Department of Anthropology
Anthropology 200-010
Introduction to the History of Anthropological Theory
Spring 2012
Dr. Donna Budani
Class Time: 9:30am- 10:45am
Classroom: Purnell Hall Room 331
Dr. Budani’s Office: Department of Anthropology, 138 Munroe Hall
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00am -1:00pm & by appointment when
available
Email: budani@udel.edu
Web Page: http://www.udel.edu/anthro/budani
Voice Mail: 831-1859
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the history of anthropological theory from the
founding perspective of social evolution to the present theoretical
perspective of post modernism. We will examine key theoretical
perspectives of British, American and French anthropology through the 19th
century to the early 21st century. Our goal, following Richard Handler, is to
discover “why at certain moments, in certain contexts, one interpretation is
seen as unimpeachable and super in comparison to others which are
dismissed or highly questioned” (p. 457). Besides classic anthropological
readings, we will also read classic ethnographies, each with an emphasis of
the relationship between anthropological theory and ethnographic writing.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, students will be able
• To be knowledgably informed of the major theoretical perspectives
in cultural anthropology from the 19th century to the 21st century
• To formulate informed ideas about social cultural theory and be able
to write critical reflections of theories discussed in class
• To assess the effectiveness of the different theories we study as
frameworks to guide fieldwork.
*REQUIRED BOOKS:
1. History of Anthropological Theory, 3rd edition. Paul Erickson and Liam D.
Murphy, authors
2. Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory, 2nd edition. Paul
Erickson and Liam D. Murphy, editors
3. A Thrice Told Tale: Feminism, Postmodernism and Ethnographic
Responsibility. Margery Wolf, author
4. Visions of Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theories and
Theorists. 3rd edition Jerry Moore, author
5. Writing Culture: The Poetics and Politics of Ethnography. James Clifford
and George E. Marcus, authors.
6. Argonauts of the Western Pacific: An Account of Native Enterprise and
Adventure and Adventure in the Archipelagos of Melanesian, New
Guinea. Bronislaw Malinowski, author.
SEMINAR FORMAT 100 Points
This course will function like a seminar. This means that you are expected
to come to class not only having done the reading but prepared to discuss
issues raised by the material you have read. The quality of this course
depends on you. This course will be very interactive—you must come to
class prepared to talk about what you have read. In order to be prepared
for class conversation, makes notes on the assigned readings, do prereading research on the theory/theorist and write summaries about what
you read.
Our class will be divided into the following segments:
• Opening mini-lecture
• Student reading critiques followed by discussion of reading critiques
and student questions.
PART I
CLASS PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
CLASS PARTICIPATION 100 points
It is not possible to receive an A or A- in this class without actively
participating in class discussion. Active participation means that you
initiate and participate in class discussion. Considering the subject of class
and the nature of the assignments, this class is particularly suited to
student asking questions, requesting clarification, and explaining aspects of
the readings text that is unclear and confusing. Keep in mind that I do not
expect to know much about theory and what we read. Everything will be
new to you. Therefore, I expect your active participation in learning and
acquiring new information and incorporating this new learning in your
knowledge of anthropology. I do not consider doing your assignments as
active participating in class. Your assignments are course requirements. In
other words, assignments must be completed within the time frame
mentioned in the assignments. Participation requires attendance.
Meaningful participation is evidenced by sustained contribution to class
discussion and sustained engagement with and understanding of course
reading.
ATTENDANCE 100 points
Because of the heavy emphasis on student participation and interaction,
anyone with more than 2 unexcused absences will not receive a grade
higher than C-. Attendance will be taken at each class session thus
establishing a record of student attendance. Students are permitted two
free absences. Students are also permitted an excused absence. An excused
absence requires that a student contact me via email the night before class.
Students must give a detailed reason for missing class. If illness is the
reason for missing class, the student must provide a Doctor’s note and/or a
copy of a prescription in order to qualify for an excused absence. If the
reason for absence is situational, I will determine if the student qualifies for
an excused absence. Absences for religious observance are excused
absences. Students whose absences are required by the university and / or
other classes must provide written proof of required absence. In any case,
students must receive my written permission (via email) approving their
absence. Students should not assume that permission for absences will be
automatically granted. Class starts promptly at 9:30am. Students are
expected to be on time for class. Frequent lateness will result in a forfeit of
7 points from your final grade for each instance of lateness.
CLASS TALKING POINTS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 200 points
This class will be a cooperative learning environment in which each student
will be responsible for promoting her/his peers learning as well as his/her
own. I expect that each student will come to class prepared with written
talking points and written discussion questions to stimulate a class
conversation. Talking points and discussion questions must be typed and
will be collected. Be prepared to turn in your written talking points and
discussion questions for prior classes when called upon to do so. Failure
to do so will result in a forfeit of 7 points per occasion of incomplete
preparation from your final grade. Talking points and Discussion
questions must be typed. Make sure your name is placed in the left corner
of the page.
