Anthropology Major Sample Courses
- Native North Americans provides an introduction to past and contemporary Native American peoples, the historical experiences of Indian peoples, and a meaning-centered approach to understanding human
differences. - Primates in ecological communities explores the varied interactions of primates with fellow primates, other kinds of animals, and various plants in tropical communities, while considering ecological roles played by primates in these settings.
- Food and culture takes an anthropological approach in looking at the role of nutrients in human development (individual and group); cultural determinants and differences among populations; world food policy; and applied nutritional anthropology.
- Northwest coast prehistory looks at archaeological and prehistoric cultural development of peoples indigenous to the Northwest Coast of North America, from Alaska to northern California, from earliest settlement through Western contact.
Hands On Learning
The Archaeological Field School allows students to learn practical skills. Students pack up for six weeks in the summer and head out to various sites in western and central Oregon. Student-faculty research teams have carried out major archaeological studies in the Great Basin country—in the deserts east of the Cascades.
The Participatory Learning Experience in archaeology gets students into the labs to work on archaeological projects happening in the department.
Cultural anthropology students also have a chance to do research projects in the field. Professor Lynn Stephen recently had students join her to observe the conditions of
migrant farm workers in western Oregon.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Anthropology naturally lends itself to interdisciplinary studies. Classes are cross-listed in ethnic studies and women’s studies. It can be coupled with folklore, history, or sociology. It compliments psychology and premed studies, for students interested in cultural influences on medical practices.
At a time when more and more emphasis is being placed on international and cross-cultural relations, anthropology can provide a firm background in interpreting and understanding similarities and differences between groups.