ANTH 105 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts, terms and methodologies of cultural anthropology. Students will examine a variety of social and cultural beliefs and practices that exist in reflexive relationship with cultural identities. These will include art, oral traditions, social discourse and power, social structures, ritual and religion, economics and trade, food, built space, and globalization. A number of different case studies will provide a framework for this investigation. Students will also have an opportunity to conduct their own ethnographic research.
Prerequisite
Eligible to enroll in
ENGL 121
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the basic concepts anthropologists use to describe a culture and apply them to a
variety of global case studies. - 2. Analyze the adaptive strategies of a variety of cultures and the effects of these strategies
upon the environment, including the cultural values and ethical responsibilities placed on the
environment. - 3. Evaluate cultural practices and customs which are different from the student’s own.
- 4. Engage in an exploration of worldviews as they apply to kinship including core beliefs on
kinship relations and taboos. - 5. Apply the anthropological method ethically and appropriately.
- 6. Communicate a sense of self through the greater understanding of others.
- 7. Compare and evaluate variations in the social, economic, and political organization of
cultures of varying scales. - 8. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological thinking.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the basic concepts anthropologists use to describe a culture and apply them to a
variety of global case studies. - 2. Analyze the adaptive strategies of a variety of cultures and the effects of these strategies
upon the environment, including the cultural values and ethical responsibilities placed on the
environment. - 3. Evaluate cultural practices and customs which are different from the student’s own.
- 4. Engage in an exploration of worldviews as they apply to kinship including core beliefs on
kinship relations and taboos. - 5. Apply the anthropological method ethically and appropriately.
- 6. Communicate a sense of self through the greater understanding of others.
- 7. Compare and evaluate variations in the social, economic, and political organization of
cultures of varying scales. - 8. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological thinking.