Human Ecology Environmental issues are also cultural and political conflicts, between competing social groups, economic interests and cultural paradigms. This course introduces students to human ecology, the study of how our adaptations to the environment are mediated by cultural differences and political economy. Topics include: how ecological anthropology has evolved as a subdiscipline, with a focus on systems theory and political ecology; how ritually regulated societies manage resources; how rural communities deal with environmental deterioration; and how contradictions between environmental protection, economic development, and cultural values complicate so many ecological issues.

Topics in Anthropological Theory This course gives an introduction to some important themes in the development of anthropological thought, primarily in the past century in anglophone and francophone traditions. It emphasizes close comparative reading of selections from influential texts by authors who have shaped recent discourse within the social sciences. (SOAN 0103 or ANTH 0103 or SOAN 0107 or SOCI 0107 or SOAN 0109 or ANTH 0109 or SOAN 0159 or ANTH 0159)

Diversity and Human Nature: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology This course introduces students to the varieties of human experience in social life and to the differing approaches and levels of analysis used by anthropologists to explain it. Topics include: culture and race, rituals and symbolism, kinship and gender roles, social evolution, political economy, and sociolinguistics. Ethnographic examples are drawn chiefly from non-Western societies, from simple bands to great agrarian states. The ultimate aim is to enable students to think critically about the bases of their own culture and about practices and beliefs previously unanalyzed and unexamined.

Africa and Anthropology: Power, Continuity, and Change Sub-Saharan Africa has long represented primitive mysteries for Europeans and North Americans, as a ‘Dark Continent’ full of exotic people and animals. Even now, many Americans learn little about Africa and Africans except for ‘thin’ media reports of political, economic, and ecological upheaval or persistent poverty, disease, and despair. This course provides a ‘thick’ description and analysis of contemporary African conditions using ethnographies and films. We will not be exploring ‘traditional African cultures’ outside of their historical contexts or generalizing about ‘what African culture really is.’ Rather, our focus will be on understanding social continuity and change alongside cultural diversity and commonality. Topics will include colonialism, critical kinship studies, African feminism, environmental management, witchcraft and religion. Throughout the course African ideas of power – what it is, who has it, and why –unify these diverse topics as social relations.

Land and Society in St. Vincent, Eastern Caribbean This course immerses students in the cultural history of St. Vincent and helps them understand how land conflicts are transformed through both formal policy channels and informal cultural dynamics. Students will read primary source material, ethnographic accounts, and policy documents to contextualize the oral histories they collect about land use, social change, and cultural practice. Pragmatically, they will produce public outreach materials for Vincentians to use when discussing land matters. These materials are likely to be desktop-published materials such as coloring books and curricular materials for K-12 education, policy briefs for policymakers, and short Youtube videos.

Anthropology and Climate Change Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, and much of the discussion about its causes and consequences is based on the biophysical sciences and is strongly influenced by political and economic interests.  Anthropology offers a wider set of perspectives on climate change.  In this seminar we will examine cross-cultural case studies of past and present responses to climate change.  We will look at how technological, economic, social, political, and spiritual dynamics shape the way people understand and react to climate change.  Key themes will include gender and vulnerability, social-ecological resilience, climate ideologies, development policy, social scale, and ethnometeorology.

Michael Sheridan

Reviews and ratings for Michael Sheridan at Middlebury College.Michael Sheridan teaches Environmental Anthropology, Topics Anthropology Theory, Cultural Anthropology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Michael Sheridan good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Mike is a great professor. This is no doubt the hardest course in the anthropology majors. The readings never stop and the ones in the beginning are very dense. However, Mike is very enthusiastic and makes lectures fun and engaging. Papers are difficult if you don't put in the time to do the readings and understanding the theories.

To be honest, I was pretty scared to take this class because of how Intro to Anth was, but it was such a nice surprise. Depending on the dynamic of the class, it can either be super fun or super not... our class dynamic was amazing, and with the class being only 12 students, bonding was inevitable. Class was structured to be full lectures on Monday and student led discussions on Wednesdays, I always looked forward to class and could count on having a good and fun time. There are a bunch of readings though so make sure you plan your days accordingly. 

Michael Sheridan is one of the most engaging professors I have had. He loves his work and is excited to teach. There are 5 fieldwork projects which make up a hefty chunk of the grade. He  is a slightly harsh grader with them but the class is really enjoyable. You learn a lot and you have fun doing it. 