As this is an introduction to cultural anthropology, students are expected to learn
a brief history of the ... 1983 The Innocent Anthropologist: Notes from a Mud Hut.
ANTH 151: Human Cultures Fall 2010 Asbury Hall Room 222 Instructor: Kalliopi Christodoulaki, Ph.D. Office: Asbury Hall 214 Office hours: W-‐F 11:30 to 12:20 Email:
[email protected] Phone: (765) 658-‐4593 Course Description: This course will introduce you to the diversities and similarities that exist between and among human groups. We will explore different cultures to understand how behaviors, beliefs, practices, and other aspects of human life vary cross-‐culturally. As this is an introduction to cultural anthropology, students are expected to learn a brief history of the discipline of anthropology, the methodologies employed, and the key concepts and terminology used by cultural anthropologists. Some of the topics covered in the course will include: ethnographic method, economic systems, language, belief systems, kinship practices, construction of identity, and social organization. It is important to understand that you may be exposed to ideas and images in this course that may make you uneasy. Cultural anthropology strives to understand other ways of being without judgment or prejudice. Keep this in mind when you read the texts, listen to the lectures, discuss with peers, and watch the films. Required Texts: Barely, Nigel 1983 The Innocent Anthropologist: Notes from a Mud Hut. Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc. Lansing, J. Stephen 1995 The Balinese. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Robbins, Richard H. 2009 Cultural Anthropology: A Problem-‐Based Approach. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Shostak, Marjorie 1981 Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Coursework: 2 in-‐class exams Ethnographic project Presentation of project Class participation In-‐class assignments TOTAL POINTS Grading Scale: A 94 & above A-‐ 90-‐93 B+ 87-‐89 B 84-‐86 C+ 77-‐79 C 74-‐76 D+ 67-‐69 D 64-‐66 F 59% and below Course Expectations:
200 points (100 points each) 50 points 25 points 25 points 25 points (5 points each) 325 points
B-‐ 80-‐83 C-‐ 70-‐73 D-‐ 60-‐63
It is expected that students will be alert and engaged with the course material during class. Remember to be courteous, open-minded, and prepared for discussion. Attendance will not be taken, but you will be responsible for material covered in the readings, in lecture, during discussions, and in the films. Failure to attend class will negatively affect your grade. Additionally, electronic devices (laptops, mp3 players, cell phones, etc.) and other items (newspapers, romance novels, playing cards, and the like) used in any manner that proves disruptive will not be permitted. Students inhibiting the learning of others will be asked to leave class.
Films: You will see several films in this course. These important tools convey information about a culture that may be difficult to describe in writing. For this reason, questions on the exams, assignments, and for discussion may come from these films. Makeup Assessments and Assignments: Makeup exams will be given only with a valid medical excuse (written documentation required). No makeups will be given for any in-‐class assignments. Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated. Make sure that you cite all the sources you used in your written work. Failure to do so will result in an F (0 points) for the assignment. If you have any questions about how to cite a source visit: http://libguides.depauw.edu/citationguides For more information about DePauw’s Academic Integrity Policy please visit: http://www.depauw.edu/univ/handbooks/dpuhandbooks.asp?ID=101&parentid=100 Special Accommodations: Students requiring special accommodations should contact Student Disabilities Services: I must also be notified so I can make the necessary adaptations to the course.
Course Schedule: Week 1 8/25 Introductions 8/27 What is Anthropology? Read: Robbins Chapter 1 Week 2 8/30 What is culture? 9/1 Major researchers in the discipline of anthropology 9/3 Ethnographic methods, ethics, and obstacles Read: Barley 1-‐7 Week 3 9/6 Field research 9/8 Film 9/10 Discussion of film and Barley’s ethnography Read: Barley 8-‐13 Week 4 9/13 Progress and Development 9/15 Economic Systems 9/17 TBA Read: Robbins Chapter 2 Week 5 9/20 The Social and Cultural Construction of Reality 9/22 Language 9/24 Belief systems Read: Robbins Chapter 4 and Lansing Chapter 1-‐4 Week 6 9/27 Bali 9/29 Film 10/1 Development strategies Read: Lansing Chapter 5
Week 7 10/4 Exam review 10/6 Exam 10/8 TBA Week 8 Globalization, Neoliberalism, and the Nation-‐State Read: Robbins Chapter 3 Week 9 Break Week 10 Patterns of Family Relations (kinship) Read: Robbins Chapter 5 and Shostak Chapters1-‐7 Week 11 Patterns of Family Relations continued and discussion of Nisa Read: Shostak Chapters 8-‐ Epilogue Week 12 Cultural Construction of Identity Read: Robbins Chapter 6 Week 13 Cultural Construction of Hierarchy Read: Robbins Chapter 7 Week 14 Cultural Construction of Violent Conflict Read: Robbins Chapter 8 Week 15 Discussion of honor 12/3 Ethnographic project due Week 16 Final Project Presentations Review for final
