Professor Olson’s interests include the anthropological study of the Pacific, particularly Tonga, Hawaii, and Native America. The specialized areas for his teaching and research include environmental justice, culture change, ritual studies, religion, and colonialism. The wide range of topics and subfields in anthropology allows him the personal freedom to pursue research interests. Professor Olson believes that the focus on cultures from around the globe is what attracts students to anthropology.

Education:
1980     B.S. University of Montana, Anthropology
1985     M.A. University of Arizona, Anthropology
1993     Ph.D. University of Arizona, Anthropology

Select Publications:
Olson, E. Enduring Traditions among the Eastern Shoshoni. Endangered Peoples of North American and the Caribbean. Greenwood Press, 2004.

Olson, E. Leaving Anger Outside the Kava Circle: An Important Context
of Conflict Resolution in Tonga.” Cultural Variation in Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence. Lawrence Erlbaum Press, 1997.

Courses Taught:
Introduction to Anthropology
Anthropology and Religion
Cultures and Religions of Hawaii
Cultures of the Pacific
Indigenous Peoples of North America
Native Americans and the Environment
Meaning and Place
Anthropology and Ritual Studies

Last updated: 10/04/2005