Microbial Insights into Anthropology

Catalog description

The human body contains more microorganisms than it does its own cells, yet these complex communities of microorganisms are largely absent from Anthropology textbooks. This course investigates the interplay between microbiology and anthropology, exploring the roles that microbes play in human evolution, adaptation, health, and culture. We will first review basic concepts in microbiology (what are microbes?) and microbiome science (how is DNA useful?) and apply this understanding to core concepts in anthropology, including those that guide our understanding of living, ancient, and extinct humans. For example, what human activities or practices influenced the origins of disease, both infectious and non-infectious? How are microbes shared or transmitted during human interactions? Can microbes provide information about past human behavior or culture? How do microbes help or hinder human adaptation to new environments? This examination will be done through lectures and in-class discussions based on primary literature from different scientific fields of study. This understanding will be used to apply new interdisciplinary research approaches and see anthropology in a new light.