Minor in Anthropology
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Why Earn Your Minor in Anthropology at Sacred Heart?
Examine the similarities, differences, and development of human culture, behavior, and biology. SHU’s 18-credit anthropology program emphasizes the subfield of cultural anthropology and offers courses in introductory cultural anthropology; world cultures; cross cultural perspectives on health and illness; North American Indians; and urbanism and urbanization in global perspective.
Required Courses
The aim of this course is for students to develop an anthropological imagination and understand its relevance for living in the contemporary world. An anthropological imagination involves cultivating an interest in and an understanding of the unity, diversity, and development of human biology, society, and culture. As an introduction to the study of human cultural diversity, this course emphasizes the concept of culture, human sociocultural variation, and patterns of sociocultural change in contemporary human societies.
Students are taught how to investigate social issues as sociologists do-by tracing the troubles of men and women back to broader social forces and problems. The relevance of sociology is demonstrated through examples of applied sociology and through the students' use of social theory and methods to address social problems.
Elective Courses
In addition to required courses, students will also need to take four electives. One of the following courses can be completed instead of a fourth elective.
An in-depth study of the changes in Latin America from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Examines the major issues from the Mexican Revolution of 1910 to the Cuban Revolution of 1959 as well as current problems. Topics include dependency, Marxism, Peronism, neo-liberalism, and social and political change in the region.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Examines the forced migration of Africans to America, the condition and nature of slavery, abolitionism, emancipation, twilight zone of freedom, growth of civil rights, and Black Power movements.
Prerequisite: ake HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
This course introduces students to some of the major political, socioeconomic, and cultural factors which lead to challenges and conflicts in the Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries. It ends with discussions on contemporary Middle Eastern affairs.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
The mythic history of Ireland and "beginning" of the Irish and the traditions by which the Irish have come to identify themselves and give meaning to their world. Study of the religious function of social institutions; gods, goddesses, and ruling powers; holy places; feasting and sacrifice; spirits and ancestors; and the other world. Also considered is the role of women in these traditions and the continuation of "myth" in modern Ireland.