Anthropology

Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology
The major fields of interest and contributions of social and cultural anthropologists. Accounts of life in different societies are read to illustrate how institutions vary in different cultural settings and to explore what it means to be a member of a culture different from one’s own.
CAN1500.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Habiba Boumlik
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 1077

Women Cross-Culturally
An examination of some of the theoretical literature about gender and the debates concerning the position of women cross-culturally in both “simple” and complex societies.
CAN3140.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Habiba Boumlik
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:20 p.m.
Session III: June 9–27
Natural Sciences Bldg., Rm. 2001 (room updated 03/13/08)

Global Media, Local Cultures
Explores how media technologies and genres are produced, used, and interpreted in different cultural contexts around the world. Emphasis is placed on the effect of different media on people’s social identities and communities, including families, nations, and religions. Anthropological theories of media and performance are applied to ethnographic research projects in and around the Purchase College community.
Recommended: Prior background in anthropology
CAN3185.20 / 4 credits
Ahmed Afzal
Mon. & Wed., 6:30–10:05 p.m.
Session II: June 9–July 23
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1002

NEW! Body Art and Modification
The body is adorned, manipulated, and modified in both Western and non-Western societies. Forms of alteration, which include dressing, body sculpture, plastic surgery, infibulation (piercing), cicatrization (scarification), and tattooing, are examined sociologically, culturally, and historically. The symbolic and mythic associations of body modification are also explored as mechanisms of social communication that help define aesthetic and cultural meanings and perceptions.
CAN3480.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
William Peace
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Natural Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1059

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Posted Feb. 20, 2008