Anthropology Course Descriptions
Butler University Course
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Below are current and future course offerings and schedules.
Only classes in the Butler system are shown.
AN 101. First Year Seminar: This course will
introduce students to basic theories and methods in the disciplines
of anthropology and history though the exploration of past and
present cultural encounters and exchanges, and the diverse
responses they engendered. Topics will range across time and space
and focus on exploration, trade, colonialism, imperialism, and
current cross-cultural interaction. (U)(3)
SW 215. Introductory Anthropology: The study of
human behavior from a comparative, cross-cultural perspective.
Explores theoretical, methodological and ethical issues; the focus
is primarily socio-cultural anthropology, while addressing
archaeology, physical anthropology and linguistics.
(U)(3)
GE 109. Cultural Geography: Regions of the
World: (see description under history section)
AN 202. Encounters with Other Cultures: A
survey of writings by anthropologists and others which tell of
their experiences as travelers to other societies and as
interpreters of other cultures. Students discuss and write about
ways of playing the outsider's role and changes in the writers' own
outlooks, as well as consider the cultural contexts of the
readings. (U)(3)
AN 204. Cultures Through Film: An introduction
to cultures of the world through film, supplemented by related
ethnographic texts. Students consider the role of the film in
representation and cross-cultural understanding. (U)(3)
AN 280. Sub-Fields in Anthropology:
Introductory courses in the various sub-fields of anthropology such
as biological anthropology, archaeology, primate behavior, language
and culture are offered on an occasional basis. This may be
repeated for credit if subject matter is different. (U)(3)
AN 300. Religion and Ritual: The cross-cultural
study of such phenomena as witchcraft and magic; spirit possession;
revitalization and millenarianism; and Christianity and Islam,
primarily in contemporary, non-Western societies. Theoretical and
historical overview of anthropological approaches are addressed.
(U/G)(3)
AN301. Popular Religion: This course examines
the variety of religious practices that are part of both world and
indigenous religions traditions. Topics include: new religious
movements and popular culture; religious devotion, icons, and
iconography; gender and popular religion; pilgrimage; the
transmission of popular religious practices; and science,
pseudo-science, and popular beliefs and practices. (U/G)(3)
AN 302. The Body and Society: This course
explores symbolism, ideologies and treatments of the body
cross-culturally. Topics considered include imageries of the human
body, ideas about bodily aesthetics and bodily health, physical
treatments of the body, the relationship of body ideologies and
identify, and the body and power dynamics. (U/G)(3)
AN 304. Medical Anthropology: An introduction
to the field of medical anthropology, which explores the links
between culture, society, disease and illness. Topics include
discussion of biomedical, epidemiological, and other models of
disease; knowledge and practice of healers cross-culturally; the
relationship between religion and healing; and occupational health
issues. (U/G)(3)
AN 311. Trespass: Anthropology
of Difference: This course is about exclusions and
inclusions. All around us, there are walls and fences erected
to keep people out and hold 'others' in. Some partitions are
concrete - harsh and visible; the rest remain fluid and
negotiable. This is a course on power and the social life of
contemporary humans. (U/G) (3)
AN 312. Political Anthropology: Utilizes the
comparative perspective to study authority, organization, and
power. Topics include the ways in which authority is acquired and
accepted as legitimate, issues of comparative political systems,
local level politics, the connections between local and wider
political systems, and the cultural and symbolic aspects of power
and legitimacy. Subject matter includes political communities in
various cultural contexts. (U/G)(3)
AN 313. Nation-States and Nationalisms: This
course looks at nation-making projects and nationalist movements in
a variety of historical and geographical contexts. Students study
and then work to apply theories of nationalism to a range of case
studies from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.
(U/G)(3)
AN 314. Law and Disorder: This course examines
how law, rule, and custom shape cultural perceptions of order in
different societies throughout the world. Topics include:
comparative study of legal systems and institutions; the resolution
of conflict and violence in domestic and international arenas; and
the relationship between law and class, gender, and race.
