Theories structure a disciplines inquiry and define what is important. This course investigates anthropological ways of knowing, understanding, and explaining humankind. Contemporary research questions, and the theories used to explain them, are based on more then 150 years of anthropological research and theory building.

Through a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences among anthropological theories and theorists we discuss how these have changed or remained consistent over time adapting to the social, political and economic trends in science, society and the world.

Successful completion of the course empowers students to articulate a range of theoretical perspectives that can be used to inform their own research questions.

Required Books:

Erickson, Paul A., and Liam D. Murphy Murphy
2003 A History of Anthropological Theory. Second Edition.
Orchard Park, NY: Broadview Press.

McGee, R. Jon, and Richard L. Warms
2004 Anthropological Theory: An Introductory History. Third Edition.
New York: McGraw Hill.