Agriculture and farmers in a cross-cultural, deep-time perspective, from the domestication of plants and animals 10,000 years ago, to how farmers throughout the world make ends meet while coping with risk and uncertainty, to the place of farming and farmers in the modern world system. 

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students will have an enhanced reading load accompanied by periodic meetings to discuss the readings. Students will be expected to write more lengthy and thorough research papers.

The development and use of theory in archaeology. The roots of theory in archaeology and how it impacts archaeological methods, an understanding of some of the major theoretical paradigms currently influencing archaeological research, and how to translate abstract ideas into research questions. 

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students must complete all regular readings and assignments. In addition, they will be required to complete additional readings on theoretical concepts and case studies which apply diverse theories, lead at least two class discussions, complete an additional reflexive paper in which they explore their own theoretical orientation in relation to their dissertation research, or create a research paper that conforms to American Antiquity, the primary professional journal for American archaeology. The professor will meet with graduate students as required in order to develop that paper and comment on drafts.

Animal remains recovered from archaeological sites, studied in light of zoological and archaeological methods and theories and interpreted in terms of human and animal behavior. 

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students will be assigned more difficult and/or larger samples. Their papers should be thoughtful, thorough, and theoretical treatments of the assemblage studied. They will be expected to present a preliminary (15 minute) version of their papers to the class.

The major human issues related to contemporary conservation initiatives. As these initiatives expand and proliferate, their impact is felt more widely and acutely by local communities, and anthropologists have more opportunities to engage in the process. Examination of various conservation approaches, their impacts on communities, and the ways in which anthropologists have and can contribute to the process.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students in the course will be required to read a conservation-focused monograph, such as Paige West's Conservation is our Government Now and to meet with the instructor outside of class to discuss the book. Graduate students will collaborate to produce and deliver a lecture on the book for their undergraduate classmates. Each graduate student will also produce a 25-page term paper (rather than the 12-15 page required for undergraduates) and will give a 30- minute lecture on their topic (rather than a 10-minute conference-style presentation for undergraduates).