An examination of a particular topic in contemporary biological anthropological research. The specific topic investigated changes each year. Students are expected to carry out independent research on the topic, either through a review of relevant literature or through field or laboratory work. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for
This course

Topic for Winter 2023: Humans and Alcohol
Prerequisites: ANTH 140 and one other course in anthropology; or BIOL 150 and instructor's consent; and junior or senior standing
The relationship between humans and alcoholic beverages is both ancient and current. It is physiological and evolutionary, as well as social, cultural, and psychological. Alcohol use and abuse are also public health issues, and are subject to cultural interpretation. In this course we will use the tools of holistic and biocultural anthropology to analyze the ways in which alcohol consumption has shaped our biology, and continues to shape our health and behavior today.