Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Anthropology Spring 2026
Undergraduate
ANTH 114: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 Credits)
Overview of major ideas and approaches to the study of cultures around the world. Surveys kinship, social organization, political economy, religious beliefs, language and other aspects of non-Western cultures. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
ANTH 120: Unearthing the Past: Prehistory, Culture and Evolution (3 Credits)
Introduction to archaeology. Explores the ways in which the archaeological record contributes to issues and debates about the human past and present, as well as the lab and field methods used for understanding archaeological remains. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 120 - 001: Unearthng Past:Prehst Cult Evo — Jamie L Clark — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Music Theater Building 1006
ANTH 121: People of the Earth: Humanity's First Five Million Years (3 Credits)
Introduction to world prehistory. Begins with the biological, cultural, and technological evolution of the human species during a period known as the Paleolithic, followed by a consideration of developments following the end of the last Ice Age, focusing primarily on the origins of agriculture and the rise of complex societies around the globe. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 121 - 001: People of the Earth — Elic Weitzel — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Buchanan Hall D005
ANTH 135: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (3 Credits)
Uses an evolutionary perspective to introduce students to the study of humans and non-human primates as biological organisms. The course will analyze the genetic and environmental bases for modern human biological variation, understand primate behavior and biological relationships, and reconstruct the fossil record. Discussions about prehistoric skeletal remains will emphasize biological responses to changes in subsistence and social structure. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 135 - 001: Intro Biological Anthropology — Rick W. A. Smith — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Lecture Hall 1
- ANTH 135 - DL1: Intro Biological Anthropology — Kimberly Foecke - Online
ANTH 136: Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab (1 Credit)
This anthropology laboratory uses a biocultural and evolutionary perspective to introduce students to the study of humans and non-human primates as biological and social organisms. Covers primate evolution and biological relationships past and present, the fossil record of humans and our ancient relatives, and genetic, social, and environmental bases for the biological variation of living humans. Students will learn basic skeletal anatomy and use this information to reconstruct evolutionary shifts. Students will also identify evidence for disease and demographic shifts during major adaptive transitions and historical events such as agriculture, urbanization, and colonialism. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Natural Science with Lab
Registration Restrictions:
Required Prerequisite: ANTH 135*C.
* May be taken concurrently.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
Schedule Type: Laboratory
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
ANTH 308: Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (3 Credits)
Examines the anthropological literature on peoples and cultures of the Middle East, with particular attention to political and social change over the course of the 20th century. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 308 - 001: Peoples/Culture of Middle East — Yasemin Ipek — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Horizon Hall 3012
ANTH 312: Political Anthropology (3 Credits)
Examines cultural and ecological contexts of political structures and competition for power in selected societies; and cross-cultural and comparative approaches to study of political conflict, leadership, values, and symbolism. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 hrs, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 312 - DL1: Political Anthropology — Melissa Kerr Chiovenda - Online
ANTH 313: Myth, Magic, and Mind (3 Credits)
Examines religion as a cultural system. Topics include mythology, ritual, symbolism, and dogma. Emphasizes cross-cultural and predominantly non-Western material. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 313 - 001: Myth, Magic and Mind — Aziza Bayou — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - East Building 201
ANTH 314: Zombies (3 Credits)
Explores how human beings across cultures have historically expressed social anxieties through references to the one particular manifestation of the undead: zombies, figures representing a state in which human beings are animate and affective in the world around them, but lack consciousness or free will. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 314 - 001: Zombies — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - East Building 201
- ANTH 314 - DL1: Zombies — Terilee Edwards-Hewitt - Online
ANTH 363: Humans, Disease, and Death (3 Credits)
Explores human health and disease from anthropological and evolutionary perspectives. Examines what a disease is, what causes them, how we have co-evolved with diseases, how disease patterns have changed over human history, and the future of disease. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 363 - 001: Human Disease Death — Haagen Klaus — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - Planetary Hall 122
ANTH 377: Mortuary Archaeology (3 Credits)
Focuses on the study of burial patterns and death rituals in antiquity by introducing students to the methods of burial excavation, examining the history of mortuary archaeology theory and engagement with processual and postprocessual schools of thought, and examining case studies from around the world to decode the complex symbolisms encoded in burial practices. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 135.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 377 - 001: Mortuary Archaeology — Haagen Klaus — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 382: Urban Anthropology (3 Credits)
