Edmonds College Logo
Apply or request info
Social Sciences & Cultural Studies

Anthropology Course Descriptions

ANTH& 100: Survey of Anthropology: CD

Credits: 5.00

Anthropology draws from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to think critically about what it means to be human. We focus on diverse answers that humans have produced to fundamental questions. Who are we? Where did we come from? Where do we go from here?

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define anthropology and each of its primary subfields: biological, cultural, linguistic and archaeological.
  2. Explain the theory of evolution and its primary principles.
  3. Describe human relationships with animals, plants and natural resources as part of an ecosystem.
  4. Define traditional ecological knowledge and its role in culture and adaptation.
  5. Identify the fossil, genetic and artifactual evidence for human evolution and migration.
  6. Outline the history of human evolution and migrations out of Africa.
  7. Define culture and explain its importance as an adaptive tool in human societies.
  8. Describe the significance of agriculture, cities, industry and globalization in cultural evolution.
  9. Explain the role of language, religion and social systems in human culture.
  10. Outline anthropological methods, including scientific method and participant observation.
  11. Define ethnocentrism and cultural relativism and describe the ways that each can impede our understanding of other humans.
  12. Identify ways that anthropological methods and knowledge can be applied to help solve contemporary problems.

ANTH 130: American Religious Diversity: CD

Credits: 5.0

Diversity of American religious experiences from historical and cultural perspectives, including the interaction between globalization, immigration, ethnicity, and culture in American Indian, Western, and Eastern traditions. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: DIVST 130.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate, analyze,and apply social scientific theories of religion and ethnicity.
  2. Discuss diverse religious beliefs with peers in classroom.
  3. Present, in writing and/or orally, results of theoretical analyses, reading, and/or ethnographic research.
  4. Examine and evaluate the historical impact of colonialism, immigration, politics, racism, economics, and globalization on American religious experiences.
  5. Compare and contrast the beliefs, growth, development, and success of American Indian, Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Baha'i, Hindu,Buddhist, and/or other traditions in the Americas.
  6. Conduct and reflect upon a service-learning project in partnership with a local religious community, government agency, tribe, or nonprofit.
  7. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.
  8. Critically evaluate and responsibly use and cite library and online resources.

ANTH 155: Special Topics in Anthropology

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Special topics in Anthropology are studied.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate and apply social scientific theories.
  2. Present, in writing and/or orally, results of theoretical analyses and/or ethnographic research.
  3. Connect special topic to cultural diversity.
  4. Engage with communities and/or individuals through action and/or research.

ANTH 198: Individual Project In Anthropology

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Selection, design and completion of project in the field of intermediate to advanced anthropology. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project. S/U grade option. Registration permitted first seven weeks as space is available. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Examine and evaluate an independent topic while employing anthropological theories and/or approaches.
  2. Propose an independent topic and project.
  3. Communicate in writing and/or orally the results of independent service-learning and/or research project.
  4. Select cultural topics of interest and propose a means for exploring them.
  5. Conduct a service-learning or research project in partnership with a community group or organization.

ANTH 201: Human Ecology I: CD

Credits: 5.0

Apply traditional ecological knowledge and modern science to contemporary problems. Partner with tribes, governments, nonprofits and businesses to make our community more sustainable through wildlife tracking, ethnobotany, tribal canoe journey and environmental stewardship.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Conduct participant observation and service-learning activities with tribes, government agencies and/or nonprofit organizations.
  2. Explain the value of participant observation and service-learning as research tools in anthropology and the social sciences.
  3. Describe and discuss the significance of relationships between human social systems and the ecosystems in which they participate.
  4. Identify common native and invasive plants of Western Washington and describe their cultural uses.
  5. Identify common species of animals in Western Washington and recognize their tracks and signs.
  6. Outline and apply the scientific method.
  7. Participate directly in collaborative field-based activities employing scientific approaches to ecological stewardship.
  8. Explain the theory of evolution and its impact on humans and their ecosystems.
  9. Identify government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business and industry involved in sustainable development.
  10. Maintain field notes that record, describe and/or quantify human interventions in local ecosystems.
  11. Reflect orally and in writing on the value of service as a means of making a difference in a community.
  12. Distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable human-ecosystem interactions.
  13. Identify the crucial role of culture in the sustainability of human-ecosystem interactions.

