Game designer Eric Zimmerman has proclaimed the 21st century to be the "Ludic Century." Jane McGonigal writes that "reality is broken," and games may be the solution for social problems. In this course, we will use tabletop, card, role-playing, and digital games to explore themes in social, behavioral, and cultural theory such as play, cooperation, social change, symbols, and power. The course presents an introduction to cultural anthropology using games as a focus and medium for learning. We will learn to analyze texts and games anthropologically.

Interest in forensics has exploded thanks to programs like CSI as well as Fox's Bones, A&E's Cold Case Files, and Court TV's Forensic Files. But TV shows do not accurately portray the way forensic science is used to solve crimes. In Hollywood portrayals science is most often a gimmick--a technological toy that the hero uses to find evidence the criminal surely hoped was undetectable. In this class, we will critique the methods used in various episodes of these shows and compare them to the actual science of forensics.

Interest in forensics has exploded thanks to programs like CSI as well as Fox's Bones, A&E's Cold Case Files, and Court TV's Forensic Files. But TV shows do not accurately portray the way forensic science is used to solve crimes. In Hollywood portrayals science is most often a gimmick--a technological toy that the hero uses to find evidence the criminal surely hoped was undetectable. In this class, we will critique the methods used in various episodes of these shows and compare them to the actual science of forensics.

Interest in forensics has exploded thanks to programs like CSI as well as Fox's Bones, A&E's Cold Case Files, and Court TV's Forensic Files. But TV shows do not accurately portray the way forensic science is used to solve crimes. In Hollywood portrayals science is most often a gimmick--a technological toy that the hero uses to find evidence the criminal surely hoped was undetectable. In this class, we will critique the methods used in various episodes of these shows and compare them to the actual science of forensics.

This course will introduce students to theoretical frameworks, controversies, methods, and other topics of community-based research and practice in the anthropological tradition. Students will understand the history of applied anthropology, critiques of anthropology coming from the global south, and critical epistemological approaches of contemporary engaged researchers and practitioners.

The emergence and character of the world's first civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, Shang China, the Olmec and Maya of Mesoamerica, and the Chavin of Peru. Topics include the Neolithic background to the rise of civilizations and theories on the rise and fall of civilizations. (Gen.Ed. HS, DG)

Game designer Eric Zimmerman has proclaimed the 21st century to be the "Ludic Century." Jane McGonigal writes that "reality is broken," and games may be the solution for social problems. In this course, we will use tabletop, card, role-playing, and digital games to explore themes in social, behavioral, and cultural theory such as play, cooperation, social change, symbols, and power. The course presents an introduction to cultural anthropology using games as a focus and medium for learning. We will learn to analyze texts and games anthropologically.

This course is designed to help first year students develop skills and habits for college success. It is also an introduction to anthropology, particularly biological anthropology- the study of human evolution, human biology, and primates. Students will learn about campus resources, share their experiences adjusting to independent college life, and explore key questions in biological anthropology, such as: What are the origins of humanity? Who are our closest living relatives? What are the implications of our biological nature?

This course is designed to help first year students develop skills and habits for college success. It is also an introduction to anthropology, particularly biological anthropology- the study of human evolution, human biology, and primates. Students will learn about campus resources, share their experiences adjusting to independent college life, and explore key questions in biological anthropology, such as: What are the origins of humanity? Who are our closest living relatives? What are the implications of our biological nature?