(U/G)(3)
AN 316. Economic Anthropology: An introduction
to the anthropological, comparative study of economic systems,
challenging western assumptions about human nature, economy and
society, through ethnographic studies. Topics include production,
consumption, distribution, gift exchange, marriage transactions,
development, and social change. (U/G)(3)
AN 317. Third World Development: A critical
analysis of the complexities - and hazards - of economic
"development" in the Third World. By focusing primarily on a
micro-level, this course will explore such topics as colonialism
and post-colonialism, the sexual division of labor, migration and
disease. (U/G)(3)
AN 318. Environment and Culture: An
introduction to concepts and issues in environmental studies from
the comparative perspective of anthropology. Utilizing a wide range
of cultural case studies, this course examines the diverse ways
people make their homes and livelihoods, and the various cultural
responses devised to meet environmental limits. (U/G)(3)
AN 320. Gender and Sexuality in Globalization:
This course examines how gender is culturally constructed; the
relationships between power, sexuality and social roles; and the
key theoretical debates on gender in anthropology. (U/G)(3)
AN 328. Popular Culture: This course examines
the role and function of popular culture in different social and
cultural settings throughout the world. Students will compare the
impact of popular culture in different regions, examining the
cultural importance of such media as films, televisions, sporting
events, music, and the internet. (U/G)(3)
AN 329. Japanese Popular Culture: This course
will examine Japanese popular culture, including comics
(manga), fashion magazines, feature films, anime,
music, sports, and even children's games, to understand the social
pervasiveness and cultural force of these mediums. While focusing
on Japan, the course will introduce students to critical
theoretical perspectives about popular culture that can be applied
more broadly. (U/G)(3)
AN 335. The Global Society: This course is an
exploration of globalization and the social and cultural processes
that are transforming local life throughout the world. The course
introduces students to the impact of global capitalism,
transnational culture and political flows, and the role of global
non-government organizations in different regions. (U/G)(3)
*was AN 330*
AN 338. Language & Culture: The course will
consider the topic of human language and its use in society.
Current linguistic and socio-linguistic assumptions, language
differences and similarities, and the influence of cultural factors
will be discussed. (U/G)(3)
AN 339. Linguistics: Linguistics is the
systematic study of language from its sounds (phonetics and
phonology), words (morphology), and sentences (syntax), to its
meaning (semantics). In addition to examining language itself, this
course will cover aspects of language use such as language change,
and the role of language in society. (U/G)(3)
AN 340. Ethnographic Arts: This course
examines the cultural and social significance of art in non-Western
contexts, paying particular attention to expressive forms found in
Africa, the Americas and the Pacific. Relevant media include
sculpture and masking, architecture, body ornamentation, dance and
music. (U/G)(3)
AN 341. Ethnographic Film: Human cultural and
social diversity is explored through a series of ethnographic
films, and readings and discussions relating to those films.
Attention is given to film as a mode of cross-cultural analysis as
well as a visual medium developed in western culture.
(U/G)(3)
AN 342. Science, Technology, and Society: This
course explores the cultural aspects of scientific knowledge and
its effects, as well as the socio-cultural consequences of
scientific and technological innovation. Students will examine
issues including the power of scientific "truth" claims, the social
dynamics of laboratory settings, and science's effect on what it
means to be human. (U/G)(3)
AN 344. Foodways: Anthropological Perspectives of Food,
Nutrition and Famine: This course approaches habits of
eating from a cross-cultural, anthropological perspective, and
considers topics such as the cultural construction of food eating,
and food taboos; subsistence strategies; food and ritual; food and
gender, food and identity and world food problems. (U/G)(3)
AN 346. The Anthropology of Sport: This course
will look at sport as a topic of anthropological study. We will
explore (1) the cultural and political values produced and
reaffirmed through sports training and competition, (2) the
ritualistic and symbolic aspects of sporting events and spectacles,
(3) the messages transmitted through media-produced images of
sport. (U/G)(3)
AN 347. Asian Musics: This course provides an
ethnomusicological examination of traditional and contemporary
Asian musics. Topics include the history of Asian musics, the
analysis of music as sound and behavior, and the role of music in
daily life. The course includes hands-on drumming and playing;
non-musicians are welcome. (U/G)(3)
AN 348. Introduction to Ethnomusicology: The
Anthropology of Music: Ethnomusicology is the study of
music as sound and behavior within a cultural context. Using an
interdisciplinary approach, the course examines ethnomusicology's
intellectual history; theory and method; research and fieldwork
skills; tools for musical and behavioral analysis; and universal
and unique aspects of music in people's everyday lives.
Non-musicians welcome. (U/G)(3)
AN 349. African Musics: This course provides an
ethnomusicological examination of traditional and contemporary
African musics. Topics include the history of the musics of Africa
and the Diaspora, the analysis of music as sound and behavior, and
the role of music in daily life. The course includes hands-on
drumming; non-musicians are welcome. (U/G)(3)
AN 350. Anthropological Methods: An
introduction to the research process in cultural anthropology, with
an emphasis on qualitative methods. Students also are prepared to
conduct research, including fieldwork, to evaluate and present
research, and to critically evaluate the research of others.
(U/G)(3)
AN 352. Ethnography: Ethnography is most
generally a qualitative research approach focused on providing
detailed, in-depth description. We will approach ethnography from
two angles in this course: (1) as a topic of intellectual analysis
and critique, and (2) as a methodology that we will employ in a
research project at a specific field site. (U/G)(3)
AN 354. The American City: A methodological
introduction to American urban studies from the perspectives of
geography and anthropology; geographical and cultural change of the
structure of the American city in the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries with emphasis upon Indianapolis and the Butler-Tarkington
neighborhood. Fieldwork and service learning are highlighted.
