As anthropology emerged into the 20th century as a science, Franz Boas led the field toward contemporary standards of research. His notorious colleague, Frederick Starr, was marginalized and Starr’s contributions to 21st-century anthropology were left behind. Professor McVicker will critically examine Starr’s treatment of his subjects (or some would say victims) and try to separate his vices from his virtues. 

Donald E. McVicker is professor emeritus of anthropology at North Central College and a research associate at the Field Museum. He received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Chicago and has done extensive archaeological research in Mesoamerica. His biography of Frederick Starr, Frederick Starr: Popularizer of Anthropology, Public Intellectual, and Genuine Eccentric, has just been published by AltaMira Press. 

This event is free and open to the campus and community.