University Of Lethbridge
Anthropology 1000 Y
Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology
Fall 2003
Location: TBA
Time: Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Class Web Page: http://classes.uleth.ca/200303/anth1000y/
Instructor: Dr. Chris Holdsworth
Phone: 202-6627
E-Mail: christopher.holdswor@uleth.ca or chrishol@telusplanet.net
Office Hours: before or after class or by appointment
REQUIRED TEXT:
Ferraro, Gary. 2004. Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective. (5th Edition),
Toronto: Thomson Wadsworth.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To provide a basic understanding of the concepts, theories, methods and central issues
of cultural anthropology which will form the basis for future studies in socio-cultural
anthropology and the social sciences in general.
2. To apply anthropological principles, methods, and concepts to engender a critical
thinking about Western culture and society
3. To develop the student's appreciation of social and cultural diversity resulting from
the variety of ways people have organised their lives and given meaning to their
environment and their experiences.
4. To demonstrate the linkages between the individual, their social world, and global
processes.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course takes a comparative approach to the ways people order their lives, and
structure and give meaning to their experiences through gender, class, race, ethnicity,
kinship, religion, language and symbolism. It looks at how all human experience,
including our own, is embedded within particular historical and cultural processes.
COURSE FORMAT
The course will follow an interactive lecture-discussion format supplemented with
periodic video presentations. Classes will not repeat or cover all the material in the text
but will elaborate on selected topics to provide a deeper understanding of the material.
Assigned textbook readings may be augmented with suggested additional readings and
handouts. Students are required to contribute to class discussions based on the assigned
readings and films. Student attendance and participation is therefore essential.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment for this course will be based on the following components:
1. A 2000-3000-word term paper:
Date due: Nov. 29th
Weight 40% of final grade.
2. Mid term exam:
The Mid-term exam will consist of a choice of essay-style questions.
Date due: Oct. 18
Weight 25% of final grade.
3. Final Exam:
The Final exam will also consist of a choice of essay-style questions and will be noncumulative, although students will be required to have mastered the basic concepts
covered prior to the mid-term.
Date due: Dec. 13
Weight 35% of final grade.
Additional information about the essay assignment and exams will be provided during the
first class.
Component
1. Mid-term exam
2. Term Paper
3. Final Exam
Weighting
25%
40%
35%
Due date
Oct. 18
Nov 29th
Dec. 13
Exams must be taken at the scheduled times and the assignment handed in on the date
specified. Students will be deferred from writing the Mid-term exam only on the
presentation of a valid written excuse from a physician or employer. Alternative
arrangements may be made at the discretion of the Instructor. Students who miss the
final exam must apply to the dean for deferral.
GRADING SYSTEM:
Each item of course work will be weighted as above and a final mark out of 100
calculated. This will then be converted to a letter grade as follows:
A+ =
A=
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =
95-100%
90-94.9%
86-89.9%
82-85.9
78-81.9
74-77.9
C+ = 70-73.9
C = 66-69.9
C- = 62-65.9
D+ = 58-61.9
D = 50-57.9
F = 0-49
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND READINGS
Sept 6: Introduction: The Nature and Scope of Anthropology (Ferraro Ch 1)
Sept 13: Core Concepts and Anthropological Methods (Ferraro Chs.2, 3 & 5)
Sept 20: A Brief History of Anthropological Thought. (Ferraro Ch 4)
(film "Off the Veranda")
Sept 27: Language and Communication (Ferraro Ch. 6)
Oct. 4: Production and Consumption (Ferraro Ch 7)
Oct 11: Economics and Exchange (Ferraro Ch 8)
Oct 18: Midterm Exam
Oct 25: Kinship Fundamentals and Marriage (Ferraro Ch. 9 and 10)
Nov 1: Social Inequality: Sex and Gender (Ferraro Ch 11)
Nov 8: Social Inequality: Class, Race, Caste (Ferraro Ch. 13)
Nov 15: Politics and Social Control (Ferraro Ch. 12)
Nov 22: Religion (Ferraro Ch. 14), The Anthropology of Art (Ferraro Ch. 15)
Nov 29: (Last class) Culture Change, Globalization, Conflict (Ferraro Ch.16) Review.
Essay due.
Dec 13: Final exam