(U/G)(3)
AN 356. Life Histories: A methodological course
in which students are prepared to collect primary data in the form
of life histories. The core of the course lies in selecting,
interviewing and recording the life history of an informant; and in
preparing that text for presentation to the class and to the
informant. (U/G)(3)
AN 360. Peoples and Cultures of Africa: A study
of the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Africa. Topics
include: the analysis of stereotypes associated with African
cultures; effects of colonialism on contemporary life; religion and
cosmology; ecological adaptation; kinship and social organization;
the expressive arts; and ethnicity. (U/G)(3)
AN 362. Peoples and Cultures of Latin America:
A survey of the peoples, societies and cultures of Latin America,
giving attention to demographic features, social differentiation,
and stratification and the major social institutions. (U/G)(3)
AN 364. Native American Cultures: A survey
course on the original, indigenous peoples of the Americas. The
course will explore stereotypes of Native Americans; the effects of
conquest and colonialism; and the resiliency of their traditions in
contemporary settings. (U/G)(3)
AN 365. Peoples and Cultures of China: This
seminar course explores the multi-ethnic nature of the Chinese
state from ancient time to the present. It covers such topics as
the relations between China proper and the grassland, Sinification,
conquest dynasties, state policies towards minority groups, forms
of ethnic identity, and ethnic nationalism. (U/G)(3)
AN 366. East Asia Through Ethnography: An
introduction to selected topics in the society and cultures of East
Asia (China, Japan, and Korea), Southeast Asia (Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines), and South Asia (the
Indian sub-continent). Topics include post-colonialism,
transnational processes, family and kinship, world and local
religious traditions and ritual practices, economic development,
and gender issues. (U/G)(3)
AN 368. Coming of Age in the Middle East: An
introduction to peoples and cultures of the contemporary Muslim
World. Social, economic and cultural diversity are approached from
the comparative viewpoint of anthropology and the role of Islam,
sometimes unifying, sometimes divisive, is considered in various
local contexts as well as from the formal, historical perspective.
(U/G)(3)
AN 370. Peoples and Cultures of Europe: A
survey of the peoples, societies, and cultures of Western and
Eastern Europe. In light of globalization and movements unifying
Europe such as the European Union, the course will pay special
attention to demographic features, cultural practices, and major
social institutions. (U/G)(3)
AN 372. Vietnam: This seminar course will
examine the different perspectives of Vietnamese history and the
diverse cultures of Vietnam, with a focus on the modern period. It
will locate the Vietnam War in a broad historical and cultural
context and will explore such themes as Chinese and French
colonialism in Vietnam, Nationalism and Communism, tradition and
revolution, peasants and revolutionaries. (U/G)(3)
AN 380. Selected Topics in Anthropology: An
in-depth analysis of the theory, methodology and subject matter in
an area not provided for in the current offerings of the
department. Pre-requisites: AN 102 and junior standing or approval
of the director. (U/G)(3)
AN 388. Documentary Film Production (1): This
course is a hands-on introduction to making videotape documentaries
with social science themes. Students learn to conceive, shoot and
edit short exercises and a final project as they develop critical
perspectives on the documentary process. (U/G)(3)
AN 390. Development of Anthropological Thought:
This course inquires into the emergence and development of
anthropological thought, theories, methods and generalizations in
the context of western social and cultural milieu. The particular
emphasis is on the changing shape of the academic discipline of
anthropology, from the late nineteenth century to the present.
Pre-requisite: AN 102 and junior standing. (U/G)(3)
AN 460. Culture and History: This course
explores anthropologists' use of historical methods, and
historians' employment of cultural analysis. Students will examine
the history of the rapprochement between the disciplines, the
fields' most influential interlocutors, significant debates, and
some of the scholarly work emerging from this disciplinary pairing.
(U/G)(3)
AN 481, 482, 483. Independent Study: An
opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of individual
interest. With permission of the director. (U/G)(1, 2, 3)
AN 484, 485. Internship: A program
offering the superior student the opportunity to participate in a
closely supervised work experience in a setting pertinent to the
major area of study. Majors are strongly encouraged to engage in
the internship experience. Prerequisites: AN 102 and permission of
the director. (U)(3, 6)
AN 486. Seminar: Intensive reading with
problems for investigation in some special field. Pre-requisites:
AN 102 and permission of the director. (U)(3)
AN 488. Documentary Film Production (2): This
course is an advanced course in making videotape documentaries with
social science themes. Students learn to conceive, shoot and edit
short exercises and a final project as they develop critical
perspectives on the documentary process. Prerequisite: AN 388 or
permission of instructor or department head. (U/G)(3)
AN 499. Honors Thesis: (U)(3)