I recommend that you take reading notes ( annotate your text or jot down
your notes on a pad )about facts, about something that strikes you as
interesting, something that confuses you or something you want
clarification about or something you want to know more about. Note
your reactions to what you read and raise questions about what you read.
Look over your notes and compose at least two questions and several
talking points about the reading.
THREE ESSAY EXAMS 300 POINTS EACH
The act of writing about something helps us to develop coherent and
organized understanding of our reading. Three essay exams will be given
during the course of the term. Exams are take-home exams. You will be
given 4 questions from which you are to self select the 3 questions you can
best answer. You will be given a week in which to complete your exam. No
extensions will be given for exams. Exceptions maybe made in certain
unique situation. Heavy workload in other classes is not a reason for me to
grant an extension. Do not assume you will be given an extension. You must
explain to me why you need an extension and receive my permission for an
extension. The scope of the exam will be assignments previous to the date
of the exam. I will test comprehension, understanding and the ability to
identify and apply key terms and concepts of the theorist and theories in
question. Writing counts. All exams must be typed. Submit your exam to
Sakai on the date indicated in the syllabus. Instructions for preparation of
essays will be distributed in class. See course schedule for dates that the
exam will be distributed in class and the date the exam is due to be
submitted to Sakai.
Technical Guidelines for the exam include one inch margins all around and
use no font larger than 12point. Use 1.5 line spacing. No Cover sheet is
necessary. Type the questions you intend to answer then drop a space and
begin answering your question. Your thesis should appear at the end of
your introductory paragraph. The following paragraphs should have a topic
sentence. You answer the question by making claims and using evidence in
support of your claims. Your conclusion is a restatement of your thesis but
from a different perspective. Include comments in which you reflect on
some aspect of your essay and say something you have gained by
addressing the essay question you selected.
STUDY QUESTIONS AND WRITING SUBMITTED TO SAKAI 50 POINTS
Writing assignments are of two types, those submitted to Sakai and those
you are required to bring to class. Typed responses to Study Question are
due in class the day identified in your syllabus. Responses can be
considered mini essays. Follow technical guidelines stated for Essay Exams.
Submissions to Sakai are to be submitted within the time frame indicated
on Sakai. Submissions to Sakai must be made with the time frame
established for the assignment. No Sakai assignment will be accepted late
and under no circumstances will a Sakai assignment be re-open to allow a
late assignment to be posted.
Written assignments vary by assignments. Read assignments carefully,
placing particular attention on what you are required to do. For many of
the assignments, you are required to do internet research. In order to
facilitate your research, I have provided search information and in most
cases, an Internet address. If it should be the case that a web link does not
work, I am satisfied that I have supplied you with enough information in the
assignment that you can, on your own, figure out and access the required
information.
All daily Sakai assignments are due the Saturday following the Thursday
class session by 11:30pm. I will set up the Course Sakai in such a way as
each assignment will be easily identified so that you know where to insert
your submission. If your assignment is not accepted by Sakai this means
that the site is closed and you are late in submitting your work. Under no
circumstances should you submit any assignment to me via email. Because
of the set-up of Sakai, if you attempt to submit an assignment late it will
not be accepted by Sakai. In the case that you miss submitting an
assignment to Sakai, you forfeit the points for the assignment.
Assignments you are required to bring to class are due in class the date of
the assignment. If you fail to bring an assignment to class, you forfeit 50
points. It is not my policy to accept late assignments. If in situations
beyond your control, you find that an assignment will be late, you must
first explain the situation to me and you must have my permission to
submit an assignment late. Do not assume that you may submit an
assignment late. I will not accept an assignment that is sent to me via
email.
STUDENT DAILY CLASS PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT 100 POINTS
When I am evaluating your daily participation in class, I ask the following
questions about individual participants:
• Is prepared having read and thought about reading assignment
• Writes a comprehensive well written answers and summaries
• Poses questions that probe and explore the reading assignment
with rigor
• Cite reasons and evidence for their statements
• Listen to others respectfully
• Talk to each other about ideas and discoveries made while
reading the assignment
• Ask for help to clear up confusion
• Support each other? Questions other in a civil manner
• Listens to and builds on one another’s comments
• Moves conversation forward and brings others into the
conversation
• Appears distracted, not focused and remains silent
PART II
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
Supplemental resources are an important aid to doing well in this course.
These resources should be read and studied BEFORE you begin your
reading assignment. They are valuable because they inform you about the
theory and/or theorist in clear, simple and reader friendly prose. Reading
these resources will help you form a context for your assigned reading and
make it possible for you to readily identify key concepts and perspectives
for each theory/theorist we will study. In short, reading the supplemental
sources will provide you with the context you need in order to understand
the assigned theories and theorist.
USE THEORY RESOURCE
Insert this URL in your browser
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm.
