Undergraduate Courses
These are all courses I currently teach or have taught and the associated syllabi. Share and share alike.
Advanced Evolutionary Studies (ANT 480)
Level: Seniors in EvoS Minor
Description: This course is the capstone to the Evolutionary Studies minor and should be taken in the final semester of the program. This course meets in conjunction with “Evolution for Everyone,” the minor introductory course to the minor, to revisit the basic principles and application of evolutionary theory. These courses are team-taught by faculty from around the University and integrate the Alabama Lectures of Life’s Evolution series, so they are likely to be different for you in both iterations. The course will review applications of evolutionary theory in the natural, social, and applied sciences and in the humanities. Additionally, you will conduct or complete a culminating project during the first half of the semester. During the second half of the semester, you will present this to the class and submit an article based on your project for publication in a peer-reviewed science journal.
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
Spring 2016
Spring 2018
Level: Seniors in EvoS Minor
Description: This course is the capstone to the Evolutionary Studies minor and should be taken in the final semester of the program. This course meets in conjunction with “Evolution for Everyone,” the minor introductory course to the minor, to revisit the basic principles and application of evolutionary theory. These courses are team-taught by faculty from around the University and integrate the Alabama Lectures of Life’s Evolution series, so they are likely to be different for you in both iterations. The course will review applications of evolutionary theory in the natural, social, and applied sciences and in the humanities. Additionally, you will conduct or complete a culminating project during the first half of the semester. During the second half of the semester, you will present this to the class and submit an article based on your project for publication in a peer-reviewed science journal.
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
Spring 2016
Spring 2018
Anthropology Is Elemental (ANT 481)
Level: Freshmen
Description: This course is an introduction to teaching anthropology at the primary and secondary levels. It is a service-learning course, which means that all students will serve as instructors in a local anthropology course offered in the Tuscaloosa area. This course will expose students to applied anthropology through teaching the anthropological perspective via an activity-based four-subfield curriculum in conjunction with local elementary schools, after-school programs, or similar community partners. These programs will be taught by teams, and each student will be responsible for attending weekly course meetings, developing curricular material and implementing it in a classroom setting, and co-teaching with other students.
Spring 2019
Level: Freshmen
Description: This course is an introduction to teaching anthropology at the primary and secondary levels. It is a service-learning course, which means that all students will serve as instructors in a local anthropology course offered in the Tuscaloosa area. This course will expose students to applied anthropology through teaching the anthropological perspective via an activity-based four-subfield curriculum in conjunction with local elementary schools, after-school programs, or similar community partners. These programs will be taught by teams, and each student will be responsible for attending weekly course meetings, developing curricular material and implementing it in a classroom setting, and co-teaching with other students.
Spring 2019
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Anthropology of Sex (ANT 208)
Level: Sophomores & Juniors Description: This course is an introduction to human sexuality from a four-field perspective (cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological) with emphases on sexual pluralism and psychosexual evolution. We will trace the evolution of human sociosexual behavior, including human sexual physiology; reproductive strategies; contemporary courtship, mating, and marital patterns; gender differences in the brain and behavior; and sexual and social emotions. We compare the sexuality of humans to non-humans, especially to that of other primates. We also discuss human sexuality from the perspective of different cultures throughout the world based on ethnographic and archaeological accounts. Among the topics we may discuss are the psychobiocultural dimensions and implications of attraction, fidelity, sex techniques, circumcision, gender, incest, auto-eroticism, homosexuality and transsexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases. Spring 2010 Spring 2011 Spring 2012 Spring 2013 Spring 2014 Spring 2015 Spring 2018 The City & Human Health
Level: Juniors & Seniors Description: This course is designed to inform students about the relationship between society, culture, biology & health through an examination of the history of human health as it has been influenced by urbanization. The course begins with the earliest human societies & traces the history of human health in agricultural villages, medieval cities, industrial cities, & cities today. Approximately half of the course focuses on health in modern cities in developed nations. Summer 2008, University at Albany (SUNY) |
