JoAnn D’Alisera
Department Chair 
330 Old Main
479-575-2508
Email: dalisera@uark.edu

Mike Plavcan
Director of Graduate Studies
330 Old Main
479-575-2508
Email: mplavcan@uark.edu

Anthropology Department Website

Degrees Conferred:
M.A., Ph.D. (ANTHMA, ANTHPH)

Areas of Study: Archeology; biological/physical anthropology, and cultural anthropology. 

Primary Areas of Faculty Research: The biological anthropology faculty studies the present and past nature and evolution of humans and other primates. Faculty specializations are evolutionary theory, paleoanthropology, dental analysis, bioarcheology, comparative morphometrics. The cultural anthropology program focuses on such issues as gender, class, religion, and public culture as shaped by history and migration. Faculty area specialties include North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Training is offered in popular memory, material culture, religion, performance studies, sociolinguistics, ethnobiology, medical anthropology, and popular culture. The archeology faculty is particularly strong in the U.S. Southeast, Great Plains, and the Middle East. Their research interests range from ethnohistory to lithic analysis, Quaternary environments, ground-based geophysical and satellite remote sensing, applications of geographical information systems technology, quantitative techniques, mortuary studies, historical archeology, and ecology. A major emphasis, in collaboration with the Arkansas Archeological Survey, is public archeology.

M.A. in Anthropology

Prerequisites to Degree Program: Applicants must be admitted to the Graduate School and meet the following requirements: 1) satisfactory undergraduate preparation in anthropology, 2) three letters from persons competent to judge applicant’s potential for graduate studies, 3) satisfactory GRE scores, and 4) a completed departmental application. Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted conditionally. Students with course deficiencies may enroll concurrently in graduate courses.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree: (Minimum 30/36 hours, depending on option chosen.) A student may choose one of three options to satisfy the requirements for a Master of Arts degree in anthropology:

Anthropology M.A. with Thesis:(Minimum 30 hours.) A minimum of 24 semester hours of course work including distribution requirements specified by the department, six semester hours of thesis, and an oral examination conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

Anthropology M.A. with Internship: A minimum of 30 semester hours of course work including distribution requirements specified by the department, six hours of internship, evidence of research ability, and an oral exam conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

Anthropology M.A. without Thesis: Thirty-six semester hours including distribution requirements specified by the department and an oral examination conducted by the candidate’s faculty committee.

A list of courses that meet the general distribution requirement is available from the departmental chair. A minimum of 21 graduate hours in anthropology is required in all three options.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degrees.

Ph.D. in Anthropology

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree:(Minimum of 42 hours, including 18 hours of dissertation.)

Admission Requirements: Applicants are generally required to have a master’s degree in anthropology (or the equivalent) and demonstrate competence in the subfields of archeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. A student who begins doctoral study with an M.A. from another university must take the courses required for the M.A. here that were not taken elsewhere, but these deficiency courses may, with the consent of the student’s advisory committee, count toward the 24-hour course requirement. Applicants without a master’s degree in anthropology (or its equivalent) but with exceptionally strong qualifications may be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program at the discretion of the department faculty.

Advisory Committee: During the first semester of study, all students will be assigned an advisory committee that will determine their particular programs. Students will select a subfield of specialization (archeology, biological anthropology, or cultural anthropology).

Foreign Language Requirement:Students are required to demonstrate competence in a foreign language.

Course Requirements: Students in the doctoral program are required to complete 24 semester hours of course work for graduate credit beyond the M.A. degree. This work will include four seminar courses to include at least one class in archeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. To strengthen and support an area of expertise, a student may take up to six hours of graduate course work in other departments. Subject to the approval of the student’s adviser, these hours will count toward the 24-hour course requirement for the degree.

Candidacy Examinations:A student must complete Graduate School residence requirements and departmental course requirements before taking the written candidacy examinations. Students will notify their committees of their intention to take the examination, and their advisory committee will construct the examination questions. The exams will be taken on campus over a period of three days. The areas that will be examined are discussed in the department’s Graduate Student Handbook.

The student’s advisory committee, in consultation with other faculty as needed, will evaluate the written answers. The student’s advisory committee chair will meet with the student and provide relevant feedback, including any weaknesses in the written examination that might need to be addressed in the oral examination.

The committee chair will then schedule an oral exam with the student’s advisory committee. After the oral exam, the advisory committee will meet and make one of the following recommendations:

  1. The student has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to proceed with his/her dissertation. The student is then admitted to candidacy.
  2. Remedial work is necessary. Remedial work may include taking portions of the qualifying exam again, writing another paper, taking an additional course or independent study, or other options as appropriate. Upon successful completion of this remedial work, the student will be admitted to candidacy.
  3. The student is not admitted to candidacy.

