The Anthropology Major
Since the inception of the program, over 270 students have
graduated from Luther College with anthropology majors. The program
is also proud to host a chapter of the Lambda Alpha anthropology
honor society.
The requirements for an anthropology major reflect our ongoing
dedication to the four-field approach. A minimum of 30 hours in
anthropology is required for the major. Eighteen of these hours
must come from five core courses that reflect the holistic nature
of the discipline. Four of these are 30-level courses (101,
102, 103, 104)
that introduce students to the different subfields of anthropology;
it is recommended that they be completed by the end of the sophomore
year. Students who begin the major late should complete the four
core courses no later than the end of the junior year. All majors
are also required to take Anthropology 401, a
seminar course taken in the spring semester of the junior year that
explores the theoretical issues that have shaped the discipline
throughout its history.
In consultation with their advisor, students are required to develop
an individualized program of study that emphasizes their personal
interests in goals by choosing from the appropriate elective courses.
Majors typically enroll in three or more electives to complete
the 30 hours required for the major. All students are also required
to complete a one-credit senior research paper.
Majors are strongly encouraged to have a field experience, accomplished
either through regular course offerings such as Anthropology 402
and 302, or through internship or study
abroad opportunities.
Courses
101 Cultural Anthropology 3
hours
A survey of the behavioral adaptations humans have assumed and integrated
to govern their relationships with the cosmos, the earth, and each
other. Religion and art, gathering or manufacturing, socialization
and marriage provide the focus for studying practices that declare
people the same even as they are different. (F,S)
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102 Physical Anthropology
4 hours
Physical anthropology examines humans and human nature from a biological
perspective.
This course serves as an introduction to the various lines of inquiry
that comprise this
sub-field of anthropology. Primary topics covered include a survey
of human biological
and cultural evolution, genetics and the mechanics of evolution,
non-human primates, and
forensic anthropology. The course includes weekly laboratory exercises
as a means of
exploring fundamental concepts. (S)
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103 Linguistic Anthropology
3 hours
An introduction to human language, with an emphasis on the relationship
between language and culture. This course will evolve from a study
of the origins of human language and explore the ways in which language
expresses and shapes human experiences. (S)
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104 Archaeology 4 hours
This course introduces students to the basic tenets of archaeology
as practiced the world over. We will look at past cultures, high
civilizations, and archaeological sites from across the globe while
developing an understanding of the fundamental tools, techniques,
and strategies that underlie interpreting the past. Normally, one
hour a week will be set aside for videos/slides and hands-on labs.
(F)
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105 Warfare in a Cross-Cultural Perspective
3 hours
Warfare and violence represent the darkest side of human nature.
This course applies an
anthropological perspective as a means of understanding its place
in human behavior.
Data from primatology, archaeology, and cultural anthropology are
applied to investigate
the nature and potential causes of this phenomenon. Emphasis will
also be placed on
evaluating the impact of modern states on the scope and prevalence
of warfare in non-
state societies. (J)
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106 Anthropology and Literature 3 hours
Anthropologist have studied and written about a variety of people
from different cultures. In variation upon the "same fields,
different grasshoppers" theme, fiction writers and film makers
also have been telling their stories bout the same cultural groups.
This course, therefore, will pair the anthropological study with
the fictional-visual story. People as diverse as the Australian
Aborigines, Southern African Basarwa (Bushmen) and others will provide
the focus. (J)
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139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
201 American Diversity 3-4 hours
An examination of various racial, ethnic, sexual, and social groups
in contemporary America and their relationship to the dominate cultural
group. America as a "melting pot" or "Anglo-Saxon
stew"? A course examining social equality's promise and reality's
fact. (Small discussion-project groups optional.) No prerequisite.
(F,S)
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202 Gender and Culture 3-4 hours
Women and men alike are defined by cultural expectations and roles
which often deny their full human needs and expressions. Selective
cross-cultural readings, films, and novels will be used to explore
the religious, ideological and cultural forces which shape women's
and men's lives within different societies. (F)
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203 Ethnology: Behind the Mask 4 hours
Cultures assume a variety of expressions. As outsiders, anthropologists
have studied them while native writers have spoken their stories
through cultural masks. Thus ethnographies, novels, and tales are
used to explore why different people so variously and uniquely express
their beliefs, activities, and lives. (S)
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204 Social and Cultural Change 4 hours
A specialized study of cultural and social factors--as various as
national and social elitism, consumerism, and revolution--which
promote change in technical and non-technical societies. Both theories
and case studies are used to explore the processes and effects of
energy flow, cultural integration, social innovation, diffusion,
and other accommodations related to social change. (S)
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205 Culture and Contemporary Life of the Navajo
3 hours
This course is an introduction to the culture and worldview of the
Dine, or Navajo, the largest American Indian tribe in the United
States. Topics include the origins and history of the Dine; the
relationship between language and worldview; religion and ceremonialism;
the social and symbolic importance of Dine women; Dine relationships
with their Pueblo, Anglo, and Hispanic neighbors; force of culture
change, past present; and the expression of traditional values in
contemporary life. The course will be taught at Rock Point, Arizona,
on the Navajo Reservation, and will include a service learning component
involving volunteer teaching at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran
Mission School. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment limit
is 8. This course is open to all students and satisfies social science
and global studies general requirements.