You will find student summaries for all the major theories we will study. To
familiarize yourself with key concepts, key theorists, and over-all
summary of the theoretical perspective of the time, you should read these
summaries of particular anthropological theories. While I have assigned a
few of these summaries in assignments, I assume that you are faithfully
reading each theoretical summary before you begin the reading
assignment. That said, these summaries are in no way substitutes for the
reading assignments in your text books. I suggest that you review these
summaries prior to doing a reading assignment on the specific assignment. I
encourage you to either book mark the site or print a copy of the theories.
A word of caution, if you use the material from this source, you must cite it
in the text.
USE ON-LINE INTERNET RESOURCES
Besides the theory summaries mentioned above, I encourage you to use
online encyclopedias, dictionaries and databases as a research source for
theories, concepts and theorists. I recommend using Wikipedia, Dictionary
of Anthropology and anthro base as useful on line sources. As far as the
theorist we will study in this course, I can vouch for the accuracy of
Wikipedia which usually provides in depth information accessible in a
reading friendly form. Also I encourage you to do a Google search on the
theories and the anthropological theorists we will study. Students, in prior
classes, found doing research on theorist and/or theory prior to doing a
reading assignment very beneficial.
PART III
CLASS POLICIES
1. POLICY CONCERNING ATTENDANCE AND LATE WORK
Consistent consecutive attendance is required. Attendance will be taken regularly at
each class session and recorded per student for the class session. The material
presented in lecture is not easily learned from someone else's notes. To do well in this
course, you will need to attend class regularly. Absences due to prolonged illness or
family obligations will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please let me know as far
ahead of time as possible if you are unable to attend class. If you miss class without
having obtained my permission, you will jeopardize your standing in the course. When
you are absent from class without my permission, you will forfeit of 5 points deducted
from your final grade per each absence. It is your responsibility to inform me via email if
you are unable to attend class by 9:00am or soon thereafter.
As a matter of general practice, I do not accept late work. When, through no fault of
your own or a situation beyond your control happens, you may find yourself unable to
complete an assignment. In such cases, students should contact me immediately in
order to obtain my permission to hand in work late. Keep in mind that my standards are
very high. If a student is sick, the student must provide me with a doctor’s note and/or
copy of prescription given to the student by his or her doctor.
2. POLICY CONCERNING PREPARATION FOR CLASS
Students must be so thoroughly prepared for class that if called upon, they
can give a comprehensive overview of their understanding of the reading
assignment. On the other hand, if you are confused about the material or
have little understanding about the assignment, I expect that you will say
you need guidance as to how to understand the assignment. In either case,
students called upon should have a demanding and tough question to pose
to the class. All students must be prepared to actively participate in
discussion by listening carefully, commenting on the responses of others
and drawing others into the conversation.
For example, you may have a question about the material, even one as
basic as “How am I to understand what I read?” or, “I have read the
assignment but I do not understand it. For example, when x says y, what
does he/she mean” “I have read the material and this is my understanding:
. . . . . . . . . . . My question is why would people believe such a thing?” Why
is it important for me to know this? “Why are anthropologist still
concerned about this? “Are they still concerned about this? I do not think I
understand the relationship between the social/historical contexts of this
perspective. Can anybody explain it to me? Questions are addressed to
others in the class. For example, I understand x of what Tyler says do you
agree? Why? Thus, students must be prepared to pose and answer this
sort of question.
3. POLICY CONCERNING FINAL GRADE
I do not negotiate final grades. I do not discuss final grades on the phone,
via emails or in person. Your final grade will be the grade you earn
reflecting both performance on assignments, exams and class. If you think
your final grade does not reflect the aforementioned, then you may
prepare a two single spaced petition which you bring in person to my office
on a day designated at the end of the semester. Petitions may be approved
or denied. In calculating your final grade, I rely on the total points you earn
as your average of the total points available in the course. Keep in mind
that final grades are just that: final grade and non-negotiable. Check the
syllabus to find the date when I will accept petitions. Petitions will only
accepted in person not by email or telephone. I also suggest that you note
the date for student consultation at the end of the semester and come to
my office for grade consultation
4. COURSE GRADE
An ‘A’ applies to outstanding work which features not simply command of
the material and excellent presentation (spelling, grammar, organization
and writing style etc.) but, most importantly, sustained intellectual
engagement with the material. The engagement takes such forms as
shedding original light on the material, investigating patterns and
connections, posing questions and raising issues. An ‘A’ indicates
achievement of distinction. It involves conspicuous excellence in several
aspects of your work. For instance, work that is compelling enough to
engage the reader on its own terms, is fresh and distinctive, sophisticated
and grammatically accurate deserves an ‘A’
A ‘B’ is given to work of high quality that reflects a command of the
material and a strong presentation but lacks sustained intellectual
engagement with the material. A ‘B’ paper lacks the rigor and distinctive
approach of an ‘A’ paper but is none the less an intelligent and competent
piece of work.