The committee recommendations will be communicated in writing to the student and to the department chair, and the Graduate School will be notified in writing by the department chair when students have passed their candidacy examinations.

Proposal Defense:Upon admission to candidacy, students will select a dissertation committee with a major professor as chair to direct the research and writing. Under direction of the major professor, candidates will develop programs of reading in the general areas and research techniques pertinent to preparing their dissertations. To demonstrate competence in this preparation, the dissertation committee will conduct an oral proposal defense. This proposal defense must be taken no later than the end of the fall or spring semester after completing the written qualifying examinations.

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense: Students will demonstrate a capacity for independent research by writing an original dissertation on a topic within their subfield of specialization. Within the time limits specified by the Graduate School, students must submit a dissertation acceptable to their dissertation committee. Students’ final examinations will be oral and primarily a defense of their dissertations.

Teaching Requirement: Although the Doctor of Philosophy degree is primarily a research degree, communication skills are critical to professional development. Therefore, each doctoral candidate will be required to engage in teaching activities before completion of the program.

Faculty members located off-campus are available for research and individual guidance in any of these options. They may also chair and serve on student committees.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to doctoral degrees.

Environmental Dynamics: Anthropology participates in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Environmental Dynamics.

Common Market: Through an agreement with the Academic Common Market, residents of certain Southern states may qualify for graduate enrollment in this degree program as in-state students for fee purposes.

Graduate Faculty

D'Alisera, JoAnn, Ph.D., A.M. (University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign), B.A. (State University of New York at New Paltz), Associate Professor, 1999, 2005.
Delezene, Lucas, Ph.D., M.A. (Arizona State University), B.S. (Emory University), Associate Professor, 2011, 2020.
Erickson, Kirstin C., Ph.D., M.A. (University of Wisconsin-Madison), B.A. (St. Olaf College), Associate Professor, 2001, 2008.
Kowalski, Jessica Anne, Ph.D. (University of Alabama), Research Assistant Professor, 2019.
Koziol, Kathryn, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), Teaching Associate Professor, 2019, 2022.
Paul, Kathleen, Ph.D., M.A. (Arizona State University), B.A. (New York University), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Plavcan, Joseph M., Ph.D., B.A. (Duke University), Professor, 2001, 2010.
Stoner, Wesley, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Kentucky), B.A. (Pennsylvania State University), Associate Professor, 2014, 2020.
Terhune, Claire E., Ph.D., M.A. (Arizona State University), B.A., B.S. (College of Charleston), Associate Professor, 2013, 2020.
Ungar, Peter S., Ph.D., M.A. (State University of New York at Stony Brook), B.A. (State University of New York, Binghampton), Distinguished Professor, 1995, 2009.
Villaseñor, Amelia, Ph.D. (George Washington University), B.A. (Arizona State University), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Vining, Benjamin R., Ph.D., M.A. (Boston University), B.A. Colgate University, Associate Professor, 2016, 2022.

Courses

ANTH 500V. Advanced Problems in Anthropology. 1-18 Hour.

Individual research at graduate level on clearly defined problems or problem areas. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 18 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 5053. Quaternary Environments. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary study of the Quaternary Period including dating methods, deposits, soils, climates, tectonics, and human adaptation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with ENDY 5053, GEOS 5053.

ANTH 5103. Applications of Cultural Method and Theory. 3 Hours.

Review of the nature and history of cultural anthropology; recent theories and practical implications and applications of various methods of acquiring, analyzing and interpreting cultural anthropological data. (Typically offered: Fall)

ANTH 5113. Anthropology of the City. 3 Hours.

Examines cities as both products of culture, and sites where culture is made and received. Explores the implications of several pivotal urban and cultural trends and the way in which representations of the city have informed dominant ideas about city space, function, and feel. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5143. Ecological Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Anthropological perspectives on the study of relationships among human populations and their ecosystems. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4143 and ANTH 5143. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5153. Topics in Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Graduate level seminar with varied emphasis on topics relating to cultural anthropology. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

ANTH 5203. Applications of Archeological Method and Theory. 3 Hours.

Review of the nature and history of archeology; recent theories and practical implications and applications of various methods of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting archeological data. (Typically offered: Fall)

ANTH 5256. Archeological Field Session. 6 Hours.

Practical field and laboratory experiences in archeological research. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4256 and ANTH 5256. (Typically offered: Summer)

ANTH 5263. Indians of Arkansas and the South. 3 Hours.

Study of the traditional lifeways and prehistoric backgrounds of Indians living in the southern United States, including Arkansas. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

ANTH 5273. Photography for Fieldwork. 3 Hours.

