Some emphasis will be placed on the north central part of the continent. An overview of South America and Middle America form the earliest human occupation until European contact. Some emphasis is placed on the development of agriculture and prehistoric state systems. Non-Western concepts of disease, health, and treatment. The contemporary peoples and cultures of Mexico and Central and South America.
Emphasis is on cultural patterns and contemporary issues of the region.
This course introduces concepts and methods of applying anthropological understanding to contemporary problems to bring about the empowerment of affected peoples. Case studies illustrate the impact and problems of culture change with special attention to its affect on powerless groups of people. Students will also design their own applied projects. Social Organization Family and kinship are the basis for all human organization. This course explores the role of systems of relationship in both simple and complex cultures.