‘C’ work receives a ‘C’ if it is of good over-all quality but exhibits a lack of
intellectual engagement as well as either deficiencies in your command of
the material or problems with presentation. It involves such work as may
be fairly expected of any UDEL student. A ‘C’ paper is adequate but offers
nothing insightful or compelling. In part this might be due to the lack of a
thesis statement, poor grammar, or lack of clear transition sentences.
The grade of ‘D’ indicates significant problems with your work such as
shallow understanding of the material or poor writing. It indicates passing
work but below standards work.
An ‘F’ is given when you fail to demonstrate an adequate understanding of
the material, fail to address the exact topic of a question or assignment or
fail to follow the directions in an assignment.
5. POLICY CONCERNING LATE ARRIVAL
Class begins promptly at 9:30am. Students are expected to arrive in class
on time. If there is a valid reason for lateness, please speak to me as soon
as possible. Repeated tardiness will result in a deduction of 5 points per
occasion for repeated tardiness.
6. POLICY CONCERNING CLASS ETIQUETTE
The University is a place for adults. I expect that students in this class will act
As mature students interested in the course and ready to learn.
Accordingly, turn off cell phones and other electronic devices before class begins.
Sitting in class doing work for another class or being otherwise engaged
[Sending or receiving text messages] will result in an “F” for the class for the student
for that day. If a student is caught texting a phone message, that student will receive
an “F” for that class session.
Ordinarily, there is a no Technology Policy in this class. There is too great a temptation to
use your computer to search the web, visit social networking sites, to answer or send
email and to complete homework for another class. However, I recognize the utility of
taking class notes with a laptop or other electronic devices. Therefore, I will permit the
use of laptops etc. so long as the privilege is not abused. Doing work for another class or
any other deviation from taking class notes will result in a forfeit of 10 points from your
final grade per occasion of violation of class policy.
Once class begins, I expect your attention to be placed on class discussion. Also, I expect
all socializing to cease and no speaking to each about matters that have nothing to do
with class
*PLEASE NOTE* IMPORTANT TO RESTATE
*It is not possible to earn an ‘A’ or an ‘A-‘in this course, regardless of how
high your other grades are, unless you actively participate in discussion.
Part of your participation grade is based on how prepared you are for
class by reading the assignment and prepared talking points and
discussion questions. However, whether or not you earn either an ‘A’ or
‘A-‘depends on your active participation in class discussion regardless of
your scores on other measurable requirements. If this requirement is
difficult for you to meet, then I suggest that this class is not for you and I
suggest you drop the course.
PART 1V
Study Hints
1. Reading with a Purpose
You are reading with a purpose which is to learn about different theoretical
perspectives and the notable theorists. You need to know what the
perspectives attempted to explain, What are the perspective’s strengths
and weaknesses? What contributions did this perspective make to
anthropology and what are the criticisms of this particular theory?? Keep in
mind that you are reading ideas expressed in words, phrases and sentences
that have a particular meaning in a social historical context. Therefore, you
should not assume that any word or term you come across has the same
meaning as it has today.
Some of the readings are difficult to understand and present challenges. I
expect you to have problems with understanding the readings. If you
have difficulty, contact me before your presentation and come to class
prepared to acknowledge that you did not understand the assigned
readings. Do not to be concerned for if you have difficulties others are
also having difficulties.
2. Active Learning
Active learning requires the full participation of Professor and students. It is
my teaching style to place less emphasis on teaching – as something the
professor does - and more on learning and understanding as something we
do together. My teaching methods are learner-centered. Students are
responsible for the learning accomplished in this course. My role is to
facilitate learning by providing material in ways suited to your learning
styles and to teach materials in ways that fulfill the course learning
outcomes. It is your responsibility as much as it is mine to make this course
enjoyable and stimulating. This requires your active participation in class
discussion.
3. How to Take Reading Notes That Count
When reading your assignment, I strongly urge you to annotate your text by
making marginal notes indicating what seemed like the strongest parts of
the text. When you read, think of it as a conversation between you and
the author. What is the author saying? Is it important? Why? Is this
something I should know? Underlying and highlighting a text is a passive
activity. All you accomplish is coloring the page. Before you reach for a
highlight pen ask yourself: Is this section important? Why? When you
have completed reading once through the text, go back and take notes in
outline form, by paraphrasing sentences or paragraphs until you have
reduced the many pages of text to a few pages. (Make sure to keep an
accurate citation to the work so that any future use of these notes and
paraphrases can be appropriately cited. You do not want to find yourself
engaged in plagiarism.) Do not rely on underlining. This is insufficient. In
order to "know" a text, you need to convert it into your own words, or your
own organization of the text. The text needs to be processed in several
different ways in your brain. Underlining is passive and does not help you
learn the material.
4. Calculation of Final Grade
Each performance requirement is associated with points. There are a total
of available points. You will earn a specific number of points. The points
earned are divided by the total possible points. The result is your average.
