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Department of Anthropology

 

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Undergraduate Programs


Anthropology Major

Anthropology is the comparative, evolutionary and historical study of human, and nonhuman primates. 

 EXPLORE MAJORS AND EMPHASES 

Anthropology Minor

Because we study all aspects of humans, anthropology is holistic and inter-disciplinary and anthropologists work hand-in-hand with other sciences such as biology, physiology, sociology and psychology—just to name a few.

 

Integrative Human Biology Minor (IHB)

Engage in research in human form and function, human evolution and biological variation, human behavior, and the roles humans play in local and global ecosystems. Students will acquire the broad but rigorous background they will need as professionals in the 21st-century health sciences and many other fields that engage directly with aspects of human adaptation and welfare.

EXPLORE ANTHROPOLOGY MINORS 

 

Have a question about anthropology? Ready to declare?

BOOK AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Dissertation Defense


Katie Ward

 

Katie Ward, PhD Candidate

 

"Exploring Cycle Changes Related to Luteal Phase Parenting Adaptations"

 

Monday, June 23, 2025

2:00 pm

GC 4700

Click here RSVP for zoom link

Exploring Cycle Changes Related to Luteal Phase Parenting Adaptations

Abstract

This dissertation tested the hypothesis that luteal phase hormones influence behaviors that secure social bonds and increase vigilance during the luteal phase when pregnancy is possible. Using an innovative within-subject design with women using levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUD) who maintain ovulation, three studies employing daily diary methodology examined fear responses, social affiliation patterns, and sexuality across confirmed ovulatory cycles. While the research was designed to identify luteal phase behavioral adaptations for parenting, the findings demonstrated a consistent and unexpected pattern: psychological states fluctuate systematically across cycle phases, but actual behaviors remain stable.

 

Dissertation Defense


Blanca Yague

 

Blanca Yagüe, PhD Candidate

 

"Continuity and Adaptation of Indigenous Foodways in Urban Context: Insights from Diets and Markets in the Colombian Amazon"

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

9:00 am

GC 5825

Click here RSVP for zoom link

Continuity and Adaptation of Indigenous Foodways in Urban Context: Insights from Diets and Markets in the Colombian Amazon

Abstract

In an increasingly urban world, complex multi-ethnic contexts are rapidly transforming Indigenous peoples’ lives. Urbanization and market integration drive the nutrition transition, with Indigenous peoples incorporating non-native and market foods into their diets, affecting their health outcomes, cultural transmission, identity, and overall wellbeing. However, they adapt their foodways and cultural practices to the urban environment, as the market also opens opportunities for accessing new foods and creates novel income sources by commercializing Indigenous foods. This dissertation looks at how all this unfolds in the city of Mitú in the Colombian Amazon.

First, it uncovers Indigenous peoples’ diets in the city, confirming the presence of Indigenous foods. Then, it compares diet diversity of Indigenous households in a remote, almost self-sufficient, rural community with urban Indigenous households, trying to resolve the ongoing debate of whether urbanization makes diets less diverse, or if it widens food options, making diets more varied. No statistically significant difference in diet diversity was found between the two populations, although diets were not the same qualitatively.

Second, it looks closely at the variability of Indigenous families’ diets in the city and how ethnic identity may affect diet diversity and composition; households with no non-Indigenous members tend to eat more Indigenous foods. It also investigates the influence of time lived in the city on Indigenous peoples’ diets.

Third, it examines how urban Indigenous people benefit from market integration by exploring the importance of Indigenous women-led restaurants in the local economy and the social life of Mitú. These women serve Indigenous dishes, maintaining food traditions and generating income in a city with high inflation and unemployment. Concurrently, they face challenges in running their businesses because of the predominance of non-Indigenous logics imposed by the local government and the non-Indigenous society.

This dissertation contributes to a better understanding of the Indigenous urban experience and the continuity and adaptations of their foodways in the city. It has a novel approach to how the market can play a role in maintaining Indigenous foodways and expands our knowledge of urban Amazonia. It has implications for food policies and urban Indigenous.

 

 

 

Last Updated: 6/19/25