A survey combining theory, practice, and critique. It presents the history of museums, the development of curation and conservation practices, and the theory of exhibition design. It incorporates a hands-on approach using the resources of USD's David W. May Indian Artifacts Collection. Field trips to local museums are a requisite of the course. A survey of the historical patterns, Twentieth Century trends, and new initiatives that characterize our understanding of Anthropology today.
Anthropology is the discipline that concerns itself with all that it means to be human.
This course takes a critical holistic look at what is relevant about Anthropology in an increasingly global society where a diversity of views and cross-cultural scenarios challenge each citizen and each institution to interact constructively. No library work required. Student initiates individual field research projects using ethnographic techniques. An introduction to the uses and content of photographic media in anthropology and a survey of non-Western cultures through ethnographic films. Students in this course will learn to communicate effectively in various formats following guidelines established by the American Anthropological Association, American Association of Museums, and funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation.