College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Department of Anthropology
358 Trafton Science Center N
Phone: 507-389-6504
Chair: Paul F. Brown
Anthropology is the study of the origins and diversity of human biology and culture. Anthropologists study the evolution and adaptations of the human species through the four major subdivisions of the discipline: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. The major provides training in all areas of anthropology for the liberal arts major with an interest in global awareness, cultural diversity, human evolution and adaptation, prehistory, and an understanding of human behavior. For those interested in pursuing anthropology as a career the anthropology major is also designed to prepare students for graduate training.
Admission to major is granted by the department. Minimum university admission requirements are:
Contact the department for application procedures.
*prerequisite required
Choose a minimum of 12 credits from the following:
All require prerequisites or permission of instructor.
ANTH 250 ANTH 311 ANTH 322 ANTH 323 ANTH 331 ANTH 332 ANTH 333 ANTH 334 ANTH 410 ANTH 411 ANTH 412 ANTH 414 ANTH 415 ANTH 420 ANTH 421 ANTH 430 ANTH 431 ANTH 432 ANTH 433 ANTH 435 ANTH 436 ANTH 437 ANTH 439 ANTH 480** ANTH 485 ANTH 486** ANTH 491** ANTH 492** ANTH 493** ANTH 495** ANTH 497** ANTH 499**
**No more than 6 credits may be applied to major
Choose one of the following:
Required Minor: Yes. Any.
Choose a minimum of 9 credits from the following:
*prerequisite required
Choose a minimum of 6 credits from the following:
(all require prerequisites or permission of instructor):
ANTH 250 ANTH 311 ANTH 320 ANTH 322 ANTH 323 ANTH 331 ANTH 332 ANTH 333 ANTH 334 ANTH 410 ANTH 411 ANTH 412 ANTH 414 ANTH 415 ANTH 420 ANTH 421 ANTH 430 ANTH 431 ANTH 432 ANTH 433 ANTH 434 ANTH 435 ANTH 436 ANTH 437 ANTH 438 ANTH 439 ANTH 490 ANTH 496 ANTH 480** ANTH 485 ANTH 486** ANTH 491** ANTH 492** ANTH 493** ANTH 495** ANTH 497** ANTH 499**
** No more than three credits may be applied to minor
P/N Grading Policy. Up to 1/4 of the credits for the major may be taken P/N, but caution in using this option in the major is urged.
GPA Policy. Anthropology majors are urged to maintain a 3.0 or better GPA to maximize their options for graduate study and professional employment.
Students majoring in anthropology have an advisor from their area of interest assigned to them. Questions and concerns pertaining to advising and the assignment of advisors can be answered by Clark Johnson, student relations coordinator, 111 Armstrong Hall, telephone 507-389-6306 or by the department chair.
ANTH 101 (3) Introduction to Anthropology
This course surveys human biological and cultural diversity through time and space. You will learn about questions like: "how did humans evolve?" and "how do anthropologists collect and interpret information about human beings and their ancestors?"
F, S
GE-5, 8 CD-Related
ANTH 102 (3) Ancient Peoples
A general survey of the evolution of human society from the earliest times to the development of written languages. Topics include the evolution of tools, the agricultural revolution, and the origins of urban life.
GE-5, 10
CD-Related
ANTH 120 (3) Forensic Science: An Anthropological Approach
This anthropology course explores the areas of anatomical forensic science. Students will learn the techniques and methodology involved in collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence pertaining to human remains. The course will include such subjects as analysis of skeletal trauma, victum identification, bite-mark analysis, and crime scene recovery methods. Ethics and standards in medico-legal investigations will also be stressed.
GE-3
ANTH 210 (3) Introduction to Archaeology
A comprehensive examination of modern archaeological theory methods and activities, focusing on American archaeology. Emphasis will be given to data collection, data analysis, and museology.
Variable
ANTH 220 (4) Human Origins
An introduction to the study of human biological evolution and variation. This course focuses on evolutionary theory, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and the fossil record of human evolution.
F
GE-3 CD-Related
ANTH 230 (3) People: An Anthropological Perspective
This introduction to cultural anthropology covers cultural diversity and organization by examining several examples in detail. Both anthropological methodology and theory will be important parts of this course.
F,S
GE-8 CD-Related
ANTH 240 (3) Language and Culture
Language provides not only communication but identification of oneself and one's group. Humans are extremely sensitive to language, dialect, jargon, and slang. An understanding of language and its relationship to culture is basic to any understanding of human beings.