ANTH 202: Human Ecology II

Credits: 5.0

Apply traditional ecological knowledge and modern science to contemporary problems. Partner with tribes, governments, nonprofits, and businesses to make our community more sustainable through wildlife tracking, ethnobotany, tribal canoe journeys, and environmental mentorship. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 201 with a minimum grade of 2.0 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Conduct participant observation and service-learning activities with tribes, government agencies, and/or nonprofit organizations.
  2. Explain the value of participant observation and service-learning as research tools in anthropology and the social sciences.
  3. Describe and discuss the significance of relationships between human social systems and the ecosystems in which they participate.
  4. Identify common native and invasive plants of Western Washington and describe their cultural uses.
  5. Identify common species of animals in Western Washington and recognize their tracks and signs.
  6. Outline and apply the scientific method.
  7. Participate directly in collaborative field-based activities employing scientific approaches to ecological stewardship.
  8. Explain the theory of evolution and its impact on humans and their ecosystems.
  9. Identify government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business and industry involved in sustainable development.
  10. Maintain field notes that record, describe and/or quantify human interventions in local ecosystems.
  11. Reflect orally and in writing on the value of service as a means of making a difference in a community.
  12. Distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable human-ecosystem interactions.
  13. Identify the crucial role of culture in the sustainability of human-ecosystem interactions.
  14. Share an indigenous narrative, news story, poem or other reading material conveying traditional ecological knowledge.
  15. Lead a reflection activity inviting other students to connect their service with their learning.
  16. Lead a team of students through a term-long stewardship project culminating in an essay and oral presentation.
  17. Serve as a peer advocate/mentor to other students new to ecological stewardship.

ANTH 203: Human Ecology III

Credits: 5.0

Apply traditional ecological knowledge and modern science to contemporary problems. Partner with tribes, governments, nonprofits, and businesses to make our community more sustainable through wildlife tracking, ethnobotany, tribal canoe journeys, and environmental mentorship. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 202 with a minimum grade of 2.0 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Conduct participant observation and service-learning activities with tribes, government agencies, and/or nonprofit organizations.
  2. Explain the value of participant observation and service-learning as research tools in anthropology and the social sciences.
  3. Describe and discuss the significance of relationships between human social systems and the ecosystems in which they participate.
  4. Identify common native and invasive plants of Western Washington and describe their cultural uses.
  5. Identify common species of animals in Western Washington and recognize their tracks and signs.
  6. Outline and apply the scientific method
  7. Participate directly in collaborative field-based activities employing scientific approaches to ecological stewardship.
  8. Explain the theory of evolution and its impact on humans and their ecosystems.
  9. Identify government agencies, nonprofit organizations, business and industry involved in sustainable development.
  10. Maintain field notes that record, describe and/or quantify human interventions in local ecosystems.
  11. Reflect orally and in writing on the value of service as a means of making a difference in a community.
  12. Distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable human-ecosystem interactions.
  13. Identify the crucial role of culture in the sustainability of human-ecosystem interactions.
  14. Share an indigenous narrative, news story, poem or other reading material conveying traditional ecological knowledge.
  15. Lead a reflection activity inviting other students to connect their service with their learning.
  16. Lead a team of students through a term-long stewardship project culminating in an essay and oral presentation.
  17. Serve as a peer advocate/mentor to other students new to ecological stewardship.
  18. Lead training sessions of other students new to ecological stewardship.

ANTH& 204: Archaeology: CD

Credits: 5.0

Archaeology examines prehistoric and historic record of human biological and cultural diversity and evolution. Focus on methods, dating, and analysis. Explore ethical issues, community consultations, and heritage conservation. Service-learning activities engage students in meaningful local projects. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define key terms and concepts in archaeology, including those used in lab and fieldwork.
  2. Describe major transitions in human biological and cultural evolution.
  3. Identify methods used to locate, survey, and excavate archaeological sites.
  4. Communicate orally and in writing about archaeological principles, concepts, and issues.
  5. Apply ethical standards in a community-engaged approach to cultural resources.
  6. Demonstrateknowledgeof the role of citizen science and service-learning in the stewardship of natural and cultural resources.
  7. Critically evaluate and responsibly use and cite library and online resources.
  8. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