This class explores the use of photographic images as both data and representational tools in anthropological research, emphasizing the ethical, theoretical, and methodological issues involved. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4273 and ANTH 5273. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5283. Survey in Ethnographic Film. 3 Hours.

Survey of the development and evolution of ethnographic film, based on class screenings to build familiarity, vocabulary, and literacy with this branch of visual anthropology. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4283 and ANTH 5283. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5293. Identity and Culture in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. 3 Hours.

An exploration of the interplay between Latino/a, Mexican, Anglo, and Native American identities and cultures along the U.S.-Mexico border. Course examines identity formation, hybridity, social tension, marginalization, race and gender, from an anthropological perspective, paying special attention to the border as theoretical construct as well as material reality. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4263 and ANTH 5293. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5303. Applications of Method and Theory in Biological Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Review of the nature and history of biological anthropology; recent theories and the practical implications and applications of various methods of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting data. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5313. Laboratory Methods in Archeology. 3 Hours.

Theory and practice of describing, analyzing, and reporting upon archeological materials. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4353 and ANTH 5313. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5363. Museums, Material Culture, and Popular Imagination. 3 Hours.

Museums as ideological sites and thus as sites of potential contestation produce cultural and moral systems that legitimate existing social orders. This course will focus on strategies of representation and the continuous process of negotiating social and cultural hierarchies with and through objects that are displayed. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4363 and ANTH 5363. (Typically offered: Fall)

ANTH 5413. Bioarcheology Seminar. 3 Hours.

Intensive coverage of bioarcheological method and theory with the context of both academic and cultural resources management research. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

ANTH 5443. Cultural Resource Management I. 3 Hours.

Concentrated discussion of management problems relative to cultural resources, including review and interpretation of relevant federal legislation, research vs. planning needs, public involvement and sponsor planning, and assessment of resources relative to scientific needs. No field training involved; discussion will deal only with administrative, legal, and scientific management problems. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 548V. Individual Study of Anthropology. 1-6 Hour.

Reading course for advanced students with special interests in anthropology. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 448V and ANTH 548V. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 5523. Dental Science. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the study of the human dentition including its anatomy, morphology, growth and development, and histology. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both ANTH 4523 and ANTH 5523. (Typically offered: Fall)

ANTH 5553. Introduction to Raster GIS. 3 Hours.

Theory, data structures, algorithms, and techniques behind raster-based geographical information systems. Through laboratory exercises and lectures multidisciplinary applications are examined in database creation, remotely sensed data handling, elevation models, and resource models using boolean, map algebra, and other methods. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4553 and ANTH 5553. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with GEOS 5453.

ANTH 5623. Primate Adaptation and Evolution. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the biology of the order of Primates. This course considers the comparative anatomy, behavioral ecology and paleontology of our nearest living relatives. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4613 and ANTH 5623. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is cross-listed with BIOL 5613.

ANTH 5703. Mammalian Evolution and Osteology. 3 Hours.

This course will focus on describing the evolutionary history of mammals, a group of vertebrates that include over 5,000 species in 29 orders, and will provide an overview of living species and their identifying features. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4703 and ANTH 5703. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with BIOL 5883.

ANTH 5813. Ethnographic Approaches to the Past. 3 Hours.

Review of the uses of ethnographic data in the reconstruction and interpretation of past cultures and cultural processes, with particular emphasis on the relationships between modern theories of culture and archeological interpretation. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4813 and ANTH 5813. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 582V. Applied Visual Research. 1-6 Hour.

This class provides hands-on skill and training conducting visually informed fieldwork designed to help represent unique cultural settings, experience, and heritage. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 482V and ANTH 582V. (Typically offered: Irregular)

ANTH 5903. Seminar in Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Research, discussion, and projects focusing on a variety of topics. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4903 and ANTH 5903. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 5913. Topics of the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Covers a special topic or issue. Credit will not be given for both ANTH 4913 and ANTH 5913. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 600V. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master's Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

ANTH 6033. Society and Environment. 3 Hours.

This course examines the complex interrelationships between human societies and the natural environment. Drawing on diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives in archaeology, ethnography, history, geography, and palaeo-environmental studies, readings and discussion will explore the co-production of social and environmental systems over time. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with ENDY 6033.

ANTH 610V. Internship. 1-18 Hour.

Internship. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 18 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 6813. Seminar: Cultural Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Variable topics in Anthropology will be explored in depth. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 6833. Seminar: Biological Anthropology. 3 Hours.

Various topics in Biological Anthropology will be explored in depth. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

ANTH 700V. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-18 Hour.

Doctoral Dissertation. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.