GEOG 1350 - Geography of Tattoo: Marks of Distinction or Defamation?

The inherent value of tattoo varies greatly depending on the social and cultural fabric in which they are examined. Some societies venerate tattooing as a historic staple or art form while others mark it as a brand of criminality or "baser" society. Much of these views vary depending on the time of their existence, but more importantly are the differences propagated by physical and cultural geography. The purpose of this course is to explore the phenomenon of tattooing and how it is valued according to differences in geographic location. Why is it respected in some cultures and reviled in others? What are the historic foundations behind these opinions? Most importantly, how do these opinions vary across geographic space?