Lisa Maya Knauer, PhD

An introduction to the basic concepts of social and cultural anthropology. Readings emphasize the comparative study of societies at different levels of socio-cultural integration and from different areas of the world. This may include a brief introduction to physical anthropology and archaeology.

Exploration of how understandings of the past are shaped by present-day politics. Students investigate how collective memories are represented and contested in public spaces such as memorials, museums and schools while honing research and writing skills. Why do we celebrate some aspects of a nation's past, while ignoring or suppressing others? Case studies include controversial events from around the world.

An exploration of the manifold interactions between human populations, cultures, and the environment from varied disciplinary perspectives including environmental anthropology, cultural ecology, and feminist and indigenous scholarship. Topics include: the racialized and gendered nature of population policy and debates, struggles over reproductive justice, challenges to our food systems, the relationship between human consumption and sustainability, and environmental activism.

An exploration of the social, cultural, and political dynamics of transnational migration which takes the U.S. as a case study. Specific questions include: why people leave their homes; how they establish new ways of life, identities, and communities; and what kinds of challenges they face along the way. We will also examine the impact immigration has had on U.S. society and develop a critical understanding of current controversies and policy debates around immigration in the U.S. This course is an upper-level elective for majors and open to non-majors.

Research project under independent faculty supervision, by permission. May be taken in sequence with 493 over 2 semesters for a total of 6 credits.