Introduction to Anthropology

Introduction to Anthropology is a one-semester course designed to promote understanding of the field of anthropology and the evolution of human society and culture. Students will examine the development of anthropology as a distinct discipline, key anthropological terms, concepts, and theories, the branches of anthropology, and human origin and evolution. The course places a particular focus on culture, language and communication, art and aesthetics, subsistence and economy, and social institutions such as marriage, religion, and political systems. In unit activities, students will trace the contributions of pioneering anthropologists, analyze anthropological methods and concepts, and describe the roles and functions of socio-cultural institutions across human societies. Students will also examine social groups and kinship systems and explore concepts of race, caste, and ethnicity in anthropological context.

There are no required materials for this course.