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 2027
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: Introduction to Archaeology (3 Credits)
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: Intro to Archaeology — Jamie L Clark — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Planetary Hall 206
ANTH 121: Introduction to World Prehistory (3 Credits)
Survey of 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: Intro to World Prehistory — Elic Weitzel — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Exploratory Hall (formerly Science and Tech II) L111
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 — Kimberly Foecke — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Enterprise Hall 178
- ANTH 135 - DL1: Intro Biological Anthropology - 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 302: Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (3 Credits)
Examines Latin American cultures and selected aspects of historical record. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114, 60 hours, 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 302 - 001: Peoples/Cultures Latin Amer — Lisa C Breglia — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 4010
ANTH 307: Ancient Mesoamerica (3 Credits)
Examines the peoples and cultures of ancient Mesoamerica, including Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, and Aztec societies. Major topics include the rise of civilization, the development of the Mesoamerican cultural tradition, the growth of cities, trade, exchange, writing systems, political organization, religion, conflict, and the archaeological study of this indigenous heritage. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 120, 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 307 - 001: Ancient Mesoamerica — Elic Weitzel — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - David J. King Hall 2084
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 MW - Planetary Hall 120
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 — Andrea Chiovenda — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Innovation Hall 326
- ANTH 314 - DL1: Zombies — Terilee Edwards-Hewitt - Online
ANTH 320: Global Africa (3 Credits)
Explores the complex and distance-defying connections shaping Africa and being shaped by Africans on the continent. Emphasizes the diversity and change characterizing peoples who are at the center of world processes. Topics include popular representations of Africa and Africans, colonial and postcolonial histories, gender, money, family, religion, environment, and health. 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.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ANTH 320 - 001: Global Africa — Christopher Morris — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM R - David J. King Hall - Hybrid
ANTH 321: The Cultures of Death (3 Credits)
Explores anthropological theories and topics on death and dead bodies; cross-cultural approaches to the study of the politics of death and dead bodies, the role of the state, capitalism, social relationships, and institutions around death; and the impacts of these on managing corpses, performing rituals, and regulating emotion. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Corequisite: ANTH 114
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 321 - 001: The Cultures of Death — Huwy-min Lucia Liu — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - Innovation Hall 135
ANTH 324: Warfare, Violence, and Sacrifice in Antiquity (3 Credits)
Examines origin and nature of conflict in human society with an emphasis on the ancient past. Major topics include the possible role of violence in human evolution, cross-cultural studies of conflict in indigenous society, warfare in early states, and sacrifice as a ritual practice. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 120, 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 324 - 001: Warfare/Viol/Sacrif-Antiquity — Haagen Klaus — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - East Building 201
ANTH 374: Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers (3 Credits)
Explores the nature of traditional hunter-gatherer societies and the range of methods and theories employed by archaeologists to reconstruct the lifeways and practices of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Topics include ecology, diet, social organization, mobility, ritual, and technology from a cross-cultural perspective; case studies will derive primarily from tropical/sub-tropical and northern forager populations. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 114 or ANTH 120
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 374 - 001: Arch of Hunter-Gatherers — Jamie L Clark — Daniel H Temple — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 393: Paleopathology (3 Credits)
Provides an introduction to the field of paleopathology which involves identification of pathological conditions in human skeletal remains, and reconstruction of the natural history and co-evolution of disease with humans. Covers the differential diagnosis and history of infectious pathogens, skeletal trauma, oral diseases, metabolic abnormalities, developmental defects, and more. 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 393 - 001: Paleopathology — Haagen Klaus — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Art & Design Building L008
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: Anthropology of Islam — Yasemin Ipek — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW - Peterson Hall 2413
ANTH 450: Ethnographic Research Methods (3 Credits)
Introduces qualitative ethnographic research methods, including fieldwork, interviewing, artifact analysis, audio-visual, digital, and archival techniques, and offers practice in their application. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: 60 credits and 6 credits of ANTH including ANTH 114, 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 450 - 001: Ethnographic Research Methods — Rashmi Sadana — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM T - Innovation Hall 328 - Hybrid
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 - Horizon Hall 4008
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 — Christopher Morris - Biomedical Research Laboratory
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: Anthropology of Islam — Yasemin Ipek — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM MW - Peterson Hall 2413
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 — Rick W. A. Smith — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM M - Innovation Hall 209
ANTH 574: Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers (3 Credits)
Explores the nature of traditional hunter-gatherer societies and the range of methods and theories employed by archaeologists to reconstruct the lifeways and practices of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Topics include ecology, diet, social organization, mobility, ritual, and technology from a cross-cultural perspective; case studies will derive primarily from tropical/sub-tropical and northern forager populations. 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.
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 574 - 001: Arch of Hunter-Gatherers — Jamie L Clark — Daniel H Temple — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - David J. King Hall 2084
ANTH 584: Paleopathology (3 Credits)
Provides an introduction to the field of paleopathology which involves identification of pathological conditions in human skeletal remains, and reconstruction of the natural history and co-evolution of disease with humans. Covers the differential diagnosis and history of infectious pathogens such as tuberculosis and syphilis, skeletal trauma, oral diseases, metabolic abnormalities neoplasms developmental defects joint disease and more. 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 584 - 001: Paleopathology — Haagen Klaus — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Art & Design Building L008
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: Peoples/Cultures Latin Amer — Lisa C Breglia — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Horizon Hall 4010
ANTH 635: Regional Ethnography (3 Credits)
In-depth study of peoples and cultures of a specific world region (e.g., East Asia, Latin America, South Asia) and critical scholarship on the region. Content may include cultures defined by diaspora, migration, and other global forces and processes. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
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 635 - 001: Space, Place, and Mobilities — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Horizon Hall 4000
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 - Biomedical Research Laboratory
ANTH 635: Regional Ethnography (3 Credits)
In-depth study of peoples and cultures of a specific world region (e.g., East Asia, Latin America, South Asia) and critical scholarship on the region. Content may include cultures defined by diaspora, migration, and other global forces and processes. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
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 635 - 001: Space, Place, and Mobilities — Rashmi Sadana — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Horizon Hall 4000