AN 210 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

1. Identify the range of theory, methods, and research perspectives utilized by cultural anthropology to study western, non-western, and indigenous societies
2. Define the holistic perspective in anthropology
3. Identify the basic characteristics of an anthropological definition of culture
4. Explain how cultural anthropologists engage in the cross-cultural, comparative analysis of culture
5. Discuss how societies and cultures differ in their economic organization, social structures, and belief systems
6. Explain the implications of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism for living in the contemporary global world (Civic Engagement 1)
7. Explore individual rights and responsibilities as part of a civil society by understanding the application of anthropological theory and methods in addressing contemporary global issues (Civic Engagement 2)
8. Apply materialist and post-modern theories to understand alternative interpersonal or cultural perspectives (Critical Thinking 1)
9. Articulate a theoretical perspective guiding the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data used to investigate social phenomena, individual behavior and/ or the operation of societal institutions through ethnographic field methods and theory (Critical Thinking 2)
10. Comprehend how changing social conditions affect the behavior of individuals, the operation of societal institutions and/or the perception of social phenomena by understanding how culture operates as an integrated system (Critical Thinking 3)

    A. Introduction to Anthropological Thinking

    B. Survey of Key Anthropological Theories and Perspectives

    C. Relationship between Culture and Language

    D. Ethnographic Field Methods

II. The Comparative Analysis of Human Culture

   A. Economic Systems

   B. Political Systems

   C. Domestic Systems

   D. Ideology, Worldview, and Traditional Knowledge

III.  Applying Anthropology to Contemporary Problems

   A. Social Construction of Race

   B. Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict

   C. Social Class

   D. Gender Equality

   E. Globalization and the Myth of Global Poverty

   F. Applied Anthropology and Development

Lecture: 40-50%

Facilitated Classroom Discussions: 15-20%

Collaborative Classroom Activities: 20-25%

Individual Writing Assignments emphasizing crticial thinking and application of theory: 10-15%

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend different cultural viewpoints for the purpose of problem solving around cross-cultural issues and the application of anthropological theories for recognizing appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.
2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, and touch to make correct judgments regarding course material. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course expectations. For example, anthropology courses employ the replication, use, and physical manipulation of material cultural artifacts related to human cultures. Likewise, anthropology courses utilize game based simulations to help students understand the operation of different cultural systems, which require physical movement around the classroom and interactions with other students.
3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students and faculty. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.
4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks necessary to safely engage in the application of anthropological theory and the discussion of relevant topics. It is expected that students will have divergent opinions regarding cross-cultural perspectives and contemporary global issues. Students are expected to be able to discuss these potentially powerful topics in an objective, civil and respectful manner.  Some of the topics addressed in Anthropology courses include, but is not limited to: Violence [including ethnic and sex-based violence (i.e. rape, female infanticide, and genocide)], Sexuality, Gender, Race, Class, Religion, Politics, Ethnicity and Identity. These essential emotional and coping skills will take place on many different levels, including one to one interactions with peers and faculty, small group interactions, and whole class discussions.
5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: Anthropology courses require the application of anthropological methods and theories to the collection, synthesis, and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative information and the ability to discern between objective and subjective perspectives. In addition, anthropology courses require the ability to apply anthropological methods and theories to explore and understand different cultural perspectives. To accomplish these tasks the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate relevant course information is necessary.
6. Other essential behavioral attributes: The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the study of Anthropology. This includes adherence to ethical guidelines governing the practice anthropology and adherence to all aspects of the GRCC student code of conduct.