ANTH 1100
B125
T/Th 8:30-10:20 Laurie Greene
Office: C107; X4564
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 10:30-12:20, or by appointment
Texts/Materials:
Kenny, Michael G. & Kirsten Smillie. (2015) Stories of Culture & Place: An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (University of Toronto Press).
Boyd, Colleen & Luke Eric Lassiter, eds. (2011) Explorations in Cultural Anthropology: Readings
(AltaMira Press).
*Additional short readings posted on the blog/blackboard
(AltaMira Press).
*Additional short readings posted on the blog/blackboard
Syllabus and Reading List:
Week 1: INTRODUCTION & THE NATURE OF CULTURE (9/5-9/7)
Topics: Course Requirements & Grading
What is Anthropology/Cultural Anthropology?
What is "Culture" and why do we study it?
How does one study culture?
The "comparative method"
The importance of "meaning" & the difficulty of "interpretation"
Why anthropology matters: applying anthropology to todays problems
What is "Culture" and why do we study it?
How does one study culture?
The "comparative method"
The importance of "meaning" & the difficulty of "interpretation"
Why anthropology matters: applying anthropology to todays problems
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Introduction (9/5)
EXPLORATIONS... Body Ritual Among the Nacirema (chapter 1) (9/7)
EXPLORATIONS... Body Ritual Among the Nacirema (chapter 1) (9/7)
"Body Ritual Among the Nacirema."
Due: Class Discussion: Whose Lives Matter? (9/5) My Exotic Life -(9/7)
Week 2: CULTURE SHOCK (9/12-9/14)
Topics: Ethnocentrism & Cultural Relativity
Methods of Direct Observation: Fieldwork & participant Observation
Human Nature: Unity (universals) & Diversity
Human Nature: Unity (universals) & Diversity
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 1 -(9/12)
EXPLORATIONS... Crack in Spanish Harlem (chapter 2), Eating Christmas in
the Kalahari (chapter 4), Reflections of a Shy Ethnographer (chapter 5)
-(9/14)
EXPLORATIONS... Crack in Spanish Harlem (chapter 2), Eating Christmas in
the Kalahari (chapter 4), Reflections of a Shy Ethnographer (chapter 5)
-(9/14)
Due: Class Discussion: How is the anthropological method and perspective unique? Why is the concept of culture important?
Week 3: FIELDWORK STORIES (9/19-9/21)
Topics: Doing Fieldwork
British Social Anthropology: Functionalism & Beyond
American Anthropology: Boas to Structuralism
Applying Anthropology: Medical, International Development & Climate Change
American Anthropology: Boas to Structuralism
Applying Anthropology: Medical, International Development & Climate Change
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 3 (9/19)
EXPLORATIONS... Cultural Relativism & Human Rights (chapter 3) ,
Doing Collaborative Ethnography (chapter 6) -(9/21)
EXPLORATIONS... Cultural Relativism & Human Rights (chapter 3) ,
Doing Collaborative Ethnography (chapter 6) -(9/21)
*Movie: Paul Farmer and Medical Anthropology (9/21)
Due: Class Discussion: Pressing World Problems for Anthropologists (think tank)
Week 4: HISTORY & ANTHROPOLOGICAL THOUGHT (9/26-9/28)
Topics: Cultural Evolution & Evolutionary Theory
The Myth of the "Noble Savage"
The Grand Diffusionists and the Notion of Racial Superiority
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 3 (9/26)
*Movie: Barbara Myerhoff:
*Movie: Barbara Myerhoff:
Due: Class Discussion
Essay#1: Anthropology & Human Rights (9/28)
Essay#1: Anthropology & Human Rights (9/28)
Week 5: KINSHIP: MARRIAGE, FAMILY & DESCENT (10/3-10/5)
Topics: The Role of Kinship Systems in Anthropology
Social Organization
Unilineal Descent: Matriliny & Patriliny
Bilateral Descent
Marriage Systems
Monogamy
Serial Monogamy
Polygamy
Polygyny, Polyandry & Group Marriage
Marriage & Economic Exchange: Dowery, Bridewealth
Genetic Versus Social Kinship
Social Organization
Unilineal Descent: Matriliny & Patriliny
Bilateral Descent
Marriage Systems
Monogamy
Serial Monogamy
Polygamy
Polygyny, Polyandry & Group Marriage
Marriage & Economic Exchange: Dowery, Bridewealth
Genetic Versus Social Kinship
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 4 (10/3)
EXPLORATIONS... Gay Marriage (chapter 23), When Brothers Share a Wife
(chapter 24), Caveat Emptor (chapter 25)- (10/5)
EXPLORATIONS... Gay Marriage (chapter 23), When Brothers Share a Wife
(chapter 24), Caveat Emptor (chapter 25)- (10/5)
Due: Class Discussion
Week 6: SUBSISTENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT (10/10-10/12)
Subsistence Patterns and the Concept of Adaptation
Food Collectors Versus Food Producers
The Impact of Domestication
The impact of Climate Change
Readings: Blackboard:
Due: Class Discussion
Essay #2: Anthropology & The Future of Marriage (10/12)
Film: The Anthropologist (10/12)
Week 7: SYMBOL MYTH & MEANING (10/17-10/19)
Topics: The Concept of Meaning & Culture-Symbols
