Dr. Ortman's research has three foci: 1) historical anthropology--the integration of theory and data from the traditional subdisciplines of anthropology to understand the long-term histories of indigenous peoples, especially in the U.S. Southwest; 2) complex systems approaches to human societies and their evolution, especially the effects of networks, agglomeration and institutional change; and 3) collaborative synthesis in archaeology--the effort to expand the role of archaeology in discussions of contemporary issues. Ortman is co-director if the CU-Pojoaque Youth Culture Camp, PI of the Social Reactors Project, co-PI of the CyberSW Project, and Director of the Center for Collaborative Synthesis in Archaeology within the Institute for Behavioral Science.
keywords
archaeology, historical anthropology, cognitive and historical linguistics, evolution, social development, complex systems, material culture, US Southwest, North America
ANTH 1120 - Exploring a Non-Western Culture: Pueblo Indians of the Southwest
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Examines the geography, kinship, politics and religious values of Pueblo Indian peoples of the US Southwest in historical and contemporary context through an anthropological perspective. Specific details of Pueblo Indian languages, cultures, and histories are used to illustrate basic ideas and debates in anthropology including: the concept of culture, the influence of language on thought, the grounding of culture in human biology, religion and reason, the nature of oral traditions, and archaeological interpretation.
ANTH 4000 - Quantitative Methods in Anthropology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Surveys ways of deriving meaning from anthropological data by numerical means, including but not confined to basic statistical procedures. Recommended prerequisites: ANTH 2010 and ANTH 2020. Same as ANTH 5000.
ANTH 4020 - Explorations in Anthropology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Special topics in cultural and physical anthropology, as well as archaeology. Check with the department for semester offerings. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Same as ANTH 5020.
ANTH 4350 - Archaeological Field and Laboratory Research
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Summer 2024
Students participate in archaeological field research or conduct laboratory analysis of archaeological materials and data. Students work with faculty on archaeological research projects with a field or lab focus, depending on the project undertaken. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisites: ANTH 2200 and students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors). Same as ANTH 5350.
ANTH 4710 - Departmental Honors in Anthropology 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Course work built around theme of research design as a means of integrating previous training in the field of anthropology as well as providing an opportunity to perform creative scientific investigations. Prepares students to write an honors thesis in ANTH 4720. Required of students doing Anthropology departmental honors.
ANTH 5000 - Quantitative Methods in Anthropology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Surveys ways of deriving meaning from anthropological data by numerical means, including but not confined to basic statistical procedures. Same as ANTH 4000.
ANTH 5020 - Explorations in Anthropology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Special topics in cultural and physical anthropology, as well as archaeology. Check with the department for semester offerings. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Same as ANTH 4020.
ANTH 5460 - Archaeology and Contemporary Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Explores the intellectual climate in which archaeology is practiced and how it influences archaeological research and reconstruction, laws, regulations, and ethical issues. Explores public use of and engagement with archaeology.
ANTH 7030 - Seminar: Archaeology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Intensive examination of selected theoretical or methodological topics in archaeology. Topics vary with current research emphasis. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
ANTH 7140 - Seminar: Archaeology of Selected Areas
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Considers archaeology of a specified area, either geographical or topical. Areas selected in accordance with current research interests. May be repeated upto 9 total credit hours.
