Anthropology - Graduate (ISAN)
Courses
ISAN 501 - Essentials of Archaeology Credits 3
An examination of the methodology and theories of the archaeological approach to the study of humankind from the earliest times to the present and how to interpret such data in respect to political, economic and social organization as well as analyze adaptation and change. Designed for graduate students who have not had sufficient background in archaeological prerequisites. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 502 - Essentials of Physical Anthropology Credits 3
A survey of the physical nature of humans from an anthropological perspective. Explores ideas and concepts in scientific method, genetics, human variation, primate behavior, fossil humans and archeology. The laboratory (3 hours per week) will consist of a hands-on study of specimen and an examination of the relationship between human biology and the influence of culture. Designed for graduate students who have not had sufficient background in physical anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 503 - Linguistic Anthropology Credits 3
An examination of the interdependence of language, interaction and culture in society. It examines the relationship between cognition and behavior to language in communities worldwide. Topics include the structure of language and interaction, symbols and metaphors, language and identity, language and cognition, classification of experience, and language and power. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 504 - Social Justice and Human Rights Credits 3
An introduction to major themes and issues in the study of social justice and human rights advocacy. Common human rights violations will be considered from an anthropological perspective and in the light of Scripture. Various tools for engaging in social activism and advocacy, rescuing the oppressed and undertaking social justice and human rights interventions will be considered. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 505 - History of Anthropological Theory Credits 3
Examination of the theories and principle figures contributing to the development of modern anthropological inquiry, research strategies and field methods. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 507 - Cultural Anthropology Credits 3
Examination of the theoretical perspectives of anthropology combined with a study of cultural subsystems, ideology and culture change with a special emphasis on how a Christian worldview informs the study of people and culture. Designed for graduate students who do not have a sufficient background in cultural anthropology. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 511 - Anthropology of Religion Credits 3
A treatment of conceptions of the supernatural, the function of religion in society, religion and social control, the nature of religious ritual and paraphernalia, sacred places and religious practitioners. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 512 - Anthropology of Christianity Credits 3
This class examines new research in the area of anthropology of Christianity. It will trace its origins, the research approach, as well as application of these studies to the biblical text as well as to cross-cultural contexts. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 513 - Comparative Folklore and Mythology Credits 3
A cross-cultural comparison of the oral traditions of cultures including an examination of the major themes, cultural uses of myth, and the anthropological analysis and interpretation of the folk literature in society. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 515 - New Religious Movements Credits 3
Examines the role of religion and belief systems as they affect the appearance and direction of a variety of revitalization movements found in Africa, North America, Brazil, Asia, and the Pacific. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 521 - Contemporary Anthropological Theory Credits 3
Examination of recent developments since the 1950's in anthropological theory including such topics as post-colonialism, post-modernism, semiotics, psychological anthropology and feminist theoretical approaches. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 523 - Ethnographic Research Methods Credits 3
Techniques of field methods including genealogies, participant observation, life history, mapping, and structured interviews. Includes strategies for collecting and organizing data for later analysis. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 527 - Village and Tribal Studies Credits 3
Analysis of the cultural institutions and values in tribal, peasant and newly emerging economies with special consideration as to their openness or resistance to change. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 528 - Cultures of the World Credits 3
A study of specific cultural areas with an emphasis on customs and social structures, religions, arts and history. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different course content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 529 - Human Conflict: Theory and Resolution Credits 3
This course will explore the roots and results of aggressions, violence and conflict from an anthropological perspective. It will examine biological, ecological and other materialistic explanations of these phenomena, as well as patterns in learning, symbol using and structuring in small-scale societies, ethnic conflict, cross-cultural case studies, and techniques for conflict mediation and intervention. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 531 - Sign, Symbol and Structure Credits 3
Exploration of approaches, methods, and theory in the interrelated fields of semiotics, symbolic anthropology and structural anthropology. Focuses on ways in which anthropologists examine social and psychological structures, mental entities and lived experience, and symbolic contrasts and correspondences. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 541 - Urban Anthropology Credits 3
Examination of the growth of cities, patterns of migration, social effects of urbanization, the growth of urban ethnic enclaves, and relationships to surrounding communities with an emphasis on research strategies appropriate to an urban context. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 543 - Urbanization in Developing Countries Credits 3
Examination of the rural-migration patterns and growth of megalopolis in developing countries, including a study of the impact of industrialization, globalization and the continuing problem of economic inequalities. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 546 - Justice, Advocacy and the Kingdom of God Credits 3
An integration of anthropological and biblical perspectives on justice and advocacy to address specific global issues. Students will do an in-depth investigation addressing a particular area of their interest. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 551 - Anthropology of Gender Credits 3
