ANTH 354 - Science & Pseudoscience in Anthropology

Credits: 5

This is a course designed to help students learn to examine and evaluate the scientific validity of theories about the human present and past, and to explore and apply the techniques of scientific inquiry generally. Topics to be explored include what it means to do good science and the examination of a whole array of hoaxes, frauds, and misunderstandings found in the press, popular culture, and sometimes the scientific literature. Students will be encouraged to value and work toward scientific literacy, and to consider the affects of good and bad science on our society and everyday lives.

Prerequisites: None. Students are urged to take other social science courses before or simultaneously, and have strong writing skills.