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Economies and cultures in comparative perspective

Course #: ANTH 359

Description:
This course approaches economic behavior, ideas and institutions using two of the hallmarks of anthropology: field-based methods of data collection and cross-cultural comparison. Through ethnographic case studies, anthropological theory and first-hand observation, we will consider the embeddedness of the economy in complex socio-cultural systems, ideological and institutional. A range of systems of production, distribution and consumption in contemporary and past economies will allow students to systematically critique familiar economic ideas and institutions. Topics will include reciprocity and redistribution, traditional markets, notions of scarcity, affluence and fairness, the regulation of economic behavior by formal and informal institutions, the economic division of labor and the interface between modern and traditional economies.

Pre Requisites: Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or Permission of Instructor

Offered in:

2026 Spring

Section Class Number Schedule/Time Instructor Location
01 6855 MWF
10:00 - 10:50 am
Todd,Amy Wheatley-Peters W01-0041
Session: Regular
Class Dates: 01/26/2026 - 05/13/2026
Capacity: 35
Enrolled: 20
Status: Open
Credits: 3/3
Class Notes: This course uses Open Educational Resources (OER) course material. There is no cost for the course material for this course. For more information about OER, please visit open.umb.edu.
Pre Requisites: Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or Permission of Instructor
Course Attributes: World Cultures, OER Course Material, no cost course materials