UTRGV Anthropology

What a wonderful time it was, celebrating our Fall 2024 graduates! Wherever life takes you, we hope you will keep up updated. Near or far, we will be cheering you on!

This Thursday Dr. Edward Gonzalez-Tennant, Assistant Professor at UTRGV-Anthropology is presenting on his work in the Ocala National Forest. This is a free, online event!

Title: In the Footsteps of Flag and Jody: Historical Archaeology of The Yearling

When: December 12, 2024, 6pm CST

Where: Online

Abstract: The Yearling is one of the nation’s most beloved books. Set in a rapidly disappearing rural Florida, the captivating story of young Jody Baxter and his beloved pet fawn Flag is as powerful today as when it was published in 1938. However, few who read Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Pulitzer prize-winning novel are aware of the story’s historical roots. Rawlings based her book on interviews with residents of Pat’s Island, located in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness of the Ocala National Forest. Fewer still are aware that MGM shot the 1946 film adaptation starring Gregory Peck on location in the same place. This talk presents the results of two seasons of archaeological research in Pat’s Island, which focused on excavating the Long homesite and documenting other historical resources in the area. Topics include the environmental history of the area, preliminary interpretations of the excavated materials, and ongoing efforts to commemorate this history using traditional and emerging methods.

For more information, https://cgcas.org/december2024-edward-gonzalez-tennant/

Our Archaeology of South America class made posters!come check them out on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 2:00-3:15pm in ELABN 111.

Today we'll be learning from Russ Skowronek @ UTRGV Anthropology about his project on the chemical characterization of copper artfacts from early Spanish contexts in the Americas!

Join us for today's DAACS Conversation at 12pm ET via zoom. Register:
bit.ly/3Zb0KHt

Halloween is often about transgression and expressing parts of yourself that may not be “acceptable” in day to day life. Whether that means embracing your inner horror fan, emulating your favorite character, or, like Percy, seeing what it’s like to be a cat for the day, the liminal space of Halloween is an opportunity for us all to look at the world a little differently.

How are you (or your favorite creature) celebrating Halloween this year?

Remember, archaeologists don’t dig dinosaurs 🚫🦕🚫, but anthropology students do check in with their advisors before registration. ✅

Let’s all welcome Percy, the unofficially official mascot of the Department of Anthropology!

You may have already seen him on campus this fall, at events or in Dr. Rowe’s office. He’ll join our feed from time to time to share important information and brighten your day.

Join us at the Registration Fair in the Edinburg Ballroom from 10:30-2:00. Learn about all the courses being offered next semester!

Ever wonder what Anthropology internship students actually do?

Check out "Sus Historias: Folk Art of Mexico and Latin America", an IMAS outreach exhibit designed by two Anthropology interns, Alejandra Izaguirre and Linda Esquivel.

The opening reception will be held on Tuesday, October 15, from 4:30-6:00 PM, and the exhibit will be on display in the UTRGV Main Campus Library in Edinburg and the Center for Latin American Arts through December 12, 2024.

“Historically, pulgas provide spaces for individuals to sell their products. Latinx flea markets in the Rio Grande Valley tend to be located near colonias, unincorporated pieces of land where many migrants live. These economic opportunities are important because pulgas provide sustainable food options for colonias, lower-income and migrant communities.”

Fantastic commentary and response to a recent New York Times article by UTRGV Mexican American Studies MAIS student Laura Barrera Lamb.

Commentary: Why Pulgas Matter: A Critical Response to National Narratives and Misunderstandings about the RGV Pulgas in the Rio Grande Valley preserve Mexican culture, provide economic opportunities, and resist gentrification in Latinx communities.

The Department of Anthropology is hiring!

https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/44322

We are looking for candidates for a new tenure-track assistant professor of Biological Anthropology (specialization open). The new faculty member will join a research-active department looking to build our biological anthropology offerings. Application deadline is Oct. 31. Please share widely!

Assistant Professor in Anthropology (Biological Anthropology)/College of Liberal Arts We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s diverse student body as an Assistant Professor of Anthropology (biological anthropology specialization) beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.The successful applicant will contribute to our undergraduate...

Dr. Rowe (and new anthropology mascot, Percy) talking anthropology to incoming students at the general UTRGV College of Liberal Arts session for Vaquero Roundup in Brownsville.
Stick around for our anthro specific session at 11:15!

Do you want a chance at hands-on learning that benefits organizations in the community? Anthropology internships are 3 credits and open to all majors. We still have opportunities available for this semester. If you are interested please reach out to Dr. Rowe [email protected].

We are hiring a postdoc fellow. Please share with appropriate candidates and apply if you are interested!

Friends of UTRGV Anthropology

August 27th is the UTRGV Day of Giving. If you would like to make a donation to support our innovative programs and students, please consider making a donation of whatever amount through this link. We would be most grateful if you did. Donations can be made anonymously. Many thanks!

Lightning Giving Form A site used to donate to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Sign up for Dr. Melo's new ANTH 4385.02/6385.02 Latina Maternal Health course this Fall! It will be a hybrid course which means we will only mean a handful of times in person on the Edinburg campus and the rest of class sessions will be online. It is held Tuesdays from 5-7:30 p.m.

Here is a brief summary from the syllabus:

This course will introduce us to the anthropology of maternal health examined from the experiences of Latinas. We will critically engage with and identify the challenges facing women and communities at important stages of the reproductive cycle for a cultural anthropological and biocultural perspective. We will also analyze the societal and cultural forces that either impede or support childbearing amongst Latinas. We will connect the course content to everyday, current societal and policy challenges surrounding issues such as periods, contraception, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, fertility issues, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum.

Dr. Melo is hiring a PAID intern for the Border Studies Archive at UTRGV! Today is the last day to apply and the application is short and only requires a copy of your resume (no letters of recommendation needed). Email Dr. Melo at [email protected] if you have any issues or questions. The application is available through JobX at my.utrgv.edu. Search for "Community Archive Intern" 😁

https://www.sapiens.org/hominin-quiz/