Anthropologica - Anthropology in Action

Visiting Lecture Series

ANTHROPOLOGICA: Anthropology in Action is a visiting lecture series sponsored by the Program in Anthropology of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in cooperation with the MT Anthropology Society.

Twice a year, anthropologists invited from throughout the region present their "cutting edge" research with a particular emphasis on the applications and contributions of anthropologists in a diversity of settings -- alongside and intermingled with their career experiences and anecdotes. Subtitled Anthropology in Action, the series is designed to present the real-world applications and impacts of anthropological scholarship for a diverse audience.

These lectures are selected to address issues of broad interdisciplinary interest and with solid relevance to local, regional, national, and/or international human issues. As dedicated and active professional anthropologists, our faculty hope to further the goals of raising the profile of the discipline of anthropology and its relevance at MTSU and regionally. We believe that anthropology offers a particular capability in helping to solve human problems through building partnerships in research and problem solving; acknowledging the perspectives of all people involved; focusing on challenges and opportunities presented by biological variability, cultural diversity, ethnicity, gender, poverty and class; and addressing imbalances in resources, rights, and power.

Selected Past Lectures in the Series

  • October 7, 2014. Dr. Lars Krutak, Tattoo Anthropologist, presented Skin Deep: The History and Practice of Indigenous Tattooing.
  • March 26, 2014. Dr. Rachel Wright, Cultural Anthropologist, presented Making a Difference: Practicing Anthropology in the World of Non-Profits.
  • September 11, 2013. Dr. Tony Pollard, Glasgow University, presented Old Wounds, New Perspectives: The Archaeological Investigation of Culloden Battlefield.
  • November 9, 2011.  Dr. Kristina Killgrove, Vanderbilt University, presented Synthesizing Skeletons and Science in the Heart of the Roman Empire.
  • October 7, 2010. Dr. F. Kent Reilly III, Texas State University, Warfare, Transformation, and Hallucinogenic Trance in Olmec Style Art
  • October 21, 2009. Dr. David H. Dye , University of Memphis , presented The Archaeology of Religious Life in Native Eastern North America.
  • October 21, 2009. Dr. David H. Dye , University of Memphis , presented The Archaeology of Religious Life in Native Eastern North America.
  • December 2, 2008. Dr. Amber VanDerwarker, University of California Santa Barbara, presented Elite Status and Provisioning at the epi-Olmec site of Tres Zapotes southern Veracruz, Mexico.
  • March 20, 2008. Dr. Derek Pardue, Anthropology and International and Area Studies, Washington University, St. Louis presented Globalize Tu Mamá: Race, Music and the Afro-Latin Phenomenon.
  • March 26, 2007. Dr. Elizabeth Colantoni, Department of Classics, Oberlin College presented Annual Festivals & Animal Sacrifices: The Archaeology of Ancient Rome's Religious Calendar.
  • November 29, 2006. Dr. Richard A. O'Connor, Department of Anthropology, University of the South presented From Virtue into Vice -- Applying Anthropology to Anorexia.
  • April 21, 2003. Dr. Jan Simek, Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Knoxville presented On the Backs of Serpents: The Prehistoric Cave Art of the Eastern Woodlands.
  • April 8, 2003. Dr. Edward Fischer, Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University presented Between the Past and the Future: Maya Peoples in a Globalized World.
  • November 13, 2002. Dr. Beth Conklin, Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University presented Cannibalism Controversies: Challenging Stereotypes in the Social Sciences.
  • April 4, 2002. Dr. William Bass III, Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, presented Beyond the Body Farm: Solving Forensic Mysteries.
  • February 5, 2002. Dr. Celeste Ray, Department of Anthropology, University of the South presented Kilting the Cavaliers: Scottish Americans in the American South.
  • October 24, 2001. Dr. David Dye, Chair of Anthropology, University of Memphis presented Feasting with the Enemy: Iconography and Warfare in Southeastern United States.
  • September 26, 2001. Dr. Lyn Miles, Foundation Professor of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Chattanooga presented My Life With Chantek.