Graduate Course Listing

Through the study of human populations from an 'anthropological perspective', this course examines the common biological anthropology research theories and methods. The focus will be on quantitative methods for the various subareas of biological anthropology, as well as introducing students to the theory of anthropological demography.

(Required for students not taking ANTH 5000) An examination and evaluation of major theories and methods and their relationship to problems in archaeological analysis and interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on the history of archaeological thought and its implications for the development of archaeology and anthropology as a whole. Excludes ANTH 510.

This course provides an in-depth examination of the application of stable isotope techniques in archaeology and related disciplines through a mixture of lecture, discussion, and a practical lab project. The collaborative lab project will address a methodological research question related to the application of stable isotope analysis in archaeology.

Students work in collaboration with the instructor to complete a laboratory based research project in stable isotope science that addresses a methodological problem. Projects vary year-to-year but typically focus on methods related to the extraction and purification of bone collagen from archaeological contexts.

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the political and social contexts of the Mesoamerica, with a specific focus on the historical development of the culture(s) relevant to their thesis research: Maya, Olmec, Zapotec, or Aztec. Students are expected to complement this course with either ANTH 5310H Problems in Mesoamerican Archaeology II, or another half course relevant to their thesis research.

Research topics will vary according to the interests of students, but will focus on key aspects of Mesoamerican culture specifically relevant to the students area of research. Students are expected to have completed ANTH 5300H Problems in Mesoamerican Archaeology I prior to taking this course.

Students work with the instructor to complete a research project using archival materials and quantitative methods. Projects vary year-to-year but typically focus on a historical epidemic or health outcome. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the biocultural framework for the investigation of population health in the colonialized setting.

(Normally Required) Course aims are to develop research skills. Readings, seminars, assignments and student presentations will focus on a number of topics, including: the nature of research, ethics, sampling, statistics and research design, writing skills, research and grant proposal formulation, publishing, collaborative research, peer review, and presentation of conference papers.

Occasional offering in response to student interest and faculty availability.

Occasional offerings in response to student interest and faculty availability. Excludes ANTH 590.