ANTH 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

This course is a cross-cultural examination of the diverse lifeways that humans have created around the world; and an analysis of the similarities and differences that exist among them. Primary topics include the nature and beginnings of human culture, language, growth and development, subsistence and economic systems, sex and marriage, family and household, kinship and descent, social groupings, political organization, religion and the supernatural, the arts, and cultural change.

Credits

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

General Education Competency

GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing

ANTH 102Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Social Science

II. Course Specification

Course Type

General Education

General Education Competency

GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing

Credit Hours Narrative

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is a cross-cultural examination of the diverse lifeways that humans have created around the world; and an analysis of the similarities and differences that exist among them. Primary topics include the nature and beginnings of human culture, language, growth and development, subsistence and economic systems, sex and marriage, family and household, kinship and descent, social groupings, political organization, religion and the supernatural, the arts, and cultural change.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Summarize the contributions of four major anthropologists.
  • Explain the distinction between a scientific and pseudoscientific explanation of phenomena.
  • Define each of 25 terms unique to anthropology (from prepared list)
  • Rank the four major world subsistence systems in terms of complexity
  • Summarize an anthropological perspective on the diversity of world religions
  • Explain why arranged marriages are so common worldwide
  • List three of the major sources of culture change
  • Describe one specific type of exchange system found among indigenous peoples
  • Summarize the anthropological explanation for modern human diversity
  • Arrange four important prehistoric hominid species in chronological order.
  • Summarize the reasons anthropologists work to preserve indigenous societies
  • Explain the negative consequences of modernization

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

The Essence of Anthropology Characteristics of Culture Ethnographic Research: History, Methods, Theories Becoming Human: Origin and Diversity of Our Species Language and Communication Social Identity, Personality, and Gender Patterns of Subsistence Economic Systems Sex, Marriage, and Family Kinship and Descent Groupings by Sex, Age, Common Interest, and Class Politics, Power, and Violence Spirituality, Religion, and the Supernatural The Arts Processes of Change Global Challenges, Local Responses, the Role of Anthropology

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Video summary and reaction: "The Vanished Tribe of Brazil" Video summary and reaction: "Ishi, the Last Yahi" Video summary and reaction: "Ongka’s Big Moka" Video summary and reaction: "Masai Women" Video summary and reaction: "The Shaman’s Apprentice" Complete comparative chart: Five Major Hominids Complete comparative chart: Four Subsistence Systems Complete comparative chart: Political System Types Participate in and summarize classroom activity: The Penny Game

Required Exams

Mid-term exam Final exam

Required Text

Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge, by William A. Haviland, 13th ed., Harcourt Brace

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Video summary and reaction: "The Vanished Tribe of Brazil" Video summary and reaction: "Ishi, the Last Yahi" Video summary and reaction: "Ongka’s Big Moka" Video summary and reaction: "Masai Women" Video summary and reaction: "The Shaman’s Apprentice" Complete comparative chart: Five Major Hominids Complete comparative chart: Four Subsistence Systems Complete comparative chart: Political System Types Participate in and summarize classroom activity: The Penny Game Mid-term exam Final exam