Fall 2023 Undergraduate Courses

The following courses will be offered during the Fall 2023 semester. Please see the BU Bulletin for the most up-to-date information regarding course offerings, meeting times, and locations.

CAS AN 101 Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology

4 credits. Either sem.

Social Inquiry I
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Research and Information Literacy

Introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and problems of sociocultural anthropology, emphasizing the study of traditional and complex societies. Special attention to the organization and meaning of religion, economic life, kinship and political order; and the problem of cultural variation in the contemporary world. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Thompson	Lecture	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	CAS 522

Section A2, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 7th to Dec 7th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Bai	Discussion	R	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	PRB 148

Section A3, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 7th to Dec 7th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Bounar	Discussion	R	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	PRB 150

Section A4, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 8th to Dec 8th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Bai	Discussion	F	01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM	COM 109

Section A5, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 8th to Dec 8th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Bounar	Discussion	F	01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM	COM 111

Section A6, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 6th to Dec 6th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Lewinger	Discussion	W	03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM	COM 111

Section A7, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 6th to Dec 6th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Li	Discussion	W	03:35:00 PM–04:25:00 PM	COM 109

Section A8, FALL 2023Intro Cult Anth Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Ergun	Discussion	T	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	CGS 321

CAS AN 102 Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution

4 credits. Either sem.

Scientific Inquiry I
Social Inquiry I
Critical Thinking

Introduces basic principles of evolutionary biology, human origins, genetics, reproduction, socio-ecology, and the evolution of primate and human behavior and adaptions. Section activities include examination of fossil and skeletal material, and hands-on projects involving human and primate behavior and biology. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.

Section A1, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Finkel	Lecture	MWF	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	CAS 211

Section A2, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 11th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Vee	Lab	M	12:20:00 PM–02:05:00 PM	CAS 335

Section A4, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 8th to Dec 8th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Martin	Lab	F	12:20:00 PM–02:05:00 PM	CAS 335

Section A5, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 11th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Martin	Lab	M	02:30:00 PM–04:15:00 PM	CAS 335

Section A6, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 7th to Dec 7th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Vee	Lab	R	09:00:00 AM–10:45:00 AM	CAS 335

Section A9, FALL 2023Human Biology Sep 7th to Dec 7th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Henderson	Lab	R	01:30:00 PM–03:15:00 PM	CAS 335

CAS AN 210 Introduction to Medical Anthropology

4 credits. Either sem.

Ethical Reasoning
Social Inquiry II
Research and Information Literacy

This lecture and discussion-driven course uses ethnographic case materials and active learning strategies to introduce students to socio-cultural anthropological modes of understanding and analyzing health-related experiences and institutions, including political and ethical dimensions of illness and suffering around the globe. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Ethical Reasoning, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Medical Anthro Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Shohet	Independent	MWF	01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM	CAS 216

CAS AN 211 Humans Among Animals

4 credits.

Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings
Ethical Reasoning
Critical Thinking

Examines how humans understand (other) animals and their thought, feeling, and communication and the ways we humans in varied cultures and societies use animals for interaction and self-understanding. Interdisciplinary approach that considers language, aesthetics, ideology, practice, and regulation. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills units in the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, and Critical Thinking.

Section A1, FALL 2023Human & Animal Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Shipton	Independent	TR	12:30:00 PM–01:45:00 PM	CAS 214

CAS AN 234 Evolutionary Psychology

4 credits.

Scientific Inquiry I
Social Inquiry I

Can evolutionary theory shed light on human psychology and behavior? This introductory course explores the evolution of mind: emotion and expression, learning and cognition, sex and reproduction, parenthood and family, cooperation and coalitions, aggression and warfare, mental health, and more. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I.

Section A1, FALL 2023Evol Psych Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Durgavich	Independent	TR	12:30:00 PM–01:45:00 PM	CAS 224

CAS AN 252 Ethnicity and Identity

4 credits. Either sem.

The Individual in Community
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

Explores anthropological approaches to community, belonging, and difference using case studies from the South Pacific, Europe, North America, and Africa. Special attention paid to how contemporary economic and political changes impact the ways people think about and belong to communities. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Section A2, FALL 2023Ethnic&Idenity Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Thompson	Independent	MWF	02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM	MCS B31

CAS AN 262 The Evolution of Culture and Society

4 credits.

Social Inquiry I
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Critical Thinking

Where do culture and society come from? Are there common patterns that underlie social diversity? This course explores the origins of human societies, from our hunter-gatherer ancestors to the development of contemporary industrial nations. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Social Inquiry I (SO1), Critical Thinking.