ANTH& 206: Cultural Anthropology: CD

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to the nature of culture as a set of rules for the shared, learned, and patterned forms of behavior found in each society. Emphasis on theoretical orientation, cultural adaptation and integration, social organization, and cultural variation.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define key terms, concepts, and subfields in anthropology.
  2. Conduct and explain the value of participant observation and service-learning with local community partners.
  3. Identify the crucial role of culture, evolution, and diversity in thesustainability of human-ecosystem interactions.
  4. Explain how societies are interrelated and the increasing impact of globalization on human lives and cultures.
  5. Recognize and describe key features of human cultures and society: language, subsistence, family, kinship, ethnicity, religion, socialization, politics, economics, gender, etc.
  6. Identify ways that cultural anthropological research methods, knowledge and skills can be applied to the solution of contemporary world problems.
  7. Critically evaluate and responsibly use and cite library and online resources.
  8. Apply knowledge, awareness, and skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

ANTH& 207: Linguistic Anthropology: CD

Credits: 5

The comparative study of human languages and other forms of communication. Includes culturally diverse and non-verbal systems, and comparisons with non-human forms of communication. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the basic theoretical and methodological approaches of linguistic anthropology.
  2. Identify and describe the complex relationships between communication, language, and culture across species and from multiple perspectives.
  3. Apply principles of linguistic analysis to deconstruct languages and understand their evolution.
  4. Recognize complex relationships between language, class, gender, and ethnicity.
  5. Apply perspectives from anthropology and diversity studies to significant social issues in local communities, through service learning.
  6. Apply knowledge, awareness, and skills to identify and analyze issues related to linguistic and cultural diversity.
  7. Critically evaluate, and responsibly use and cite library and online resources.

ANTH& 210: Indians of North America: CD

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to American Indian and Indigenous Studies, a field of research grounded in the study of American Indian and Indigenous peoples with the goal of fostering individual and community wellness, political self-determination, cultural revitalization, and cross-cultural understanding.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Outline the cultural contributions of indigenous peoples to the history and society of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America.
  2. Identify and describe major indigenous cultural groups in North America.
  3. Define anthropology and culture.
  4. Distinguish cultural anthropology from archaeology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology and other social and natural sciences.
  5. Conduct participant observation and service-learning with tribal communities.
  6. Explain the value of participant observation and service-learning as research tools in cultural anthropology and the social sciences.
  7. Describe and discuss the significance of relationships between indigenous social systems and the ecosystems in which they participate.
  8. Define traditional ecological knowledge and explain its significance for contemporary societies.
  9. Explain the theory of evolution and its impact on humans and their cultures.
  10. Reflect orally and in writing on the value of service as a means of making a difference in a community.
  11. Identify the crucial role of culture in the sustainability of indigenous societies.
  12. Outline the historical conditions that led to tribes, First Nations and other forms of social and political organization in native communities.
  13. Explain how indigenous societies are impacted by modern states and globalization.
  14. Define ethnocentrism and cultural relativism.

ANTH& 215: Bioanthropology w/Lab: CD

Credits: 5.00

Students examine human origins, diversity, and sexuality from the perspective of physical anthropology. Topics include evolution, genetics, comparative anatomy, fossil record, biocultural adaptation, and human physical and sexual variation. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Distinguish between scientific and nonscientific approaches to human origins.
  2. Explain the basic principles of evolution (natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift).
  3. Examine and evaluate the application of genetics to human evolution and migration patterns.
  4. Compare and contrast various animal skeletal anatomy, track, and sign.
  5. Examine and evaluate the ape and hominid fossil record.
  6. Compare and contrast biological and cultural impacts on human physical and sexual variation.
  7. Conduct participant observation and service-learning with local community organizations.
  8. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

ANTH& 216: Northwest Coast Indians: CD

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to the cultures and governing structures of Indigenous peoples of American Indian and First Nations tribal communities in the North, coastal British Columbia, and Pacific Northwest region as self-determining actors in a contemporary multicultural and global region.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe, compare and contrast orally and in writing diverse Northwest Coast indigenous cultures.
  2. Identify and evaluate strengths and limitations of archaeological, ethnohistorical, ethnographic, and sociocultural methods and theories.
  3. Evaluate current competing accounts of the origins and development of Northwest Coast cultural traditions.
  4. Enumerate and describe impacts of European colonization of the Northwest Coast on indigenous people.
  5. Describe the intricacies of important political, economic, religious, and social issues Native Americans and First Nations face today, such as land claims, fishing rights, ecotourism, casinos, whaling, repatriation, and sovereignty.
  6. Conduct participant observation and service-learning with local tribal communities.
  7. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

