Department of Anthropology

The graduate programs of the Anthropology Department seek to furnish a balanced view of anthropological inquiry by means of intensive training in the literature, methods, techniques, and skills required for research in anthropology.

The MA curriculum builds upon the inherent strengths of small and medium-sized departments: the ability to provide necessary background through small lecture courses and specialized training through the tutorial format of seminars and individually directed research projects. In short, the MA program provides the student with a scholarly comprehension of the discipline, practical experience in anthropological research situations, and the initial competency required of a professional anthropologist.

The PhD curriculum builds on the strengths of the Master’s program by concentrating in two areas: 1) The Archaeology of Complex Societies, pertaining to the emergence and spread of early civilizations in the Americas; and 2) Biocultural Medical Anthropology, the study of the influence of social relations and culture on psychological and biological dimensions of health and wellbeing. The doctoral program is designed to prepare graduates with the skills needed to move easily into either academic or non-academic positions. Anthropology is a holistic discipline, and although this is the discipline’s greatest strength, especially today, most departments across the country have abrogated our heritage of holism and become narrowly focused. In very few archaeology or medical anthropology programs are students expected or required to take courses in all four fields. The University of Alabama is rare in that its faculty has expertise in all the primary subfields and that graduate students receive instruction across the full range of anthropological subfields. This broad holistic foundation is vital given the cross-disciplinary nature of the two emphases in which we specialize.

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Programs

Faculty

Chair
  • Jason DeCaro
Graduate Program Director
  • Elliot Blair
Professors
  • Jason DeCaro
  • Marysia Galbraith
  • Christopher Lynn
  • Lisa Pawloski
Associate professors
  • Elliot Blair
  • Cameron Lacquement
  • Sonya Pritzker
  • Diane Tober
  • Alexandre Tokovinine
Assistant professors
  • Rachel Cajigas
  • Katherine Chiou
  • Courtney Helfrecht
  • Stephanie McClure
Professors emeriti
  • James Bindon
  • John Blitz
  • Ian Brown
  • William Dressler
  • Keith Jacobi
  • Vernon J. Knight
  • Lisa LeCount
  • Kathryn Oths
Museum Studies Program
  • John Abbott
  • William Bomar
  • John Friel

Courses

ANT
501
Hours
3
Theory and Method in Linguistic Anthropology

Advanced introduction to contemporary linguistic anthropology: explores various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of language as a semiotic resource for social actors and communities.

ANT
502
Hours
3
Health Inequities

Explores the gendered, ethnic, cultural, and class dimensions that underlie the patterning of disease and illness worldwide, with attention to the long-term health effects of racism, sexism and poverty. Topics include reproductive and sexual health, obesity, body image, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, homelessness, and more.

MUSM
500
Hours
3
Museum Internship

This course is normally taken near the end of the museum studies program after the majority of other required courses have been completed. For the internship, students will develop a project proposal for a 40-hour unpaid internship at a host museum of their choice. Once the proposal is approved by the MUSM Internship Coordinator and MUSM Chair, students will complete the internship at their chosen host museum and be evaluated by their host museum supervisor and MUSM Internship Coordinator.

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the MUSM program, completion of at least two of the required courses (MUSM 501, MUSM 502, and MUSM 503), Academic Advisor’s approval of the internship proposal, and MUSM Administrator’s approval of the internship proposal.
MUSM
501
Hours
3
Museum Administration

This course utilizes case studies, analysis of timely topical issues, and problem-based learning exercises to explore many facets of museum studies relevant to administration and management in not-for-profit museums of various types (art, history, natural history, or science/technology). Intended for students considering a career in arts administration, or museums specifically, this course provides an inter-disciplinary introduction to museum work. Students will gain an understanding of the history and philosophy of museums, the role of museums in society, collecting policies, governance, strategic planning, budgeting, grant-writing, museum ethics, multicultural issues, and legal issues in museums. Behind-the-scenes visits to museums and guest speakers will be included.

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