Benedict's Cultural Patterns
Cultural & Personality/Illness as non--Modal
Religion, Myth & Magic
Benedict's Cultural Patterns
Cultural & Personality/Illness as non--Modal
Religion, Myth & Magic
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 5 (10/17)
EXPLORATIONS... - The Sacred Pipe (chapter 26), Oh Gods! (chapter 27), Folklore &
Medicine (chapter 28)(10/19)
EXPLORATIONS... - The Sacred Pipe (chapter 26), Oh Gods! (chapter 27), Folklore &
Medicine (chapter 28)(10/19)
Due: Class Discussion
Week 8: NO Class Preceptorial Advising Tuesday, October 24th
Week 8: NO Class Preceptorial Advising Tuesday, October 24th
**MID-TERM EXAM REVIEW, Thursday October 26th,WEEKS #1-6**
**MID-TERM EXAM, Tuesday October 31st,WEEKS #1-6**
Week 9: LANGUAGE & RELIGION, SYMBOLIC SYSTEMS (10/31-11/2)
Topics: Habitus, Culture & Body Techniques
Language as a Symbolic System-Epistomology
Language & Cu;lture
Language as a Symbolic System-Epistomology
Language & Cu;lture
Readings: EXPLORATIONS... The Circle (chapter 8), Fighting For Our Lives (chapter 9), Body Art
(chapter 10)-(11/2)
(chapter 10)-(11/2)
Due: Class Discussion
Essay # 3: Anthropology & The Impact Climate Change (11/2)
Week 10: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: POLITICAL SYSTEMS & THE POLITICS OF CULTURE (11/7-11/9)
Topics: Political Systems
Bands, Tribes, Chiefdoms & States
Political Movements
Cultural Nationalism & Revitalization Movements
Nativistic Movements
Cultural activism
Bands, Tribes, Chiefdoms & States
Political Movements
Cultural Nationalism & Revitalization Movements
Nativistic Movements
Cultural activism
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 6 (11/7)
EXPLORATIONS... One Hundred Percent American (chapter 11), A Tribal Chair's Perspective
(chapter 14), Melungeons & The Politics of Heritage (chapter 16)- (11/9)
EXPLORATIONS... One Hundred Percent American (chapter 11), A Tribal Chair's Perspective
(chapter 14), Melungeons & The Politics of Heritage (chapter 16)- (11/9)
Due: Class Discussion
Week 11: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: GENDER (11/14-11/16)
Topics: Gender, Sex & Sexuality
Gender as a social construct
Feminism & Queer Theory
Sex Assignment & Sexual Identity
Gender as a social construct
Feminism & Queer Theory
Sex Assignment & Sexual Identity
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 7 (11/14)
EXPLORATIONS... Different Words, Different Worlds (chapter 18), Ladies Behind Bars
(chapter 19), The Sworn Virgins (chapter 20), Hijra & Sadhin (chapter 21)- (11/16)
EXPLORATIONS... Different Words, Different Worlds (chapter 18), Ladies Behind Bars
(chapter 19), The Sworn Virgins (chapter 20), Hijra & Sadhin (chapter 21)- (11/16)
Due: Class Discussion
Week 12: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: RACE (11/21)
Topics: Diversity of the Human Race
Race a a Biological and Political (Social) Construct
Outlawing Race Mixing
The Causes of Genocide
Race a a Biological and Political (Social) Construct
Outlawing Race Mixing
The Causes of Genocide
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 8 (11/21)
EXPLORATIONS... Scientific & Folk Ideas (chapter 15), Inventing Hispanics (chapter 17)-
(11/21)
EXPLORATIONS... Scientific & Folk Ideas (chapter 15), Inventing Hispanics (chapter 17)-
(11/21)
Due: Class Discussion
Essay #4: Anthropology & Trans-sexuality and the Future of Gender (11/21)
No Class November 23rd Thanksgiving Break
Essay #4: Anthropology & Trans-sexuality and the Future of Gender (11/21)
No Class November 23rd Thanksgiving Break
Week 13: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES: GLOBALIZATION (11/28-11/30)
Topics: Change, Progress & Modernization
Globalization & Migration
Cultural Imperialism
Culture & Place /Transnationalism
Cultural Imperialism
Culture & Place /Transnationalism
Readings: STORIES OF CULTURE & PLACE Chapter 9 (11/28)
EXPLORATIONS... The Silk Road (chapter 12), The Globalization of Brazilian Fishing
(chapter 13), -(11/30)
EXPLORATIONS... The Silk Road (chapter 12), The Globalization of Brazilian Fishing
(chapter 13), -(11/30)
*Movie:
Due: Class Discussion
Week 14: ANTHROPOLOGY & SOCIAL ACTIVISM & REVIEW (12/5-12/7)
Topics: Activist Anthropology
Applying Anthropology
Exam Review (12/7)
Exam Review (12/7)
Readings: EXPLORATIONS... Reflections on Collaboration (chapter 29), -(12/5)
Blackboard
Blackboard
Due: Class Discussion
Essay #5: Anthropology & The Changing Face of Racism (12/7)
Essay #5: Anthropology & The Changing Face of Racism (12/7)
Week 15: FINAL EXAM 8:30, Tuesday, December12th
Requirements and Evaluation:
This is an introductory level course in anthropology, but that does NOT mean that it will be any of the following ("Top 10 List" of things NOT to expect):
(1) So easy that you will brag to your friends about your astute course selection skills.