ANTH 220: Women of The World: CD

Credits: 5.0

Explores the diversity of ways that women create, influence, and challenge conventions and representations of gender, sexuality, race, class, and nationality.Comparative analysis of women's lives from class to culture, from work to marriage patterns, health issues, violence and protection, and grassroots organizing. (Dual listed as WOMEN 220). Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL&101 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: WOMEN 220.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define anthropology and culture.
  2. Define women's studies and feminism.
  3. Conduct participant observation and service-learning projects with local community partners.
  4. Explain the value of participant observation and service learning as research tools in anthropology and women's studies.
  5. Describe and discuss the significance and impact of women in cultural systems.
  6. Describe the impact of women's lives on the cultural landscapes they inhabit.
  7. Reflect orally and in writing on the value of service as a means of making a difference in a community.
  8. Explain how societies are interrelated and theimpact of globalization on women's lives and cultures.
  9. Use a culturally relative approach to the exploration of women's lives in various cultures.

ANTH 255: Special Topics in Anthropology

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Special topics in Anthropology are studied.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Evaluate anthropological concepts and theories within a specific topical context.
  2. Describe orally and/or in writing key anthropological concepts related to a specific topic.
  3. Conduct participant observation and service-learning with local community organizations.
  4. Explore the role of culture and diversity within a selected anthropological topic.

ANTH 270: Field Methods In Archaeology: CD

Credits: 5.0

Experience archaeological field methods through lectures, excavation, and laboratory analysis of cultural materials. Immersion in local culture and history enables students to contribute to public education efforts and gain traditional cultural knowledge. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 099.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Participate in a group learning experience and contribute to the solution of common archaeological tasks and problems.
  2. Describe local culture, traditional subsistence, settlement practices, technology, and art.
  3. Participate in local cultural renewal efforts.
  4. Communicate with the public about techniques in archaeological fieldwork, and about regional archaeology and local history in the immediate vicinity of the field school.
  5. Distinguish between theoretical approaches in archaeology (e.g., culture history and culture process; typological and population thinking) and describe the effect of each on data collection, analysis, and inference.
  6. Explain the three phases of cultural resource management in archaeology: cultural resource inventory, testing, and mitigation.
  7. Compare and contrast excavation by natural and arbitrary stratigraphic units and explain the methodological contexts in which each is useful.
  8. Perform laboratory techniques necessary to conserve and curate cultural materials.
  9. Prepare and maintain a field notebook meeting generally accepted scientific standards for research in the field, including the documented events, observations, data, line drawings, etc.

ANTH 271: Laboratory Methods In Archaeology: CD

Credits: 2.0

Hands on work with archaeological materials in a laboratory setting and proper techniques of artifact preparation, identification, documentation, data collection, and curation. Analytic techniques applied to current research questions.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify common types of artifacts found in archaeological sites. This will include working with classifications and taxonomic keys to identify cultural material and various species of animals and plants derived from archaeological contexts.
  2. Demonstrate protocols for data collection, labeling and cataloging of archaeological artifacts.
  3. Demonstrate competency in gathering and/or manipulating data derived from cultural remains.
  4. Analyze cultural data within the context of a current research question.
  5. Participate in at least one aspect of the development of a final archaeological field report.

ANTH 272: Field Methods In Archaeology II

Credits: 5.0

Experience archaeological field methods through lectures, excavation, and laboratory analysis of cultural materials. Contribute to public education efforts and gain traditional cultural knowledge through immersion in local culture and history. Serve as peer advocates for introductory students. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 270 with a mininum grade of 2.0 and placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Participate in a group learning experience and contribute to the solution of common archaeological tasks and problems.
  2. Describe local culture, traditional subsistence, settlement practices, technology, and art.
  3. Participate in local cultural renewal efforts.
  4. Communicate with the public about techniques in archaeological fieldwork, and about regional archaeology and local history in the immediate vicinity of the field school.
  5. Distinguish between theoretical approaches in archaeology (e.g., culture history and culture process; typological and population thinking) and describe the effect of each on data collection, analysis, and inference.
  6. Explain the three phases of cultural resource management in archaeology: cultural resource inventory, testing, and mitigation.
  7. Compare and contrast excavation by natural and arbitrary stratigraphic units and explain the methodological contexts in which each is useful.
  8. Perform laboratory techniques necessary to conserve and curate cultural materials.
  9. Prepare and maintain a field notebook meeting generally accepted scientific standard for research in the field, including the documented events, observations, data, line drawing, etc.
  10. Lead a team of students through archaeological fields activities.
  11. Serve as a peer advocate/mentor to other students new to archaeological field methods.