Uses tools and resources of sociocultural anthropology to study life in cities in a comparative, global context, including topics such as poverty, discrimination, migration, transnationalism, and urban planning. Case studies draw from different urban environments in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and North America. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114 and 60 credits, or Permission of Instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 382 - 001: Urban Anthropology — Rashmi Sadana — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Horizon Hall 4016
ANTH 399: Issues in Anthropology (3 Credits)
Topic of contemporary interest in anthropology, changing from semester to semester, and focusing on topics such as sex roles, anthropology and ethics, and primate social organization. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 hours, and permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 399 - 001: Experimental Archaeology — Kimberly Foecke — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 400: Engaging the World: Anthropological Perspectives (3 Credits)
Examines selected topics with emphasis on the integration of different kinds of knowledge and the balancing of alternative ways of assessing meaning and relevance. Topics usually drawn from issues of global economic processes, civic rights and responsibilities, ethics, museums, public policy, the environment, and migration. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 credits, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 400 - 001: Anthropology in Action — Jamie L Clark — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Horizon Hall 5001
ANTH 490: History of Anthropological Theory (3 Credits)
Reviews major theoretical traditions and schools of thought in anthropology. Notes: Required for Anthropology majors, and for students applying to the Accelerated Master's program in Anthropology. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: 60 hours and 9 hours of ANTH.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 490 - 001: Anthropological Theory — Christopher Morris — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Peterson Hall 1106
ANTH 495: Internship (1-6 Credits)
Supervised project in applying anthropology in relevant settings including public and historical archaeology, developmental anthropology, museums, non-profit organizations, advocacy, communications, or consulting organizations. Notes: Students must complete 45 hours of work at the internship site for each credit. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: 60 credits or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 495 - 001: Internship — Jamie L Clark - 9900 Main Street
ANTH 399: Issues in Anthropology (3 Credits)
Topic of contemporary interest in anthropology, changing from semester to semester, and focusing on topics such as sex roles, anthropology and ethics, and primate social organization. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 hours, and permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 399 - 001: Experimental Archaeology — Kimberly Foecke — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - David J. King Hall 2084
Graduate
ANTH 537: Biocultural Theory in Anthropology (3 Credits)
Read and debate the historical propositions of anthropological and evolutionary thinking in relation to biocultural anthropology, and discuss readings that illustrate how new conceptual frameworks push the boundaries of biocultural thinking and outline the promise of an integrated anthropological perspective in understanding human biological variation. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 535
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 537 - 001: Biocultural Anthropology — Daniel H Temple — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 4000
ANTH 577: Mortuary Archaeology (3 Credits)
Focuses on the study of burial patterns and death rituals in antiquity by introducing students to the methods of burial excavation, examining the history of mortuary archaeology theory and engagement with processual and postprocessual schools of thought, and examining case studies from around the world to decode the complex symbolisms encoded in burial practices. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 577 - 001: Mortuary Archaeology — Haagen Klaus — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 599: Contemporary Issues in Anthropology (3 Credits)
Explores current issues and debates in anthropology. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 18 credits.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 599 - 001: Experimental Archaeology — Kimberly Foecke — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 616: Anthropology of the City (3 Credits)
Examines classic and contemporary works in urban theory, in light of broader scholarly discussions of modernity and globalization. Uses a case-study approach to analyze topics such as: public and private space, citizenship and governance, architecture and design, housing, transportation, formal and informal settlements, and the contest over space and environmental resources in cities around the world. Notes: Course may be offered fall or spring. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 616 - 001: Anthropology of the City — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 1007
ANTH 650: Methods in Anthropology (3 Credits)
Reviews and examines major research methods commonly employed in cultural anthropological field study, with emphasis on ethnographic research design and the use of standard ethnographic techniques. Includes practice in designing ethnographic research project and using ethnographic methods and techniques in a field setting. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to ANTH 586.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 650 - 001: Methods in Anthropology — Christopher Morris — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R - Peterson Hall 1106
ANTH 690: Internship (3-6 Credits)
All internships must be approved by faculty advisor to ensure suitability to the student's course of study. Introduction to applied anthropology through approved work and study at a museum, institute, agency, or other approved site. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Graduate standing, with 3 hours of methods and 12 hours in program, or by permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Special scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Special scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 690 - 001: Internship — Rick W. A. Smith - 9900 Main Street