S
GE-5, 8 CD-Related
ANTH 250W (4) Portraits of Culture
Students learn about human cultures through classic anthropological writing and film, and write weekly or biweekly short essays about this colorful subject matter. Written work is shared, discussed and revised, graded and revised again so that students can select their most polished work for submission for their final course grade. Note: class satisfies writing intensive general education requirement.
S, SS
GE-1C, 5 CD-Related
ANTH 280 (3) Engaged Anthropology: Service Learning
Engaged Anthropology is a multidimensional service-learning course designed to facilitate real-world learning experiences for students on broad social issues; practice a variety of anthropological concepts, theories, and methods; and provide service to the local community.
Pre-requisite: ANTH 101, 230, or instructor Permission. GE-7.11
ANTH 285 (1-3) Special Topics
Courses to be offered just one time or on an irregular basis according to topic demand for a general interest, sophomore level course.
Variable
ANTH 290 (1-3) Exploratory Studies
Individual study at an introductory level on the topic of student's choice. Designed for students who wish to pursue independent study at the freshman-sophomore level rather than the more advanced level of the 499 individual study.
Pre: Consent Variable
ANTH 311 (3) Ancient Egypt
An in-depth study of ancient Egypt, focusing on the relationship between cultural development and the unique Egyptian environment of the time. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of archaeological discoveries in the area.
Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 323 (3) Primate Behavior
An examination of the ecology, behavior and biology of living primates.
Pre: ANTH 101 or 220 or consent Variable
ANTH 331 (3) Environmental Anthropology
This course focuses on studying the diversity of human societies using environmental approaches such as evolutionary/ecological perspectives and systems modeling. Case studies will be drawn from Native American cultures.
CD-Core
ANTH 332 (3) Anthropology of Religion
The variability and universality of human religious expression are explored in specific cross-cultural contexts.
F
CD-Core
ANTH 333 (3) Ethnographic Film
This course emphasizes the wealth of ethnographic information which may be captured by visual media. You will learn how to interpret the final product and how to recognize the limitations of visual presentations.
Variable
CD-Core
ANTH 334 (3) Native American Cultures of North America
American Indians adapted to environmental systems in North America with cultures ranging from small groups of forager to cities supported by intensive agriculture. This course presents a variety of perspectives of this cultural diversity from the Ice Age to the 20th century.
Variable
CD-Core
ANTH 410 (3) Archaeology of Minnesota
A detailed study of Minnesota archaeology from ca. 12,000 years ago to ca 1900, with a focus on diverse and changing Native American populations.
CD-Related
ANTH 411 (3) Archaeology of Native North America
A survey of current knowledge about the prehistoric Native American inhabitants of North America from ca. 15,000 years ago until ca. 1900. Topics will focus on the processes of cultural development, change, and disruption by Euro-American influences.
CD-Core
ANTH 412 (3) Archaeology of Latin America
A detailed study of Latin American archaeology from ca. 12,000 years ago to ca.1900, with a focus on diverse and changing Native American populations.
ANTH 414 (3) Museology
A review of the history and philosophy of museums, the legal and ethical issues impacting museums, the nature and treatment of collections, creation, exhibition and exhibit design, the role of museums in education, museum personnel and financial management, and museums in the technological/electronic age.
Pre: ANTH 101, 210, or consent Variable
ANTH 415 (3) Cultural Resource Management
Review of how cultural resources are being preserved and managed under current laws and regulations. Emphasis on examination of conservation, preservation and rescue methods in modern archaeology, and problems and issues in historic preservation and resource management.
Pre: ANTH 101, 210 or consent Variable
ANTH 420 (3) Human Osteology
An advanced examination of the human skeletal system and the application of this information in the fields of bioarchaeology, paleoanthropology and forensic anthropology. This course features hands-on identification and analysis of human skeletal material, with an emphasis on laboratory techniques.
ANTH 421 (3) Health, Culture, and Disease
Cross-cultural examination of the response of peoples in non-Western societies to the human universal of illness. Non-Western concepts of disease, health, and treatment.
Pre: ANTH 101, 220, or consent Variable
CD-Core
ANTH 422 (3) Forensic Anthropology
This course will acquaint students with the application of human osteological techniques in civil and criminal investigations, including assessment of the recovery scene, determination of identity and analysis of evidence relating to cause and manner of death.
Pre-requisite: ANTH 4/520 Human Osteology
ANTH 423 (3) Evolution and Behavior
An examination of the biological basis of human behavior and organization from an evolutionary perspective.