Your average is compared with the grade distribution listed below.
A = 94% plus; A- = 90% B+ = 88%; B = 85%
B- = 80%; C+= 78% C = 75%; C- = 70%
D+ = 67%; D = 65% D- = 60%; F=59% or below failure
*Course Schedule
Anthropology 200-010
Introduction to the History of Theory in Anthropology
Spring 2012
* Please note: This schedule of class topics and student assessments (i.e.
exams and essays) is subject to change. If for pedagogical reasons, I
decide to change or amend any part of the course schedule, I will give
students ample time to make the required changes and adjustments.
Students will be informed in class or via email about changes and/or readjustments.
Tuesday, February 7
Review of the Syllabus and Introduction to the Course
Review of Assigned Books
Class Performance Requirements
Final Grade
Why Study the History of Theory in Cultural Anthropology?
Thursday, February 9d
Topic: Introduction
Reading Assignment
1. In Erickson and Murphy, A History of Anthropological Theory (from here
onwards identified as HAT) Introduction and Part One, page11-page 43 but
not including Marxism.
2. In Erickson and Murphy, Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
(from here onwards identified as RHAT) Overview page 3 – 20
3. In Moore, ( from here onwards identified as VOC) read Introduction
Tuesday, February 14
Topic: Social Evolution: Mid 19th Century – Early 20th Century European
Anthropology
YOU TUBE VIDEO SEARCH W.H. RIVERS WE ARE ALL RELATIVES. After
viewing the video, write a single spaced introductory paragraph and 3
single spaced paragraphs about three things notable about W.H. Rivers and
his contribution to anthropology. Submit paragraphs to Sakai
Reading Assignment:
1. In RHAT, read Ethnical Periods by Lewis Henry Morgan, pages 42 - 50
from
2. In RHAT, read The Science of Culture, by Edward Burnett Tylor, pages 29 41
3. In HAT, Classical Cultural Evolution read pages 48-59
4. Answer Study Questions 1and 2 page 42 & Answer Study Questions 1 and
2 page 51. Submit Answers to Sakai
4. In Moore, VOC Read Edward Tylor. Pages1-16, The Evolution of Culture
and Lewis Henry Morgan, Pages 21-32, The Evolution of Society
Thursday, February 16
Topic: Beginnings of French Anthropology & Sociology
YOU TUBE SEARCH EMILE DURKHEIM BIOGRAPHY& EMILE DURKHEIM
SOCIAL FACTS & EMILE DURKHEIM TYPES OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY. After you
view the videos, write a single spaced introductory paragraph summarizing
Durkheim’s biography and three single spaced paragraphs about
Durkheim’s theory of social facts and types of social solidarity and
Durkheim’s contribution to anthropology. Submit to Sakai
Reading Assignment:
1. In HAT, Durkheim pages 76-80
2. In RHAT, Introductions [The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life] Type
answers to Study Guide Questions 1and 2 page 88. Bring to Class
3. In VOC, Emile Durkheim: The Organic Society
Internet Research:
a) Read Review and access and read Emile Durkheim, What is a social fact?
http://www.csudh.edu/dearhabermas/durkheim
Review essay by Jeanne Curran & Susan R. Takata
Tuesday, February 21h
YOUTUBE SEARCH: MARX THEORY OF HISTORICAL MATERIALISM. YALE
COURSE & CULTURAL THEORY: HISTORICAL MATERIALISM. After viewing
the videos, write a single spaced introductory paragraph making note of the
different approaches taken by the lecturers and then write three single
spaced paragraphs summarizing Marx’s theory of Historical Materialism
and its contribution to anthropology. Submit assessment to Sakai
Reading Assignment
1. Access UDEL Home Page, Go to Library. Click Library and select Database.
Insert JSTOR in data base; Click JSTOR and Browse Journals. Select
Anthropology. Select Annual Review of Anthropology Vol. 4, 1975. Select
and Read Bridget O’Laughlin’s Marxist Approaches in Anthropology. Write
one introductory paragraph about Marxist Anthropology and two single
spaced paragraphs in which you summarize two different Marxist
approaches used in anthropology. Bring to class
1. In, HAT, Marxism. Page 43-48
2. In, RHAT, read Marx and Engels page 22 – 29; Type answers to study
questions 2 and 3. Bring to class
3. Internet Research Marxist Anthropology
http://web.as.ua.edu/ant/cultures/cultures.php
Please note: at site select Marxist Anthropology from drop down menu
center page. Think About: What sort of an ethnography would a Marxist
Anthropologist write?
Thursday, February 23
Reading Assignment
1. Do a Google Search Biography of Marcel Mauss
2. Do Google Search The Gift Summary; Select www.anthrobase.com or use
link http://www.anthrobase.com/DIC/eng/pers/mauss_marcel.htm Read
Mauss.
