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.
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
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
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