Anthropology: Psychological Anthropology

Explores intermediate level topics in cultural anthropology. May be repeated for credit with different content. Sample topics include: Cultural Anthropology in the Media, Indigenous Cultures and Social Change, Economic Anthropology. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: ANTH 1100.

Prereq enforced by the system: ANTH 1100 PACE students by permission and override

This course explores the contributions of anthropology to understanding the experience of psychological phenomena and mind across cultures. It will be a holistic introduction to the vibrant field of psychological anthropology, and it is designed to challenge your preconceived notions about how culture affects people’s behavior. Is what you have been taking for granted really the truth about "personality" and behavior? Is there a truth? Drawing from both classic and cutting edge sources in medical and psychological anthropology, we will debate the ways that social context—and local notions of what is “good,” “beautiful,” “healthy,” and “true” in these contexts—impact one’s everyday life, one’s experience of one’s own mind, and with what consequences. Students will discover what has been learned in anthropology about mind and self, emotion and cognition, agency and experience, motivation and human development, subjectivity and intersubjectivity, illness and disease, psychiatric disorder and psychic wellbeing, religion and healing, embodiment, and perception.

The course will be a combination of lectures and discussion. Per University policy regarding work required for a three credit hour course, you will be expected to do 1-3 chapters of reading prior to each class session. You will be expected to engage in brief class discussions and activities, both in and outside of class time.

Grades are based on attendance and participation, in-class activities, reflection papers, exams, and reading quizzes.