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301 Archaeological Research Design: Method
and Theory in Archaeology 4 hours
This course focuses on situating archaeology within the broader
context of scientific
research design, with an emphasis on field techniques. Students
will explore the history
and development of archaeological method and theory. The archaeological
research
process will be introduced, including hypothesis construction, measurement,
sampling,
and the techniques available for reconstructing and explaining human
behavior.
Additional topics covered include site formation processes, soils
and geomorphology,
archaeological ethics, and Geographic Information Systems. The course
will culminate
in the implementation of a research design for a virtual site and
a report on the results.
This course is strongly recommended as preparation for Anthropology
302 and
Anthropology 303. Offered alternate (odd) years. Prerequisite 104.
(S)
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302 Field Methods in Archaeology
4 or 6 hours
This is a hands-on experience in archaeological field techniques
offered in the summer. Students will be instructed in the fundamental
skills required to do field archaeology while conducting survey,
mapping, and excavations on real archaeological sites. This is a
labor intensive course that requires students to participate in
field work and data management procedures daily, possibly including
some evenings (depending on weather conditions). This course is
the equivalent of a full-time job and synthesizes classroom study
with real world experiences. Registering for 4 credits requires
participation in the first four weeks of the excavation; registering
for 6 credits requires participation in the full six weeks of the
excavation. Students considering a career in archaeology are strongly
encouraged to enroll for 6 credits. Offered alternate summers (even
years). Prerequisite: 104, consent of instructor; 301 is recommended.
Visit the Field School page for more information
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303 Archaeological Research Design: Laboratory
Analysis and Interpretation 4 hours
The analysis and interpretation of archaeological materials are
an integral part of
reconstructing the past. This course introduces students to the
role of post-field activities
within a larger archaeological research program. Primary attention
will be given to the
analysis and conservation of archaeological remains, including ceramics,
lithics, fauna,
and flora. Students will also be introduced to the basic principles
of statistics, database
design, classification, data collection, artifact illustration,
and report publication. The
course will utilize materials in the Luther College Archaeological
Collections; each
student will be required to design and implement an analysis of
archaeological materials
and report on the results. Offered alternate (even) years. Prerequisite:
104; 301 and 302 are
recommended. (F).
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304 Topics in Archaeology 3 or 4 hours
Topics in archaeology encompasses a wide variety of topical issues
in archaeology that will be taught on a rotating basis. A specific
course title and description will be published in the registration
materials each semester this course is offered. Currently, topics
expected to be in the next semesters include: North American Archaeology,
Latin American Archaeology, Material Culture and Technology, and
the Archaeology of Slavery. These courses are anticipated to be
presented to upper level students as surveys of specific regions
and archaeological topics. No prerequisite. (F,S)
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305 Native Peoples of North America 4 hours
The history and culture of Native American extending from the initial
settlement of the Western Hemisphere to the present. The major emphasis
of the course is on the definition of belief systems and values
that account for the distinctiveness of the Native American experience.
(F)
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380 Internship 6-8 hours
Extended field study of another culture on an individual basis representing
a one semester journey into a different cultural reality whereby
the total perspective of its members is experienced.
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385 Seminar 1-3 hours
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395 Independent Study 1-4 hours
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401 History and Theory in Anthropology
4 hours
This course explores the major figures and theories that have helped
to shape the field of anthropology. Special attention is directed
toward understanding and applying the various theoretical positions
in anthropology in light of contemporary issues. Prerequisites:
101, 102, 103, 104, and senior standing. (S)
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402 Ethnography: Methods and
Field Experience 4 hours
A field laboratory experience for those who enjoy people's activities,
stories, and testimonies will provide the substance; observing,
listening, questioning, recording, and writing will offered methods
for gaining and expressing perspectives about cultural behavior
and values. Prerequisite: 101. (S)
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403 Seminar in Applied Anthropology 3 hours
A seminar designed to familiarize students with anthropological
applications in a wide variety of fields, including medicine, education,
business and marketing, development, urban planning, and public
policy. A major focus will be issues of ethical responsibilities
to the profession, to clients, and to research populations. Offered
on a rotating basis. Prerequisite: 101 and at least 3 additional
anthropology courses.
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490 Senior Project 1-4 hours
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