ANTH 273: Laboratory Methods In Archaeology II: CD

Credits: 2.0

Experience hands on work with archaeological materials in a laboratory setting. Learn proper techniques of artifact preparation, identification, documentation, and data collection. Apply analytic techniques to current research questions. Serve as peer advocate for introductory students. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 271 with a minimum grade of 2.0 and placement in ENGL 099 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify common types of artifacts found in archaeological sites. This will include working with classifications and taxonomic keys to identify cultural material and various species of animals and plants derived from archaeological contexts.
  2. Demonstrate protocols for data collection, labeling and cataloging of archaeological artifacts.
  3. Demonstrate competency in gathering and/or manipulating data derived from cultural remains.
  4. Investigate cultural data within the context of a current research question.
  5. Write clear and concise descriptions and analyses of artifacts.
  6. Develop leadership skills as they lead a team of students through archaeological lab activities.
  7. Effectively communicate, as a mentor, with other students new to archaeological field methods.

ANTH 274: Field Methods In Archaeology III

Credits: 5.0

Experience archaeological field methods through lectures, excavation, and laboratory analysis of cultural materials. Contribute to public education efforts and gain traditional cultural knowledge through immersion in local culture and history. Serve as peer advocates for introductory students. Explore archaeology careers. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 272 with a minimum grade of 2.0 and placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Participate in a group learning experience and contribute to the solution of common archaeological tasks and problems.
  2. Describe local culture, traditional subsistence, settlement practices, technology, and art.
  3. Participate in local cultural renewal efforts.
  4. Communicate with the public about techniques in archaeological fieldwork, and about regional archaeology and local history in the immediate vicinity of the field school.
  5. Distinguish between theoretical approaches in archaeology (e.g., culture history and culture process; typological and population thinking) and describe the effect of each on data collection, analysis, and inference.
  6. Explain the three phases of cultural resource management in archaeology: cultural resource inventory, testing, and mitigation.
  7. Compare and contrast excavation by natural and arbitrary stratigraphic units and explain the methodological contexts in which each is useful.
  8. Perform laboratory techniques necessary to conserve and curate cultural materials.
  9. Prepare and maintain a field notebook meeting generally accepted scientific standards for research in the field, including the documented events, observations, data, line drawings, etc.
  10. Lead a team of students through archaeological field activities.
  11. Serve as peer advocate/mentor to other students new to archaeological field methods.
  12. Prepare for career options in archaeology.

ANTH 275: Laboratory Methods In Archaeology III: CD

Credits: 2.0

Experience hands on work with archaeological materials in a laboratory setting. Learn proper techniques of artifact preparation, identification, documentation, and data collection. Apply analytic techniques to current research questions. Serve as peer advocate for introductory students. Explore archaeology careers. Prerequisite(s): ANTH 273 with a minimum grade of 2.0 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify common types of artifacts found in archaeological sites. This will include working with classifications and taxonomic keys to identify cultural material and various species of animals and plants derived from archaeological contexts.
  2. Demonstrate protocols for data collection, labeling, and cataloging of archaeological artifacts.
  3. Demonstrate competency in gathering and/or manipulating data derived from cultural remains.
  4. Analyze cultural data within the context of a current research question.
  5. Contribute to the development of an archaeology field report.
  6. Lead a team of students through archaeological field activities.
  7. Serve as a peer advocate/mentor to other students new to archaeological field methods.
  8. Prepare for diverse career options in archaeology.

ANTH 298: Individual Project In Anthropology

Credits: 5.0

Selection, design and completion of project in the field of intermediate to advanced anthropology. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project. S/U grade option. Registration permitted first seven weeks as space is available. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Examine and evaluate an independent topic while employing anthropological theories and/or approaches.
  2. Propose an independent topic and project.
  3. Communicate in writing and/or orally the results of independent service-learning and/or research project.
  4. Select cultural topics of interest and propose a means for exploring them.
  5. Conduct a service-learning or research project in partnership with a community group or organization.
TOP