3. Search Wikipedia Marcel Mauss, read Theoretical Views and search The
Gift read Argument and Influence
4. Write a single spaced introductory paragraph about Marcel Mauss and
three single spaced paragraphs about the significance of Mauss’s book “The
Gift” Submit paragraphs to Sakai
Tuesday, February 28
Topic: Max Weber
Reading Assignment
1. In, HAT, Max Weber read pages 81-84
2. Wikipedia Search Max Weber theory and works
3. Do Google Search on Max Weber. Select
www.faculty.RSU.edu/~felwell/Theoretical/Weber/Whome.htm
View Power Point Verstehen: The Sociology of Max Weber
Write summary of three key features of Weber’s theory. Bring to class.
4. Go to UDEL Homepage, Select Library, Select Database, Insert JSTOR in
database; Next page, click JSTOR, Select Browse Journals; Select
Anthropology, Select Annual Review of Anthropology Vol. 31 2002, Read
Weber and Anthropology. Write one single spaced introductory paragraph
and three single spaced paragraphs about Weber’s contribution to
anthropology. Submit to Sakai
Thursday, March 1h
Topic: Boas and the Challenge to Social Evolutionism
Reading Assignment
1. In, VOC, Franz Boaz Culture in Context
2.In, HAT, American Cultural Anthropology, page 73 – 83 but not including
The Influence of Sigmund Freud Franz Boas
3. Internet Research: Franz Boas
http://www.nndb.com/people/861/000097570
4. Do Google Search Franz Boas and His Students. Select and Read [PDF]
Boas During The First Third of the 20th Century
http://www.udel.edu/anthro/budani/boas.pdf
5. What is Boas’s criticism of social evolution? Type and bring to class
Tuesday, March 6
YOU TUBE SEARCH FRANZ BOAS THE SHACKLES OF TRADITION. After you
view the video, write a single spaced introductory paragraph and three
single spaced paragraphs about three things you find notable about the
work of Franz Boas and his contribution to anthropology. Bring to class
Reading Assignment
1. In RHAT, Franz Boas The Methods of Ethnology. Answer Study Questions
1 and 2 page122. Submit to Sakai
2. Internet Research Read:
On the Limitations of the Comparative Method
http://www.anthrobase.com/Browse/home/hst/cache/bocomp.html
3. Read Boas and cultural relativism
http://www.utpa.edu/faculty/mglazer/theory/cultural_relativism.htm
4. Read Boas and the Culture Concept in Historical Perspective
Do Google search Boas culture concept in historical perspective. Select [pdf]
Boas and the culture concept in Historical Perspective
http://www.aaanet.org/sections/gad/history/077Stockingpdf
5. Select one of the three Internet Readings and write one single spaced
introductory paragraph and three single spaced paragraphs summarizing
one of the above Boas readings. Submit to Sakai
Receive Essay Exam 1
Thursday, March 8
Topic: Boas’s Students & American Anthropology First Half 20th Century
Reading Assignment
1. in RHAT, Introduction/Coming of Age in Samna Margaret Mead, author,
page 141 – 145. Type Answers to Study Questions 1, 2, and 3 page 148.
Bring To Class
2. In VOC, Margaret Mead, The Individual and Culture, page 104-115
3.Review Correspondence between Margaret Mead and Franz Boas for
insight between student and mentor.
http://www.ssc.uwo.ca/sociology/mead
4. Do Google Search Ruth Benedict Patterns of Culture; Select and Read
Ruth Benedict Patterns of Culture
classes.yale.edu/03-04/anth500b/projects/…/02…/ruthpatterns.html
Write four single spaced paragraphs (one introductory) summaries
Benedict’ contribution to anthropological theory .Submit to Sakai
Exam 1 Submitted to Sakai no later than 11:30pm Saturday, March 10th
Tuesday, March13
YOU TUBE SEARCH: MARGARET MEAD: COMING OF AGE & VIEW
MARGARET MEAD TALES FROM THE JUNGLE PART S 1-6. After viewing the
videos write a single spaced introductory paragraph and three single
spaced paragraphs on three things notable about Mead’s work and
contribution to anthropology. Submit to Sakai
Reading Assignment
1. In HAT, Margret Mead read pages102-107
2. Why Remember Mead?
http://interculturalstudies.org/mead/index.html
3. In, RHAT, read Ruth Benedict, The Individual and The Pattern of Culture,
page 147-159, Type answers to study questions 1, 2, and 3. Bring to class
Thursday, March 15h
Topic: British Social Anthropology
YOU TUBE SEARCH: BRONISLAW MALINOWSKI Off The Veranda &
BRONISLAW MALINOWSKI TALES FROM THE JUNGLE PART1-6
After viewing the video, write one single spaced introductory paragraph
and 3 single spaced paragraphs about three things that you find notable
about Malinowski and his contribution to anthropology. Submit to Sakai.
