ANTH0357A-F25
Death and the Body
Death and the Body
This course will provide an overview of how archaeologists and anthropologists encounter and interpret death in societies worldwide. We will look at death and the body from the perspective of burials and tombs, discussing ancient and modern conceptions of souls, afterlives, and identities. Drawing upon my own research in the tropical lowlands of Guatemala and Honduras, we will compare Maya attitudes towards death with those of other world societies, from the mummies of ancient Egypt to modern jazz funerals in New Orleans. We will explore different ideas about death, social boundaries, and even what it is to be human. 3 hrs. lect.
This course will provide an overview of how archaeologists and anthropologists encounter and interpret death in societies worldwide. We will look at death and the body from the perspective of burials and tombs, discussing ancient and modern conceptions of souls, afterlives, and identities. Drawing upon my own research in the tropical lowlands of Guatemala and Honduras, we will compare Maya attitudes towards death with those of other world societies, from the mummies of ancient Egypt to modern jazz funerals in New Orleans. We will explore different ideas about death, social boundaries, and even what it is to be human. 3 hrs. lect.
- Term:
- Fall 2025
- Location:
- Munroe Hall 311 MNR 311
- Schedule:
- 12:45pm-2:00pm on Monday, Wednesday (Sep 8, 2025 to Dec 8, 2025)
- Type:
- Lecture
- Course Modality:
- In-Person
- Instructors:
- James Fitzsimmons
- Subject:
- Anthropology
- Department:
- Anthropology
- Division:
- Social Sciences
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- AMR, CMP, SOC
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 92743
- Subject Code:
- ANTH
- Course Number:
- 0357
- Section Identifier:
- A