Evolution for Everyone (ANT 150)
Level: Freshmen & sophomore Description: The theory of evolution by natural selection is one of the most fundamentally transformative concepts of the modern era, yet it is not well understood by the average person. The purpose of a liberal arts education is to create well-rounded citizens, and, therefore, a basic liberal arts education should include evolution for everyone. This course is that introduction to the principles and applications of evolution. It is designed to open your mind to what evolution is and how it applies to all life. We will do that through a series of guest lectures, readings on the practical utility of evolutionary principles, group work to develop a research project, and by reviewing a popular book that applies evolutionary theory and sharing your reviews with everyone. Guest lectures will be provided by faculty from throughout the University who teach classes as part of the Evolutionary Studies minor or whose research is evolutionary in nature. Several of our meetings will also involve guest experts from other institutions as part of the Alabama Lectures on Life's Evolution (ALLELE) series and video lectures from our series and other institutions. This course is designed to touch upon evolution as utilized in the natural or social sciences, humanities, and applied sciences and arts. This diversity of topics should make for an academic experience that is nothing short of fascinating. Spring 2011 syllabus Spring 2012 syllabus Spring 2013 syllabus Spring 2014 syllabus Spring 2015 syllabus Spring 2016 syllabus Spring 2018 syllabus Spring 2019 syllabus |
Introduction to Biological Anthropology (ANT 270)
Levels: Freshman & sophomore
Description: This course provides an introduction to the current scientific consensus about human biological variation and evolution with an emphasis on the interaction of social behavior and biological change. The first section of the course begins with a review of the scientific method, then presents evolutionary theory and the underlying genetic and biological principles. The second section of the course is a brief survey about what we know regarding the behavior and evolution of the non-human primates. Learning about primates, which are our closest mammalian relatives, can help us understand human evolution and behavior. The third section of the course explores the evolution of hominids, the human ancestors and their close relatives, through the emergence of modern humans. Finally, we address modern human biological variation from the perspective of biocultural adaptation and culture change in living populations. The objective of the course is to give the student an appreciation for the place of humans in nature from a biocultural and evolutionary perspective and to provide the background necessary to critically evaluate statements about human biology.
Fall 2008 syllabus (ANT 101, Biological Anthropology at Marist University)
Fall 2011 syllabus
Fall 2012 syllabus
Fall 2015 syllabus
Fall 2016 syllabus
Fall 2019 syllabus
Fall 2020 syllabus
Spring 2020 syllabus
Fall 2020 syllabus
Spring 2021 syllabus
Spring 2022 syllabus
Fall 2022 syllabus
Levels: Freshman & sophomore
Description: This course provides an introduction to the current scientific consensus about human biological variation and evolution with an emphasis on the interaction of social behavior and biological change. The first section of the course begins with a review of the scientific method, then presents evolutionary theory and the underlying genetic and biological principles. The second section of the course is a brief survey about what we know regarding the behavior and evolution of the non-human primates. Learning about primates, which are our closest mammalian relatives, can help us understand human evolution and behavior. The third section of the course explores the evolution of hominids, the human ancestors and their close relatives, through the emergence of modern humans. Finally, we address modern human biological variation from the perspective of biocultural adaptation and culture change in living populations. The objective of the course is to give the student an appreciation for the place of humans in nature from a biocultural and evolutionary perspective and to provide the background necessary to critically evaluate statements about human biology.
Fall 2008 syllabus (ANT 101, Biological Anthropology at Marist University)
Fall 2011 syllabus
Fall 2012 syllabus
Fall 2015 syllabus
Fall 2016 syllabus
Fall 2019 syllabus
Fall 2020 syllabus
Spring 2020 syllabus
Fall 2020 syllabus
Spring 2021 syllabus
Spring 2022 syllabus
Fall 2022 syllabus
Monkeys, Apes, & Other Primates: Non-Human Primates (ANT 312)
Level: Junior & Senior
Description: This course is an introductory survey of the world's living non-human primates. The focus is on the taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, ecology and cognition of our closest living relatives. It is intended both as a starting point for further coursework in primate behavior and as a survey course for non-science students.