(2) Requiring no reading, riveting discussion, or deep, soul searching thinking (I have torturous ways to make your talk, exposing even the most personal of your desires and heinous of your opinions).
(3) A boring overview of the textual material by a professor who has absolutely NO CLUE that you are reading romance novels and doing your "Greek" bulk mailings in the back of the room. (I will be aware of this activity).
(4) The same course that has been taught for the past 15 years, so that you can get a preview copy of the exams and pre-written paper assignments from your friends. (too bad).
(5) A touchy-feely, left-wing, liberal discussion of political correctness and cultural sensitivity by a professor that is so far to the left that she can't see around the corner. (I have good eyesight).
(6) A writing intensive (W1) course...surprisingly, I expect you to be able to write.
(7) A course comprised of testing based on multiple choice exams, whose questions are taken directly from a study guide that will be distributed on the first day of class.
(8) A course unconcerned with the due dates of assignments since after all, this is not your major, and therefore, understandably, unimportant.
(9) A course where you are required to buy a textbook as a reference, but are not expected to actually READ it. (How redundant).
(10) A break in your schedule, a convenient time to take a short but rejuvenating nap, chow down on junk food with noisy wrappers (without offering some to your professor), and then take a trip to the powder room to freshen up.
NOT!!!
This class WILL be evaluated on the following criteria:
(1) Essays (5, ~3 page length)………………………….50%
(2) Midterm………………………………………………………20%
(3) Final……………………………………………………………20%
(4) Class Discussion/Attendance…………………….10% (really)…I better know your name!
The material discussed in this class will be thought provoking, often "bizarre", and sometimes controversial. It is essential that you participate in class, and attempt to contribute to class discussion. This should be fun. Class participation will be a factor in determining the outcome of your grades at the end of the semester. There will be NO "extra credit" work in this class. So, participate; it makes this class much more interesting. Although I do encourage all discussion, I will also insist that certain rules of conversation and debate be followed in class. This means that all argumentation must be presented in a polite and respectful manner. I will not tolerate any disrespect for your classmates.
As a second component of class you will be required to write essays on the articles from Conformity & Conflict reader every other week. These essays will be an evaluation of your ability to apply the theoretical information presented in class to analize practical sitations in which the anthropological analysis may be applied. These will make up 50% (half) of your grade.
YOUR OWN DEATH will be one of the few excuses that I will accept for late papers. Please have your dog muzzled, make sure that your car is tuned up and your tires are rotated, check on the health of your close relatives, service your computer and printer and visit a relationship counselor atleast four days prior to each due date. If you are having any serious problems you must see/talk to me BEFORE the day that the paper is due.
The exams will NOT be inclusive. The midterm will cover everything through chapter 8 (week #6) in your text (Social Organization) and any essays that have been done up to that point, along with films and other topics discussed in class. The final exam will cover weeks #7-15. Do Not Be Afraid !
Ethnographic films will be shown periodically throughout the semester. Documentary is an important illustrative tool in anthropology and the materials covered in these films will be included on your exams. You will be given a viewing guide to accompany each film. These guides will contain questions which are meant to direct your observations and class discussion of the film. These do not have to be handed in, but should be completed and saved for your own benefit. The films for this semester are listed on your syllabus, but I reserve the right to alter this film list if necessary. You are responsible for viewing any films that you may miss. All films are owned by the media service in the lower library level.
FINALLY, all the requirements listed above are to be completed to receive credit for the course. I reserve the right to deny any student a passing grade who has NOT completed ANY of the requirements outlined above. But for sure…Failure to turn in one essay will result in no higher than a “B” grade for the term, reguardless of your average---two papers (“C”), three papers (“D”).