The dynamics of male and female roles in western, non-western and biblical cultures. Focuses on responsibilities, obligations, expectations, leadership and inter-relationships as they relate to the society as a whole. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 555 - Kinship and Family in Cross-cultural Perspective Credits 3
Cross-cultural study of the basic human groups of family, kin and community, examining marriage patterns and gender roles within families. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 557 - Acts in Cross-cultural Perspective Credits 3
An examination of the cultural backgrounds of the various audiences of Acts and how these affect the interpretation of the biblical text. Students will use these concepts to develop their own course in a cross-cultural setting. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 561 - Economic Anthropology Credits 3
The study of economic and social relations as they impact human values, with emphasis on analytic tools for comparative research and cross-cultural comparisons. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 563 - Poverty and the City Credits 3
Examines contemporary concerns of inhabitants in the city for justice, employment, housing and education. Special emphasis is given to programs aimed at addressing poverty issues in an urban context. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 571 - Introduction to International Development Credits 3
Key theories, models and macro concerns in development, and historic overview of the practice of relief and development. Exploration of topics such as poverty, gender, human rights, debt, nationalism and economic development, globalization, and transformation/holistic development. Provides a broad survey of development concepts, trends and challenges. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 573 - Micro Issues in Relief and Development Credits 3
Examines micro issues in relief and development such as sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, literacy, the environment, food security, micro-enterprise development, gender, migration issues, internally displaced persons, refugee response and the role of NGOs and faith-based organizations/agencies in working with complex humanitarian emergencies. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 571.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 575 - Community Development Models and Strategies Credits 3
Exposure to various models for engagement in development projects and practice, assessment of participatory learning and action approaches, examination of the role of expatriates in community development, analysis of the complexities of community participation, exploration of the role of transformational development practitioners in sustainable economic development and community organizing. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 571.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 577 - Project Evaluation and Assessment Credits 3
Examination of the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation/assessment of a development project. Special emphasis on project funding and support, project supervision, project partnership issues, governmental and nongovernmental relationships, and participatory evaluation methods. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 571.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 581 - Archaeology Methods and Theories Credits 3
Survey of approaches, methods and theory used in current and past archaeological research. The class addresses the use of assumptions, models, strategies and research designs. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 501.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 582 - Field Methods in Archaeology Credits 3
Examines the principles of archaeological site survey, excavation and laboratory operation. Focused on hands-on study of the methodology of field and laboratory processes commonly used to recover and study the wide range of materials recovered from archaeological contexts. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 583 - Internship in Archaeology Credits 1-3
Students may spend four weeks or more in a field learning situation, during which time a student, under supervision, engages in the application of archaeological methods in a current archaeological excavation. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 581, ISAN 582.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 584 - World Archaeology Credits 3
Survey of the development of ancient culture and society throughout the world. Regional development of cultures and general themes of social behavior are explored with a focus on adaptation, social organization, technology and culture change. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 586 - Biblical Archaeology: Ancient Near East Credits 3
The history of archeology and literature of the ancient near east and the bearing of archaeological findings on the interpretation of the Old Testament. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 501 or TTBE 519.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 587 - Biblical Archaeology: Palestine Credits 3
The history of excavation, the history and geography of Palestine and how archaeological findings have bearing upon biblical interpretation. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 501, TTBE 519.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 588 - California Native Americans Credits 3
Survey of native California groups indigenous to the state at the beginning of the historic period. Environmental and technological adaptations, social organization, religious systems, art, and culture change are explored. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 509.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 589 - Bioarchaeology Credits 3
Exploration of the theory and methods of the study and preservation of human skeletal remains from archaeological sites. Topics include nutrition, disease, injury, and population history. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 591 - Human Paleontology Credits 3
Survey of the human fossil record focusing on the functional and behavioral significance of important morphological changes within the fossil record. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 502.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 593 - Human Variation Credits 3
Study of the processes and theories for the existence of the present variation between and within human populations, the genetics of human populations and the significance of racial classifications. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 502.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 595 - Human Osteology Credits 3
Techniques in the basic identification of human skeletal remains, including aging, sex, race and stature reconstruction. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): ISAN 502.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 601 - Proseminar Credits 3
Integrative seminar focusing on the most contemporary developments in each of the five fields of anthropological inquiry. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): Must have already completed introductory courses in archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 603 - Master's Thesis Credits 3