Spring 2010 syllabus
Fall 2011 syllabus
Fall 2013 syllabus
Fall 2016 syllabus
Fall 2017 syllabus
Fall 2022 syllabus
Level: Junior & Senior
Description: This course is an introductory survey of the world's living non-human primates. The focus is on the taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, ecology and cognition of our closest living relatives. It is intended both as a starting point for further coursework in primate behavior and as a survey course for non-science students.
Spring 2010 syllabus
Fall 2011 syllabus
Fall 2013 syllabus
Fall 2016 syllabus
Fall 2017 syllabus
Fall 2022 syllabus
Neuroanthropology (ANT 474)
Level: Juniors & Seniors
Description: This course introduces evolutionary and biocultural approaches within anthropology to the central and peripheral nervous systems and their interconnections. Topics include the evolution of the brain; how culture and social structure shape the brain, its development, and its activity; and anthropological perspectives on connections among culture, behavior, brain, mind, and body.
This is a writing course, so writing proficiency within anthropology is required for a passing grade in the course. You will be expected to complete three short research proposals and reading summaries and reflections on the course blog. Assignments due before mid-semester (some reflections and summaries and one research proposal) will be graded and feedback provided before mid-semester to provide a clear sense of the quality of your writing and suggestions for improvement.
Fall 2014
Fall 2017
Spring 2021
Spring 2023
Level: Juniors & Seniors
Description: This course introduces evolutionary and biocultural approaches within anthropology to the central and peripheral nervous systems and their interconnections. Topics include the evolution of the brain; how culture and social structure shape the brain, its development, and its activity; and anthropological perspectives on connections among culture, behavior, brain, mind, and body.
This is a writing course, so writing proficiency within anthropology is required for a passing grade in the course. You will be expected to complete three short research proposals and reading summaries and reflections on the course blog. Assignments due before mid-semester (some reflections and summaries and one research proposal) will be graded and feedback provided before mid-semester to provide a clear sense of the quality of your writing and suggestions for improvement.
Fall 2014
Fall 2017
Spring 2021
Spring 2023
The Plastic Human: Biology, Culture, & Evolution (ANT 475)
Level: Sophomores & Juniors
Description: This course provides a detailed introduction to the study of how humans adapt to their physical, biological, and social environment or the biocultural and evolutionary bases of human adaptability. This course is a natural follow-up to Introduction to Biological Anthropology, which introduces students to human evolutionary prehistory.
Fall 2009 (called Human Adaptability)
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2018
Fall 2019
Level: Sophomores & Juniors
Description: This course provides a detailed introduction to the study of how humans adapt to their physical, biological, and social environment or the biocultural and evolutionary bases of human adaptability. This course is a natural follow-up to Introduction to Biological Anthropology, which introduces students to human evolutionary prehistory.
Fall 2009 (called Human Adaptability)
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2018
Fall 2019
Primate Religion & Human Consciousness (ANT 439)
Level: Juniors & Seniors
Description: Human consciousness is often held aloft as one of the distinguishing characteristics of humanity with higher consciousness, self-awareness, and truth generally considered worthwhile lifelong pursuits. But at what cost? Have evolutionary mechanisms propelled humans toward “analysis paralysis”? Do cultural and psychological adaptations maintain the blinders of blissful ignorance? We will consider these questions in reading about the 'religious' behavior of non-human primates and altered states of consciousness, and engage in activities to expand and limit our own consciousnesses. Additionally, you will participate in research as part of the Belongingness Ecology Study, which will may involve establishing relationships and collecting data among a local group of your choice. The course will consist of a series of readings, discussions, and activities to explore human consciousness from psychological, biological, and cultural aspects with a focus on operationalizing it for a practical research agenda.