Reading Assignment
1. In, HAT, Pages 123-134
2. In, VOC, Bronislaw Malinowski: The Functions of Culture
3. In, RHAT Read Malinowski pages 202-217; Type Answers to study
questions 1 and 3. Bring to class.
4. Read Argonauts of the Western Pacific, read Preface, Forward and
Chapter 2.
Tuesday, March 20
Topic: British Social Anthropology
YOUTUBE SEARCH British Social Anthropology
Select to view: What is Social Anthropology? & Introduction to Social
Anthropology After viewing write one single spaced introductory paragraph
about social anthropology and two single spaced paragraphs about key
features of Social Anthropology Submit to Sakai
Reading Assignments:
1.In, RHAT read introduction African Political systems, page 218 – 231. Type
answers to study questions 1, 2, and 3 Bring to class
2, In, Argonauts of the Western Pacific, Chapters TBA
Thursday, March 21
Topic: British Social Anthropology-A.R. Radcliffe-Brown and E.E. EvansPritchard
Do You Tube Search E.E. Evans-Pritchard. Select, Strange Beliefs. After
viewing the video, write one single spaced introductory paragraph and two
single spaced paragraphs on the contributions of Evans-Pritchard to
anthropology. Submit to Sakai
Reading Assignments:
1. In, VOC, A.R. Radcliffe-Brown: The Structures of Society and In VOC,
Edwards Evan-Pritchard Social Anthropology, Social History
2. In. RHAT, read Social Structure, pages 196-201; Type answers to Study
Questions 1 and 2 page 201. Bring to class
3. Internet Research Functionalism by Mark Glazer Read
http://www.utpa.edu/faculty/mglazer/theory/functionalism.htm
4.Select one of the two below
Internet Research
Do Google Search for A.R. Radcliffe-Brown Structural Functionalism. Select
A.R. Radcliffe-Brown
www.nndb.com/people/318/000099021
5.Internet Research
Do Google Search for A. R. Radcliffe-Brown Mother’s Brother
Select [PDF] The Mother’s Brother In South Africa
http://www.radicalanthropologygroup.org/old/class_text_055.pdf
After reading your selection, write one single spaced introductory
paragraph and three single spaced paragraphs of summarizing the reading
SPRING BREAK
Tuesday, April 3
TBA
Thursday, April 5
Topic: Materialist Approach: Julian Steward and Marvin Harris
Reading Assignments
1. In VOC, Julian Steward: Cultural Ecology and Multilinear Evolution
2. In VOC, Marvin Harris: Cultural Materialism
3. In HAT, Neo- Evolution & Materialists Approaches, pages 141-150
4.Internet Research
Do Google Search Marvin Harris; Select Marvin Harris’s Cultural Materialism
www.faculty.rsu.edu/~felwell/Theorists/Harris/Index.htm
Read: Introduction to Harris; Then Select Web Essays; Read Cultural
Materialism by Jon Marcoux
5. Internet Research
Do Google Search Julian Steward; Select Julian Steward Theory; Select and
Read Murphyonsteward
Go Back to Google Search Page Julian Steward Theory; Select and Read
Anthropologist Biographies – Steward
www.indiana.edu/~wanthro/theory_pages/Steward.htm
6. Write one single spaced introductory paragraph and four single spaced
paragraphs contrasting Harris and Steward Submit to Sakai
Tuesday, April 10
Topic: Feminist Anthropology
Reading Assignments
1. In HAT page 189 – 173
Internet Research:
2. Do Google Book Search on Feminist Anthropology. Select book Feminist
Anthropology, Pamela L Gellar & Miranda K. Stockett. Read Forward:
Taking Stock – The Transformation of Feminist Theorizing in Anthropology
by Louise Lamphere; Then Select and Read Feminist Anthropology:
Perspective in Our Past Present and Future.
3. Write one introductory single spaced paragraph and three single spaced
paragraphs summarizing Lamphere. Submit to Sakai
4. Begin reading Writing Culture: Poetics and Politics of Ethnography
Receive Essay Exam 2
Thursday, April 12
Topic: Political Economy
Reading Assignments
1. In HAT, Political Economy page 173 – 180
2. In RHAT, Eric Wolf, Introduction [Europe and the People Without History]
page 406 – 422, Answer Study Question #1 page 422. Type and Bring to
class.
3. In, RHAT, Read Talal Asad, page 423 – 433, Answer Study Questions 1 &
2, Bring to Class.
4. In VOC, read Eric Wolf: Culture, History and Power
4. Do Google Search Eric Wolf; Select Eric Wolf
www.indiana.edu/~wanthro/wolf.htm
Read. Write one single spaced introductory paragraph and four single
spaced paragraphs summarizing Wolf’s work and theory. Submit to Sakai
Essay Exam 2 Submitted to Sakai no later than 11:30pm on Saturday, April
14.