Under the direction of a mentor, the student selects a topic of inquiry and engages in a major research thereby demonstrating familiarity with research techniques, bibliographical resources and writing capabilities. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 609 - Language and Power Credits 3
A critical exploration of how language relates to power. The course will focus on (a) minority language rights and linguistic imperialism, language shifts and maintenance, and linguistic ecology, as well as (b) political, media, gender, ethnic, age, and class language. Students will engage in critical analysis of various kinds of discourse in terms of linguistic articulation, maintenance and subversion of power relations. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 613 - Topics in Social Justice and Human Rights Credits 3
Exploration of the contributions of anthropology and/or other academic disciplines to human rights and/or social justice considerations. Anthropological topics may include critical ethnography, cross-cultural approaches to developing international human rights standards, various forms of trafficking, genocide and ethnocide, anthropological ethics, representation and subjectivity in human rights and social justice contexts, universalism and relativism, anthropology of post-liberalism, cultural legitimacy, narrative approaches to transformational change, etc. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different topics. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 615 - Anthropology of Consciousness Credits 3
A survey of theoretical, methodological and ethnographic topics geared toward developing a deeper anthropological understanding of cross-cultural experiences related to both normal and 'altered' states of consciousness. We will explore topics including the neurophysiology of spiritual experience; trance; possession, shamanistic and mediumistic states; glossolalia; mystical traditions and a number of other 'extraordinary' experiences, as well as develop a thoroughly Christian, cross-culturally valid approach to various ethnophilosophies of mind, soul and spirit. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 621 - Practicum in Anthropology Credits 1-4
Field based work study program under supervision. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 623 - Independent Study Credits 1-4
Independent study in archaeological topic or area. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 624 - Independent Study Credits 1-4
In-depth investigation of a topic under the guidance of the faculty, using standard research procedures. Topic selection by advisor's approval. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 631 - Topics in Cultural Anthropology Credits 1-3
Consideration of topics not regularly scheduled by faculty. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content; course offered upon faculty availability and sufficient student interest. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 633 - Topics in Culture Change Credits 1-3
In-depth examination of both the theory and experience of culture change in various historical and cultural contexts. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 635 - Tutorial Credits 1-3
Specialized study under supervision on a topic of special interest pertinent to the student's area of inquiry. Requires interaction with both a faculty advisor and the student's peers. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 641 - Topics in Political Anthropology Credits 3
Examination of regional styles of leadership, of political conflicts, of competition for positions of leadership, and the nature in which power is allocated and used in various cultural contexts. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different topics. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 671 - Applied Anthropology Credits 3
Study of man, culture and environment with special emphasis on the manner in which their relationship with one another is affected by change agents. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 673 - Topics in Development Credits 1-3
Studies in selected issues related to relief and development. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 681 - Topics in Archaeology Credits 1-3
Studies in selected issues in archaeology. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 691 - Seminar in Advanced Archaeology Credits 1-3
In-depth analysis of specific archaeological concerns for advanced students. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 693 - Seminar in Advanced Physical Anthropology Credits 1-3
In-depth study of an issue or topic in physical anthropology. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 701 - Topics in Biblical Theology from an Anthropological Perspective Credits 3
An examination of themes, strategies, and topic within biblical theology from an anthropological perspective. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.
ISAN 711 - Research Design Credits 3
Methods for analyzing data, developing a research proposal, and organizing research results into an academic format. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 712 - Cultural Context of 1st Century Palestine Credits 3
An examination of current social science research on the cultural context of 1st century Palestine and the application to the interpretation of the primary texts. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 721 - Anthropological Theory in Practice Credits 3
An examination of the theories and principle figures who have contributed to the development of modern anthropological inquiry and the manner in which such theories have affected contemporary usage in missiological inquiry and cross-cultural research. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 731 - Culture, Cognition and World View Credits 3
An examination of the role of ideas in the formation, maintenance and/or stimulus for change in cultures. Includes a study of the development of anthropological theories and methods for understanding cultural knowledge and issues relating to cognition, culture and meaning. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 741 - Anthropology of Leadership Credits 3
Cross-cultural study of leadership including diverse patterns of authority, legitimacy, public support, leadership recruitment and training. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 751 - Social Anthropology Credits 3
Examination of the manner in which people in culture organize human relationships, allocate power, distribute labor, and work to sustain the well-being of the society. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.
ISAN 761 - Culture and Transformation Credits 3
The study of how cultures change, the dynamics and processes of change, the place of change agents and the speed and intensity of change. Implications of such processes are examined in social, political, economic and religious aspects of society. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Graduate Level or Doctoral Level.