Prerequisite/Corequisite Key
| P = Course must be taken previously | C = Course must be taken concurrently | E = Course can be taken previously or concurrently |
| (RQ) = Required | (RM) = Recommended |
ANTH 101
Cultural Anthropology
3 credit hours
Cultural anthropologists specialize in the study of culture and peoples' beliefs, practices, and the cognitive and social organization of human groups. In this course the human ways of life, with their diverse adaptations, organizational processes, social practices and belief systems are surveyed. Offered fall.
ANTH 105
Archaeology
3 credit hours
Archaeology is one of the four subdisciplines of anthropology and it focuses on the study of past human behavior through studying the material culture left behind. This course will examine the history of archaeological investigation, different theoretical approaches in archaeology, the nature of the archaeological record, archaeological survey and excavation, archaeological classification and analysis, dating techniques, artifact analysis, conservation and storage of artifacts. Offered spring.
ANTH 120
Biological Anthropology
3 credit hours
*Formerly Physical Anthropology. This introductory course is designed to provide students with an understanding of human evolution and diversity from a biological anthropological perspective. Major topics include the concept of evolution, biological relationships between humans and other primates, the fossil record of human evolution, modern human variation and adaptation, and the basic methods employed by archaeologists and biological anthropologists in the study of prehistoric and contemporary humans' biological and cultural development. Offered fall.
ANTH 214
Language, Culture and Society
3 credit hours
This course is an introduction to major anthropological and sociolinguistic concepts that explain both uniformity and diversity in language behavior. One focus is on the origin, development and variation of the world's languages. Focus on language diversity in North American English in terms of differences based on nation, region, ethnicity, class, gender, age, lifestyle and social context. Offered spring.
ANTH 235
Sex/Culture/Society
3 credit hours
In this course the sexual legacies of our primate heritage are examined. Human sexuality and gender roles are explored cross-culturally in their social, political and ideological contexts.
ANTH 240
Chicago's Arab Americans
3 credit hours
This course will explore the immigration, geographic trends, and historical settlement of the Arab community in the greater Chicagoland area. Topics will include the diversity, identity, demographics, cultural traditions, norms and practices of the Arab American community.
ANTH 243
Myth and Mythology
3 credit hours
This course serves as an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural examination of both descriptive and theoretical research on myth from the ancients to the present, in order to foster appreciation of the universal, general and particular dimensions of expressive culture. Special consideration is given to the significance of myth as a continuing source of spiritual and artistic inspiration. Offered fall.
ANTH 244
Chicago Neighborhoods
3 credit hours
Chicago, as has often been stated, is a city of neighborhoods. This course is designed to provide a sociological and an anthropological understanding of the complex, urban mosaic created by Chicago's rich and diverse neighborhood communities. Special attention will be paid to the social forces that shaped the city, as well as to the ethnic enclaves, voluntary associations, cultural institutions and historical sites that continue to enrich this vibrant metropolis. Offered fall or spring.
ANTH 245
Third World in a Global Context
3 credit hours
This course focuses on Third World issues of population, food, exports, employment and development are examined along with First World concerns for investment, trade, employment and political influence. The roles of multinational corporations, international agencies, the drug trade and other major factors in the world economic system are also explored. Offered as needed.
ANTH 250
Modern Latin America
3 credit hours
This course explores the societies and cultures of those who live in the related, yet different countries of this dynamic region. Their multiple heritages, modern institutions, changing lifestyles and world context are examined. Offered spring.
ANTH 251
Native American Cultures
3 credit hours
This course focuses on the social and cultural adaptations made by the first Americans to the environments of North America. Students will explore the past and present lives of Native Americans through archaeology, cultural anthropology, ethnography, and bioarchaeology. The transformations that have occurred since contact and the present conditions for Native Americans will also be explored. Offered fall.
ANTH 265
Middle East and North African (MENA) Cultures
3 credit hours
*Formerly Middle Eastern Cultures. The Middle East is built on a magnificent legacy of civilizations dating back to ancient times. Today, the Middle East continues to offer the world a rich cultural contribution. This course explores the peoples and cultures of the Middle East and offers an anthropological understanding of the diversity in the Middle East by examining societal differences in cultural practices, male-female relations, music, literature, kinship systems, religions and traditions, history and heritage, ethnic minorities, social identity and social change. This course will also analyze the impact of colonialism and imperialism on the contemporary political and group conflicts among the various peoples of the Middle East. Offered fall.
ANTH 285
Special Topics in Anthropology
3 credit hours
The subject matter of this course will vary depending on student interest and faculty resources. Open to students of all majors.
ANTH 295
Great Discoveries in Archaeology
3 credit hours
This course is a journey of discovery and exploration of our human past covering more than 4 million years and spanning all continents. The course explores ancient civilizations and surveys their most important sites and discoveries. The archaeological discoveries range from the treasure of the Tutankhamun tomb in Egypt to the less spectacular, but important, fossil record in Africa. Illustrated lectures, hands-on projects and analysis of material remains left behind by the earlier peoples will introduce students to ancient achievements that capture our imagination and motivate us to learn more about our past. Offered as needed.
ANTH 309
Gender and Globalization
3 credit hours
This course examines the economic, socio-political and cultural aspects of globalization within the framework of contemporary debates about gender. The main focus will be on how globalization affects gender roles, ideology, and the experiences of men and women in a global context. Class discussions will revolve around sex and gender comparisons, both nationally and internationally, in the following tiers: work/career, academic institutions, religious institutions, government procedure and law, and in society and socialization at large. We will examine historic and modern day concepts of gender ideology and application, and how it currently affects people on the micro and macro scale, in addition to how these applications may influence future societies. Offered as needed.
ANTH 330
Folklore
3 credit hours
P: ENGL-120 or HONOR-150
Introduction to the study of the folklore of the major areas of the world, concentrating on the study of the folktale. Offered spring.
ANTH 355
Who Owns the Past?
3 credit hours
Through the use of case studies, this course tracks some of the uses and abuses of archaeology and the cultural past, in an attempt to understand how this constructed past is used to strengthen religious, national and ethnic loyalties. This course will also focus on ethical issues related to archaeology and cultural property collection, repatriation, looting and museum representation of the self and other. Offered spring.
ANTH 385
Fieldwork in Anthropology/Archaeology
1 to 6 credit hours
P: ANTH-101 or ANTH-105 or consent of instructor
Participation in anthropological research and/or archaeological field excavations or survey overseas or in the U.S. under the supervision of SXU faculty anthropologists/archaeologists.
ANTH 390
Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours
Students who have done exceptionally well may take this course to pursue a topic of their own choosing. The student's eligibility, general topic, specific selection of readings and the format (e.g., a research paper, tutorial, short summary essays) will be worked out with the instructor. Offered by special arrangement.