Tuesday, April 17
Topic: Interpretive “Geertzian” Anthropology
Do search on YouTube: Full Interview with Clifford Geertz Part I & Interview
with Clifford Geertz Part II & Cultural Studies Clifford Geertz. After viewing
videos, write one single spaced introductory paragraph and three single
spaced paragraphs mentioning features of Interpretive Anthropology and
the contributions of Clifford Geertz to anthropology. Submit to Sakai
Reading Assignments
1. In HAT, Clifford Geertz and Interpretive Anthropology page162-164;
166.184
2. In VOC, Clifford Geertz: An Interpretive Anthropology
3. In RHAT, Read Clifford Geertz page 341 – 358; Write answers to Study
Questions 1 & 2 page 359. Bring to Class
Thursday April 19
Topic: Theory Late 20th Century
Reading Assignment:
Topic: Post modernist Anthropology
Reading Assignments
1.In RHAT, George E. Marcus and Michael M.J. Fischer, page 491 – 497;
Write answer to Study Question 1 page 498. Bring to Class
2. In, RHAT, Read James Clifford, page 469 -486; Write answers to Study
Questions 1 & 3 [page 490] Bring to class.
3. In, HAT. Read Pages 163 – 165 & Pages 177-191
4. In, RHAT, Read Edward W Said, page 392 – 404. Write answers to Study
Questions 1, 2,3. Submit To Sakai
4.Do Google Search on Postmodern Anthropology. Select Postmodernism
and its Critics – Anthropological Theories
www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/Murphy/436/pomo.htm Read file & Write one
single spaced introductory paragraph and three single spaced paragraphs
summarizing the key features of postmodern theory in anthropology
Tuesday, April 24
Topic: Postmodern Ethnography
Reading Assignment:
Writing Cultures: Poetics and Politics of Ethnography Read Forewords and
Chapter 2 Mary Louise Pratt’s Fieldwork in Common Places and Chapter 4
Renato Rosaldo’s From The Door of His Tent: Fieldworker and The
Inquisitor.
Select either Chapter 2 or Chapter 4 Write a one single spaced introductory
paragraph and three single spaced paragraphs which summarize the
author’s argument made in the chapter. Submit to Sakai. Bring copy to class
Thursday, April 26
Topic: Postmodernism and Ethnography
Reading Assignment
Writing Cultures: Poetics and Politics of Ethnography; Read Chapter7. Talal
Asad’s The Concept of Cultural Translation in British Social Anthropology.
Answer Question 1 Submit to Sakai Bring a Copy to Class
1. What does Asad mean by the Concept of Translation? What does Asad
have to say about the concept of translation in British Social Anthropology?
What would say is the “take away point” of the chapter?
Tuesday, May 1
Topic: Postmodernism and Ethnography
Reading Assignment
Writing Cultures: Poetics and Politics of Ethnography; Read Chapter 8.
George E. Marcus’s Contemporary Problems of Ethnography in the
Modern World System and Read Chapter 10. Rabinow’s Representations
Are Social Facts: Modernity and Post-Modernity in Anthropology
Answer Question 1 or 2 Submit to Sakai Bring a copy to class
1. According to Marcus what are the contemporary problems of
ethnography in the modern world system? What does Marcus mean by
modern world system? What would you say is the “take away point “ of the
chapter?
2. Why are representations social facts? What does Rabinow mean by
modernity and post modernity in Anthropology? What would you say is the
“take away point” of the chapter?
Receive Third Essay Exam
Thursday, May 3
Reading Assignment: A Thrice Told Tale: Feminism, Postmodernism and
Ethnographic Responsibility
Read Chapter 1.
Write a one paragraph single spaced introductory paragraph and three
single spaced paragraphs wherein you discuss Wolf’s problems posed by
feminist and postmodern critics of ethnography
Tuesday, May 8
Reading Assignment: A Thrice Told Tale: Feminism, Postmodernism and
Ethnographic Responsibility
Read Chapter 2 and 3
Write a one paragraph introductory single spaced paragraph and three
single spaced paragraphs about Wolf’s comments on the telling of the tale
as a short story and as field notes. Submit to Sakai and bring a copy to class.
Thursday, May 10
Reading Assignment: A Thrice Told Tale: Feminism, Postmodernism and
Ethnographic Responsibility
Read Chapter 4
Write a one paragraph introductory single spaced paragraph and three
single spaced paragraphs about Wolf’s comments on the telling of the tale
as a scholarly journal article. Submit to Sakai and bring a copy to class.
Submit Third Essay Exam no later than 11:30pm on Friday, May, 11
Tuesday, May 15
Reading Assignment: A Thrice Told Tale: Feminism, Postmodernism and
Ethnographic Responsibility
Read Chapter 5
Write a summary of Wolf’s position as stated in Chapter 5. Submit to Sakai
and bring a copy to class.
Wednesday, May 16
Grade Consultation Day and Present Petitions