Pre: ANTH 101 or 220 or consent Variable
ANTH 431 (3) Applied Cultural Research
This course introduces concepts and methods of applying socio-cultural understanding to contemporary problems to bring about the empowerment of affected people. Case/field studies and other research methods in social sciences will change with special attention to its affect on disadvantaged groups of people. Students will also design their own applied projects.
Pre: ANTH 101, 230, or consent; ETHN 100, 101, or 150 or consent. Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 432 (3) Kinship, Marriage and Family
Kinship is the most basic principle of organization for all human societies. The course analyzes the main theories and methods of studying social organization, and explores cross-cultural variations in kinship, marriage and family systems.
CD-Core
ANTH 433 (3) Anthropology of Gender
Major anthropological theories of gender relations are read, discussed, and applied to a variety of contemporary ethnographic case studies.
Pre: ANTH 101, 230, or consent S
CD-Core
ANTH 435 (3) Origins of Civilization
The conditions which led to the evolution of complex societies and the ramifications of the continuing processes are the focus of this course.
Pre: ANTH 101, 230, or consent Variable
ANTH 436 (3) Anthropology of Aging
An evolutionary and cross-cultural examination of the aging process, status, and treatment of the elderly.
Pre: ANTH 101, 230, or 220, or consent Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 437 (3) Applied Anthropology
Examines the practical applications of anthropological knowledge to problem-oriented research and the problems of directed sociocultural change among contemporary populations. Selected projects and case studies are used to illustrate the complexity of applied sociocultural change.
Pre: ANTH 101, 230 or consent Variable
ANTH 438 (3) Anthropological Theory
Examination of the intellectual history of anthropology from its nineteenth century roots to today's current theoretical trends. Students will learn about the major schools of thought in anthropological theory and practice critical examination of their applications.
Pre: ANTH 101, 220 or consent F
ANTH 439 (3) Qualitative Research Methods
The aim of this course is to make students methodologically literate. Students will learn how to develop research designs that rely on qualitative research methods such as participant observation. They will learn how to apply these methods by participating in small scale studies of human behavior. Some quantitative methods will also be discussed. Students will learn critical examination of published date and conclusions.
Pre: 101, 220 or consent Variable
ANTH 480 (3-6) Fieldwork: Archeaology/Ethnology
Field experience in which method and theory are learned through participation in an ongoing field project.
Pre: Consent, or one of: ANTH 101, 102, or 220 Variable
ANTH 485 (1-3) Topics in Anthropology
This course allows faculty the flexibility to consider the challenges of new developments in anthropology. Content will vary from one course to the next. Students may take the course, with the permission of the instructor, more than one time.
Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 486 (1-3) Workshop
A brief intensive hands-on introduction to an anthropological topic usually as it applies to a particular issue or skill. Topics vary but might include: Understanding that race is not a scientific concept; combating racism and ethnocentrism; participant observation methods; culture shock; cultural diversity and communication; forensics; cultural resource conservation.
Pre: Depends on topic and instructor Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 490 (2) Senior Project
Nature and topic of the senior project is jointly determined by the student and faculty members. It may involve writing, laboratory work, fieldwork or various combinations. Planning for this project should begin early in the senior year. Students will present completed projects in a public forum. Must be taken twice/different semesters.
Pre: ANTH core courses and consent F, S
ANTH 491 (1-3) Archaeology Laboratory
An introduction to archaeological laboratory techniques and museological practice, through participation in the various processes involved.
Variable
ANTH 492 (1-3) Biological Anthropology Lab
Guided advanced laboratory work in biological/physical anthropology
Pre: Consent Variabl
ANTH 493 (1-3) Ethnology Lab
Individual projects are done in close coordination with faculty member.
Pre: Consent Variable
CD-Related
ANTH 495 (1-3) Honors Reading
Guided reading in topics of students and instructors interests. For students enrolled in Honors Program only.
Pre: Consent Variable
ANTH 496 (1-3) Senior Seminar
A special capstone course on current anthropological theory and method to be offered on demand to interested groups of senior majors and minors. The course will emphasize the integration synthesis and summary of the core course material and students' electives.
Pre: ANTH core courses and/or consent Variable
ANTH 497 (1-12) Internship
Positions may vary considerably, but all involve actual working conditions in various field positions such as museums, state parks, archaeological excavations and agencies.
Pre: Consent F, S
ANTH 499 (1-6) Individual Study
A specialized topic of the students' choices. Coordination with a faculty member is necessary.
Pre: Consent F, S
