Exploration of the scientific principles governing natural systems and their contribution to understanding the biological evolution and cultural emergence of humans, the role of human-environmental relationships in shaping behavioral and cultural variation, and the significance of human social and cultural interactions on local, regional, and global scales.
Athena Title
Introduction to Anthropology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ANTH 1102, ANTH 2120H
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of course, students will be able to describe the breadth, fields, and methods of anthropology.
By the end of course, students will be able to explain human biological and cultural origins and development in the context of human environmental relationships.
By the end of course, students will be able to demonstrate awareness and knowledge of one's own and other society’s cultural variability within their social and environmental contexts at local, regional, and global scales.
By the end of course, students will be able to organize evidence to examine insightful patterns, differences, or similarities about human biological and cultural traits.
Topical Outline
Learning the Field of Anthropology
Methods of Anthropological Fieldwork
Theory of Evolution and Human Variation
Primate Evolution and Hominin Emergence
Hominin Evolution and Human Culture Materializing
People Settling and Society's Growing
How to Explain Modern Cultural Variation and Differences
Acquiring Food and Other Economic Things
Governance, War, and Violence
Race, Ethnicity, and Racialized Societies
Death, Dying, and the Dead
Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage
Humans, Environments, and an Anthropological Future
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