Spring 2011 (formerly UH 300)
Spring 2012
Spring 2013
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
Spring 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2019 (Now ANT 439)
Level: Juniors & Seniors
Description: Human consciousness is often held aloft as one of the distinguishing characteristics of humanity with higher consciousness, self-awareness, and truth generally considered worthwhile lifelong pursuits. But at what cost? Have evolutionary mechanisms propelled humans toward “analysis paralysis”? Do cultural and psychological adaptations maintain the blinders of blissful ignorance? We will consider these questions in reading about the 'religious' behavior of non-human primates and altered states of consciousness, and engage in activities to expand and limit our own consciousnesses. Additionally, you will participate in research as part of the Belongingness Ecology Study, which will may involve establishing relationships and collecting data among a local group of your choice. The course will consist of a series of readings, discussions, and activities to explore human consciousness from psychological, biological, and cultural aspects with a focus on operationalizing it for a practical research agenda.
Spring 2011 (formerly UH 300)
Spring 2012
Spring 2013
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
Spring 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2019 (Now ANT 439)
Tattooing and Human Nature
Level: Sophomores & Juniors
Description: This course provides an introduction to body modification through the lens of tattooing. Today, one in four Americans has at least one tattoo, and peoples of the world have been tattooing for over 5500 years, based on evidence of tattooed mummies found throughout the world. Yet tattooing can be a health risk, even in an era of improved hygiene and sanitation. This course explores body use from the 4-field anthropological perspective—biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological—with a special focus on tattooing. Students will write short commentaries on readings, discussions, films, and classroom experientials over the course of the semester and develop a personal project as the culminating course experience. Projects will be developed inside and outside of class and can be any format.
Spring 2020 syllabus (course postponed)
Level: Sophomores & Juniors
Description: This course provides an introduction to body modification through the lens of tattooing. Today, one in four Americans has at least one tattoo, and peoples of the world have been tattooing for over 5500 years, based on evidence of tattooed mummies found throughout the world. Yet tattooing can be a health risk, even in an era of improved hygiene and sanitation. This course explores body use from the 4-field anthropological perspective—biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological—with a special focus on tattooing. Students will write short commentaries on readings, discussions, films, and classroom experientials over the course of the semester and develop a personal project as the culminating course experience. Projects will be developed inside and outside of class and can be any format.
Spring 2020 syllabus (course postponed)
Graduate Courses
Landmarks of Anthropological Literature (ANT 640)
Level: Doctoral
Description: This course provides an opportunity for advanced students to take an in-depth, critical look at eight books that form theoretical foundations across the subfields of anthropology, using a tutorial model of mentorship. This survey of theory is guided by faculty who are deeply familiar with each work. The course, however, is primarily self-guided. Working independently, students will read each work carefully, and then identify and read one subsequent review or commentary (where possible, a different commentary should be read by each student). Then, students will meet together for 2 hours to discuss and critique the work as a group. Following this meeting, each student will write a 1-2 page abstract incorporating a summary of major points in the work and a brief critical perspective that incorporates that student’s thinking as well as major critiques to which he/she has been exposed. Students will submit these abstracts electronically to the faculty member designated as the mentor, and then jointly meet with him/her for 30 minutes to discuss the abstracts and clarify any ambiguous points.
Fall 2010
Level: Doctoral
Description: This course provides an opportunity for advanced students to take an in-depth, critical look at eight books that form theoretical foundations across the subfields of anthropology, using a tutorial model of mentorship. This survey of theory is guided by faculty who are deeply familiar with each work. The course, however, is primarily self-guided. Working independently, students will read each work carefully, and then identify and read one subsequent review or commentary (where possible, a different commentary should be read by each student). Then, students will meet together for 2 hours to discuss and critique the work as a group. Following this meeting, each student will write a 1-2 page abstract incorporating a summary of major points in the work and a brief critical perspective that incorporates that student’s thinking as well as major critiques to which he/she has been exposed. Students will submit these abstracts electronically to the faculty member designated as the mentor, and then jointly meet with him/her for 30 minutes to discuss the abstracts and clarify any ambiguous points.
Fall 2010
Neuroanthropology (ANT 574)
See above.
See above.
The Plastic Human: Biology, Culture, and Evolution (ANT 575)
See above.
See above.
Theory & Method in Biocultural Medical Anthropology (ANT 610)
Neuroanthropology (ANT 574)
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