Section A1, FALL 2023Evol of Culture Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Glowacki	Independent	TR	02:00:00 PM–03:15:00 PM	CGS 121

CAS AN 290 Children and Culture

4 credits. Either sem.

Social Inquiry I
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

Explores caregiving and child development from infancy to adolescence in different societies around the world. Topics include cultural concepts of childhood; the acquisition of language and culture; gender socialization and moral development; and the impact of modern schooling, nation-making, and media on childhood. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Children & Cult Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
LaPorte	Independent	MWF	01:25:00 PM–02:15:00 PM	CAS 237

CAS AN 308 Food in Place(s): Identity, Location, and the Cultures of Taste

4 credits. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120)

Aesthetic Exploration
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Writing-Intensive Course

Explores foodways, culinary history, personal, social, and cultural identity, as well as sensory experiences of taste. Special attention given to communities in the Boston area as locations of cultural and culinary diversity. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Writing-Intensive Course.

Section A1, FALL 2023Food & Culture Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
White	Independent	TR	09:30:00 AM–10:45:00 AM	CAS 220

CAS AN 311 Culture and Biotech: Beyond the Nature/Culture Divide

4 credits. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120).

Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Ethical Reasoning
Writing-Intensive Course

Biotechnologies--e.g., organ transplants, gene editing, life support--challenge the boundaries between what is "natural" and what is "man made," what is "given" and what is "cultured." We explore some of these innovations, their associated ethical dilemmas, and how they help make "culture" and "nature" in different contexts. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Ethical Reasoning, Writing-Intensive Course.

Section A1, FALL 2023Biotech Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Arkin	Independent	MWF	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	CAS B06B

CAS AN 318 Southeast Asia: Tradition and Modernity (area)

4 credits. Either sem.

Social Inquiry I
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

Examines the dynamics of politics, religion, class, and gender across Southeast Asia today. Using both literature and film media, pays particular attention to the forces that have made Southeast Asia one of the most dynamic regions in the world today. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Social Inquiry I.

Section A1, FALL 2023Se Asia Tradit Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Hefner	Independent	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	KCB 107

CAS AN 321 Cognition and Culture

4 credits. Either sem.

Historical Consciousness
Social Inquiry I
Critical Thinking

This class explores the relationship between culture and cognition. We place emphasis on the mechanisms of cultural change and how these affect features of human cognition. In turn, culture itself is shaped and constrained by human cognition. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.

Section A1, FALL 2023Cognition & Cul Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Glowacki	Independent	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	CGS 115

CAS AN 327 Islam in Africa

4 credits. Either sem.

Historical Consciousness
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Research and Information Literacy

Examines the Islamization of Africa and the processes of adaptation of Islam in the continent. It examines the religious beliefs, cultures, and histories of Muslim communities in Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Senegal, and the Sudan, among others. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Historical Consciousness, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Islam in Africa Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Ngom	Independent	TR	02:00:00 PM–03:15:00 PM	BRB 122

CAS AN 335 The Ape Within: Great Apes and the Evolution of Human Behavior

4 credits. Either sem. CAS AN 102 or CAS BI 107 or CAS BI 119; or consent of instructor.

Scientific Inquiry II
Quantitative Reasoning I
Research and Information Literacy

Introduction to primate social behavior, focusing on the apes. Examines how great ape behavior helps us understand what is unique about human behavior and how we evolved. Topics include diet, juvenile development, social relationships, sexual behavior, aggression, culture, and cognition. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning I, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023The Ape within Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Knott	Independent	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	CAS 201

CAS AN 344 Culture and Social Change in Japan (area)

4 credits. 1st sem. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120)

Historical Consciousness
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Writing-Intensive Course

Contemporary Japanese society examined through social institutions such as family, school and workplace. Looking at social and historical change through critical moments in Japan's modern history, we examine the experiences of individuals through social class, gender, and the impact of globalization. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Historical Consciousness.

Section A1, FALL 2023Modern Japan Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
White	Independent	TR	02:00:00 PM–03:15:00 PM	CDS 264

CAS AN 347 Afghanistan (area)

4 credits.

Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

Ethnographic and historical examination of Afghanistan's traditional social organization, ecology and economy, political organization, and ethnic groups. What has happened to this complex world through 50 years of domestic political turmoil and foreign interventions? Whither Afghanistan today? Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in the following Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Afghanistan Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Barfield	Independent	TR	02:00:00 PM–03:15:00 PM	SHA 210

CAS AN 351 Language, Culture, and Society

4 credits. Either sem.

