Summer

ASB 394: Urban Life and Politics
Abigail York  
Online course

Fall

ASB 100: Intro to Global Health
Magdalena Hurtado
MW 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Global health is the study of human health differences in past and present environments, and the ways in which they are patterned by complex human social networks and activities and by the migratory behaviors of insects and wild animals across the planet. For the majority of humans, the infectious agents of diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria, intestinal, skin and respiratory infections not only influence how they grow, feel, act and behave but also influence how they die, how their children die and at what age. And for fewer humans, at least at present, cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma and other chronic health conditions can have a huge influence over their lives and decisions. In this course we will rely on a framework that brings together anthropology, epidemiology and evolutionary theory to explore: 1) How wars between pathogens and humans over nutrients and wellbeing are ancient and unlikely to end in the near future; 2) How those wars have shaped the physiological and immunological responses of humans today, and 3) How those wars have influenced, and have been influenced by the emergence and maintenance of cultural and social phenomena.  The main goals of this course are to have fun exploring these three themes, to facilitate networking opportunities with faculty and to share with students information about training paths within global health at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. PowerPoint lectures and film, focus groups, discussion groups, reading assignments, homework assignments and multiple-choice tests. Cross-listed as SSH 100.

ASB 252: Anthropology of Sports
Hjorliefur Jonsson
MW 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Comparative examination of symbolic and social dimensions of sports past and present, drawing on descriptive and analytical material from around the world. Lecture and discussion. Films. Three short papers, one term paper.

ASB 294: Roman Entertainment
Jayne Reinhard
TTH 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
(Cross-listed as ARS/HST/LAT/SLC 294)
This course examines ancient literary sources (in translation) and artistic, archaeological and epigraphical evidence, as well as some secondary sources to gain a broad understanding of what the ancient Romans did in their free time. Subject matter covers 5 main areas: gladiatorial combat, chariot racing, theatrical performance, bathing and dining (the latter were part of an elaborate social structure for the Romans that emphasized entertainment and leisure). Students will read a substantial array of ancient authors from a sourcebook devoted solely to social history, and one ancient novel in its entirety (Petronius' Satyricon). The subject of the course hits at the central core of what it meant to be Roman, as these social customs and the buildings that housed them were usually the first things to be built in any new conquered Roman city or territory. Romans only "worked" in the mornings, and spent the rest of their days at the baths or games, and furthermore, devoted well over 100 of their annual calendar days to festivals that were structured around entertainment.

ASB 394: Bioethics in Film: Technology and Human Value
Jameson Wetmore and Jason Robert
TTH 5:40 - 8:30 p.m.
A short set of readings tied to each film's theme will provide additional intellectual context. Students will participate in post-film discussions with the instructors and guest panelists and will prepare short film reviews exploring the ethical and social implications of the issues and ideas presented on the screen. This course meets six Thursdays during the semester (28 August, 4 Sept, 25 Sept, 16 Oct, 30 Oct, 20 Nov) and has an on-line participation component, as well. It is preferred that students have taken a course in bioethics, policy or technology. Please send requests for permission to register to fsnyder@asu.edu. In your request include what related coursework you have taken and an explanation of why, as it relates to your course of study at ASU, you wish to take the class. Cross-listed as BIO 394.

ASB 394: Production, People and Environment
Sharon Harlan
MW 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
This course examines the social forces that drive transformations in production systems and the environmental impacts of production on health and safety in the workplace, community health and wellbeing and natural ecosystems.  Traditional, industrial and emerging “sustainable” modes of production are compared using case studies of goods such as meat, energy and electronics.  Lecture, discussion and projects.

ASB 394: Technology and Society
Jameson Wetmore
MWF 3:05 - 3:55 p.m.
Technology is a powerful force in the modern world. Dramatic examples of this power include such feats as sending people to the moon, erecting skyscrapers, damming enormous rivers and destroying entire cities. But the most significant, though less often recognized, power of technology may be its permeation of so many aspects of our everyday lives. We use technology to house, clothe, feed, entertain and transport ourselves. It is a crucial component of our work, play, education, communication, child rearing, travel and even reproduction. This course explores the relationship between technology and society. It will consider the ways in which technology and society simultaneously influence and even constitute each other. It will draw on resources from a variety of disciplines, including history, sociology, philosophy and anthropology. Lecture, discussion.

ASB 591: Archaeology of Religion
Christopher Carr
TTH 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

ASM Courses

ASM 472: Archaeological Ceramics
Arleyn Simon
TTH 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Analysis and identification of pottery wares, types and varieties. Systems for ceramic classification and cultural interpretation. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

ASM 494: Dynamic Modeling of Social and Ecological Systems
John Anderies
TTH 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.; lab F 8:35 - 11:35 a.m.

ASM 591: Bioarchaeology of Sex and Gender
Rachel Scott
T 4:40 - 7:30 p.m.
This course explores current bioarchaeological approaches to sex and gender.  Research today addresses longstanding archaeological interests, challenges modern Western gender conceptions and incorporates recent (and sometimes radical) social theory. Specific topics include (but are not limited to) the sexual division of labor, gender hierarchies, third and alternate genders, the construction of masculinity and the questioning of biological sex. Seminar format with occasional lectures. Students are responsible for leading discussions on assigned readings. The other requirements comprise brief weekly responses and a research paper and presentation.  

SSH Courses

SSH 100: Intro to Global Health
Magdalena Hurtado
MW 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Global health is the study of human health differences in past and present environments, and the ways in which they are patterned by complex human social networks and activities and by the migratory behaviors of insects and wild animals across the planet. For the majority of humans, the infectious agents of diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria, intestinal, skin and respiratory infections not only influence how they grow, feel, act and behave but also influence how they die, how their children die and at what age. And for fewer humans, at least at present, cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma and other chronic health conditions can have a huge influence over their lives and decisions. In this course we will rely on a framework that brings together anthropology, epidemiology and evolutionary theory to explore: 1) How wars between pathogens and humans over nutrients and wellbeing are ancient and unlikely to end in the near future; 2) How those wars have shaped the physiological and immunological responses of humans today, and 3) How those wars have influenced, and have been influenced by the emergence and maintenance of cultural and social phenomena.  The main goals of this course are to have fun exploring these three themes, to facilitate networking opportunities with faculty and to share with students information about training paths within global health at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. PowerPoint lectures and film, focus groups, discussion groups, reading assignments, homework assignments and multiple-choice tests. Cross-listed as ASB 100.

SSH 510: Health: Social and Biocultural Theories
Alexandra Brewis Slade
M 12:55 - 3:45 p.m.
This graduate seminar explores a wide variety of approaches that social scientists can apply to consider the social and cultural contexts of health and disease, from the interpretive to the empirical. It is ideal for those planning dissertations in the area of health who seek a much broader set of theoretical options to apply in their research -- from the more interpretive to the more empirical. This course is a core requirement for the Ph.D. in Social Science and Health and for those on ‘health’ tracks in the Anthropology Ph.D. However, no background in any particular field is assumed or required for those planning to take the course. Seminar discussion, assignments.

For more information on these classes, see the Fall 2008 Schedule of Classes in Anthropology and Social Science and Health (pdf).