (3)
This seminar provides an opportunity for advanced students to explore the theories and methods particular to the subfield of biological anthropology. Maintaining a broad scope involving populations, ecosystems, and evolutionary development, biological anthropology is concerned with the variation, health, and physical characteristics observed for humans and closely related species in both the past and present. This course will examine special topics in biological anthropology through an engaged and interactive learning format.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-308 Archaeology:Theory&Methods (3)
This is an advanced course focusing on the methods of archaeological excavation, techniques for gathering and interpreting data, and theories to inform and give meaning to this data. Drawing from general history and development in the field of archaeology, this course is meant to prepare any student for practical participation in the material study of human past.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-320 Disaster, Hazard & Risk (3)
This course emphasizes the approaches, perspectives, and challenges of applied anthropology specific to interaction with disasters, hazards, and other exposures involving risk. This course examines diverse efforts in international health such as disaster or crisis response, humanitarian intervention, human rights issues, environmental health, and other elements of public health risk. Ultimately this course merges theories of applied anthropology with current and practical global health challenges.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-330 Special Topics (3)
Special topics in area studies are designed to give students exposure to specific regions and cultures of the world, typically centered on a prevalent theme. Examples may include people and culture of a particular region, a violent conflict or humanitarian crisis, an area of high political tension, or a region associated with a certain strategy or challenge for economic development. Students may retake this course for additional credit as long as the subtitle and dominant theme of the course is different what has previously been taken.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-475 WashDC Experience-Intern (6 TO 9)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of the advisor, the department chair and TWC liaison (Dr. Monica Cherry) is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: ANTH-476 Y D-ANTH-476 WashDC Experience-Sem (3 TO 6)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of the advisor, the department chair and TWC liaison (Dr. Monica Cherry) is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: ANTH-477 Y D-ANTH-477 WashDC Experience-Forum (1 TO 3)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of the advisor, the department chair and TWC liaison (Dr. Monica Cherry) is required to register.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-490 Internship (1 TO 6)
This course allows anthropology majors to take part in anthropologically related work of a local organization such as a museum, business, or government agency. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Students must submit a written application detailing the internship work to the relevant faculty member. This must be submitted to the department chair with the signature of the faculty member to obtain the written approval of the department chair. A three-credit internship will normally consist of 10 hours per week at the internship site; additional credits may entail more hours and/or more responsibilities. Permission of the department chair is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorANTH-493 Fieldwork (3 TO 6)
A fieldwork course, which may consist of an intensive three- to eight-week field experience or a combination of classroom instruction and field experience. Instruction is under the guidance of a member of the St. John Fisher College faculty. Inquiry should be made well in advance of the start of the term in which the course is offered. Meets off campus. Students provide their own transportation and lodging if necessary. Permission of the department chair is required to register.
Attributes: YLIBANTH-496 Independent Study (1 TO 6)
Advanced students may initiate and carry out a proposal for independent work under the supervision of a member of the department. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorANTH-1027 Anthropology of Sex (3)
This course explores human sexuality from an anthropological holistic perspective that seeks to understand human sexual behavior from a number of approaches; how sexuality relates to different areas of human experience; how sexuality has varied with regard to human cultural and biological evolution; how sexuality varies among cultures with different systems of belief, societal roles, and statuses (using cross-cultural comparisons); how sexuality varies within cultures according to concepts of gender and individual behavior; and how sexuality is related to aspects of human anatomy and physiology. Each of these topics includes references to the different theoretical and methodological orientations that anthropology has taken toward studying sexuality. Students gain greater sense of diversity of human cultural beliefs and practices about sexuality in the United States and around the world. Prior coursework in anthropology or a social science is recommended.
Attributes: LC YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman -Attribute: New Core 20-21