Social Inquiry I
The Individual in Community
Research and Information Literacy

Examines the ways that language both reflects and shapes thought, culture, and relations of power. Particular emphasis is placed on three broad topical areas: language, ethnicity and race; language and the performance of gender; and the linguistic performance of youth identities. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, The Individual in Community, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Lang Cult&Soc Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Kelley	Independent	MWF	11:15:00 AM–12:05:00 PM	CAS B20

CAS AN 362 Culture and Environment

4 credits. Either sem.

Ethical Reasoning
Social Inquiry II

Examines mutually transformative relations between human societies and their environments. Shows how social constructions of environment, nature, and culture vary cross-culturally. Topics include: political ecology, environmental conservation, agriculture, climate, bioprospecting, relations with other animals, pollution. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Social Inquiry II.

Section A1, FALL 2023Culture&Environ Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Kelley	Independent	MWF	12:20:00 PM–01:10:00 PM	CDS 264

CAS AN 379 China: Tradition and Transformation (area)

4 credits. Either sem.

Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Social Inquiry II
Research and Information Literacy

Examines daily life in China and Taiwan, tracing how opposed economic and political paths transformed a common tradition. Topics include capitalism and socialism; politics and social control; dissidence; gender relations; religion, arts, and literature; and pollution. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023China: Trd&Trns Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Weller	Independent	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	CAS 116

CAS AN 390 Topics in Anthropology

4 credits.

May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Topic for Fall 2023: Slavery and the In-Between. Examines the space between freedom and enslavement known as recaptivity. Course discussions focus on historical and social conceptions of freedom, and how these conceptions relate to recaptive status. Reviews recaptivity contexts documented in both the historical and archaeological record. Also examines the theme of return in recaptives' journeys and the contemporary journeys of Afro-descendants to the African continent. This course complements anthropological training in topics of race/racism and identity and coursework in African American & Black Diaspora Studies, but it is open to undergraduate students in any field.

Section A1, FALL 2023Tpcs: Anthro Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Cunningham	Independent	TR	03:30:00 PM–04:45:00 PM	STH 625

CAS AN 401 Senior Independent Work

4 credits. Either sem. approval of an Honors Committee.

Directed studies for seniors doing honors thesis work.

Section G1, FALL 2023Sr Indep Work Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Sum	Directed Study	ARR	TBD–TBD

Section G2, FALL 2023Sr Indep Work Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Garrett	Directed Study	ARR	TBD–TBD

CAS AN 461 Ethnography and Anthropological Theory 1

4 credits. Either sem. junior or senior standing in the major. Required of majors.

Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings
Oral and/or Signed Communication

Examines foundational social scientific and anthropological theories and methods from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Discussion focuses on precursors to contemporary anthropological thought, including historical materialist, evolutionist, functionalist, structuralist, symbolic, and culture-and-personality theories and approaches. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings.

Section A1, FALL 2023Eth&an Theory 1 Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Shohet	Independent	MWF	10:10:00 AM–11:00:00 AM	PLS 102

CAS AN 521 Sociolinguistics

4 credits. Either sem. CAS AN 351 or CAS LX 250; or consent of instructor.

Introduction to language in its social context. Methodological and theoretical approaches to sociolinguistics. Linguistic variation in relation to situation, gender, socioeconomic class, linguistic context, and ethnicity. Integrating micro- and macro-analysis from conversation to societal language planning.

Section A1, FALL 2023Sociolinguistcs Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Ngom	Independent	TR	11:00:00 AM–12:15:00 PM	IEC B07

CAS AN 556 The Evolution of the Human Diet

4 credits. CAS AN 102 or CAS BI 107 or CAS BI 108; or consent of instructor.

Scientific Inquiry II
Research and Information Literacy
Writing-Intensive Course

An investigation of human dietary evolution including primate and human dietary adaptations, nutritional requirements, optimal foraging, digestive physiology, maternal and infant nutrition, hunting and cooking in human evolution, and impacts of food processing and agriculture on modern diets and health. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Scientific Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy.

Section A1, FALL 2023Evol Human Diet Sep 6th to Dec 11th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Finkel	Independent	MWF	02:30:00 PM–03:20:00 PM	STH 441

CAS AN 559 Evolutionary Endocrinology

4 credits. CAS AN 102; or equivalent.

Scientific Inquiry II
Oral and/or Signed Communication
Teamwork/Collaboration

Focuses on current research in the field of evolutionary endocrinology. Examines how hormones act as mediators of a variety of fundamental evolutionary phenomena from circadian rhythms to sexuality. Explores how and why natural selection shaped the "inputs" and "outputs" of the endocrine system. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Scientific Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration.

Section A1, FALL 2023Evo Endo Sep 5th to Dec 12th
Instructor	Type	Days	Times	Location
Durgavich	Independent	TR	09:30:00 AM–10:45:00 AM	PLS 102

1 · 2