American Anthropologist produces an annual Year in Review issue, with essays contributed by representatives of multiple subdisciplines. The 2010 review of biological anthropology was written by Libby Cowgill of the University of Missouri, and she has put forth a stellar contribution:
One Year in Biological Anthropology: Species, Integration, and Boundaries in 2010
ABSTRACT The year 2010 in biological anthropology has been marked by continuing questions regarding temporal and geographical species boundaries and by queries into what it means to be human. The lines of evidence we use to reconstruct our biosocial past often exist in a state of dynamic tension; however, opportunities for integration do occur, and these collaborative endeavors were notable in 2010. Here I focus on boundaries and integration in four separate areas. First, I discuss recent genetic advances in our understanding of human evolution. Second, I review a virtual issue of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology that emphasized bioarchaeology in Asia. Third, I highlight several articles in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that focus on speciation, human genetics, and the evolution of unique human characteristics. Last, I address the recent controversy over the language used in the American Anthropological Association's Long-Range Plan.
It is wonderful to see our discipline so ably represented by a rising scholar in the field. Speaking from experience, these AA reviews are a challenge to compose and Dr. Cowgill has done an outstanding job. Libby, you are truly awesome!
I hope the BANDIT community will check out the other annual reviews:
Archaeology, Elizabeth Arkush
Explaining the Past in 2010
Linguistic Anthropology, Leila Monaghan
The Expanding Boundaries of Linguistic Anthropology: 2010 in Perspective
Practicing Anthropology, Paul R. Mullins
Practicing Anthropology and the Politics of Engagement: 2010 Year in Review
Sociocultural Anthropology, Jennifer A Hamilton and Aimee J. Placas
Anthropology Becoming … ? The 2010 Sociocultural Anthropology Year in Review
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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