An interesting introduction to a topic in the field of Anthropology.
An introduction to the discipline of anthropology -- the study of human societies - with an emphasis on socio-cultural anthropology, the subfield of anthropology dealing with the study of human society and culture.
This introduction to the field of communication examines how cultures and sub-cultures differ in their language use, and how their communicative practices shape the production, interpretation, and reproduction of social meanings.
This course explores non-Western cultures as they are portrayed in ethnographic film. The course introduces students to ethnographic film--both its history and the work of some of its leading practitioners--and to the broad range of cultures and issues that are the subjects of these films.
This course looks at contemporary women's lives and the special circumstances they face in different economic and cultural settings, including practices like polygyny, female genital cutting, and veiling. Also looks at women's strengths, strategies, and collective efforts to effect change and produce better societies.
This course explores the role museums (especially history and natural history museums) play in society and the range of issues they face in conserving and presenting cultural and historical materials to the public. Topics include the politics of representation, collecting practices, intellectual property rights and repatriation, displaying culture, and working with diverse publics. Will include visits to area museums.
How is sport linked to institutions of society? What role does sport play in transmitting values to youth? Does sport perpetuate gender-role stereotypes? These questions are explored while using sport as a vehicle for understanding culture patterns and social problems in society.
This 17-day, 4-credit Arrupe Justice immersion course in
anthropology and environmental studies examines the relationship between
culture and the environment in the unique island setting of Sitka,
Alaska. Students will learn about the region’s terrestrial and marine
environments, its occupation and use by the indigenous Tlingit
population and by non-Native peoples, and contemporary controversies
surrounding the appropriate use of its natural resources – its fish,
timber, and natural beauty. The focus will be on experiential learning,
beginning with a 3-day trip up the Inland Passage abroad an Alaska
Marine Highway ship. All students are welcome to apply; especially suited for Anthropology and Environmental Studies students.
A survey of the relationship between diverse racial/ethnic groups and the media within the context of the United States. It explores representation and diversity in popular media, racial equity in media industries, and ethnic minorities as audiences and as independent producers. Prerequisite: Junior status.
This course introduces students to ethnomusicology, the study of music using anthropological methods, using case studies of music from selected traditions from around the world. We will explore various modes of engagement with music by analyzing academic texts, doing in-class listening and performance labs, and participating in fieldwork research in the SF Bay Area.
Is health a basic human right? How is illness related to social inequality, poverty, and political conflict across the world? Are pandemics increasing in frequency and severity? This introductory course reviews cross-disciplinary approaches to the new field of global health and focuses on the unique contributions of anthropology to reveal the social, political, and cultural forces that underlie international patterns of health and disease.
Why do we eat what we eat? This exciting new course explores the myriad ways that different societies and cultures across the world produce, value, and consume food. We will learn how food practices and rituals are changing with globalization, new technologies, and a faster pace of life. Through films, readings, and fieldwork, students will engage with the current debates about the sociocultural, political, and ecological contexts of food.
Through study of the dances of Bali we examine the arts in contemporary Balinese life, along with the various historical and socio-political forces that have influenced its evolution. Lecture/discussion format, videos, and classes in Balinese music and dance.
The course explores the city from anthropological perspective. Specific topics include urban migration and urbanization, rural-urban differences, neighborhoods and ethnic groups, urban planning, global cities, and how people negotiate urban life as a particular socio-cultural world.
Students in this seminar will explore the communicative practices of various organizations concerned with social justice. Readings from cultural and communication theory will provide the conceptual background for their fieldwork.
This course combines 90-100 hours of volunteer or internship work in the San Francisco Bay Area; reading-based discussion of fieldwork research techniques, ethics, and writing; and classroom workshop discussions of students' projects. Requirements include weekly class meetings; extensive written field notes; class presentations; commentaries on other students' projects; literature review; and a final paper. It is highly recommended that students take Research Methods before enrolling in this course.
Written permission of instructor and dean is required. Offered intermittently.
