SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
2015-16 / Spring
Introduction to Anthropology
SOCI 1250-7A
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
Instructor Website: http://faculty.mccneb.edu/gtoth/socsci/default.htm
10:00 – 11:50am
Tuesdays / Thursdays
South Omaha Campus
Mahoney Room 116
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Metropolitan Community College
Course Syllabus – 2015-16 / Spring
COURSE IDENTIFICATION
Title:
Prefix/Section:
Credit Hours:
Begins/Ends/No-Class Days
Introduction to Anthropology
SOCI1250-7A
Meeting Day/Time:
Last Day to Withdraw
Census Date
Class Location:
Lab Location:
Faculty Homepage;
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00-11:50am
05/10/2016
03/22/2016
South Omaha Mahoney Room 116
03/10/16 - 05/24/16
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/gtoth/socsci/default.htm
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Office Location:
Office Telephone:
Facsimile:
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Faculty Web Site:
Academic Program Area:
Gary J. Toth, M.A.
South Omaha Mahoney Room 110V
738-4678
738-4535
Mon & Wed 10:00-12:00 / Tue & Thurs 12:00-1:00
gtoth@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/gtoth/
Social Sciences
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description: Introduction to Anthropology provides an introduction to the study and methods of
anthropology and the techniques used to study human societies and cultures. The course will cover
anthropological theory, as well as the biological, cultural, economic, and political evolution of ancient and
modern peoples.
Course Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for this course. The ability to read and write at the
college level is highly recommended.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1) Describe the nature, scope, and limitations of anthropology.
2) Distinguish and evaluate the major theories and theoretical perspectives of
anthropology.
3) Sketch an overview of the field of anthropology, its subfields, and how it is related to other
disciplines such as biology, psychology, and sociology.
4) Assess the application of evolutionary theory to all forms of life, including human.
5) Display an understanding of the nature, importance and variability of culture.
6) Appraise the major anthropological explanations of cultural variability.
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7) Discuss the relationship between language and culture.
8) Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and research techniques.
9) Construct a foundation of basic knowledge which may be used for further study in
anthropology and/or related social sciences.
10) Examine the impact of technology on a society and indicate how that technology also
changes the methods used to study the society.
REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
TEXTBOOKS: (Both Required)
Durrenberger, E. Paul and Suzan Erem, Anthropology Unbound: A Field Guide to the 21st Century,
Second Edition, Boulder: Paradigm Publishers, 2010.
Osterweis Selig, Ruth (editor), Anthropology Explored (Revised and Expanded). Washington:
Smithsonian Books, 2004.
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages
students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc
or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
COURSE STRUCTURE:
This course will be primarily a lecture, discussion and team activity course. There will be some outside
readings and activities. Audiovisuals will be included as a supplement to the topics of discussion. There may
be some experiential class activities as well as outside speakers. In-class discussion or lecture may or may
not follow the readings; yet the reading may be covered in a quiz and the student may be expected to apply it
in written assignments.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Types of Assessment/Assignments
Points will be accumulated as follows :
Three Exams – 2x100 points and 1x50 points
250 points total
Attendance and Participation (may include quizzes – must be present to earn points):
5 points per class
100 points total
Presentations and Discussions (must be present to participate)
50 points – mini-presentations during quarter
50 points – online discussions
Written Assignment and Presentation – 50 points total
COURSE TOTAL = 500 POINTS
*Note: ‘A’ grades are earned by performance and participation. To participate one needs to be in attendance.
Therefore, anyone with more than three (3) absences will not qualify for an ‘A’. An excused absence will be
left to the discretion of the instructor, but at the minimum the student should call prior to class time to
inform the instructor that he/she will not be in class that day and the reason for the absence.
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Testing:
Tests can be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, matching, fill-in-the-blanks, and essay
questions. These exams will test your knowledge and comprehension as well as your analysis and
evaluation of sociogical concepts specific to course objectives.
Make-up Test Procedures: Tests are to be taken at the time scheduled unless prior arrangements
have been made. In order to be eligible for a make-up test, you must contact me on or before the day
of the test. NO EXCEPTIONS!
**NOTE: Make-up exams will be administered at the South Omaha Campus Testing Center
Format for Assignments:
The assignments are to be typed, double-spaced.
To receive maximum credit (100 points) each paper should minimally meet the following guidelines:
Be written in complete sentences
Be free of spelling and grammatical errors
Begin with a clear topic sentence or abstract
Be readable in terms of sentence structure, flow of content, and make sense
Be written in your own words
Be typed, three to five pages in length, and double spaced
Relate to an issue you learned in the class
Late Assignments:
Assignments are due on the date specified. Late submission of an assignment will result in a LOSS of 25% of
the points. Excessively late assignments will lose a higher percentage of points, depending on the date and
the circumstances. In most cases, assignments MORE than one (1) week (or class session) late will not be
accepted.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be earned on the basis of total points accumulated throughout the quarter.
assigned as indicated :
90 - 100% =
80 - 89% =
70 - 79% =
60 - 69% =
below 60%=
A
B
C
D
F
Grades will be
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing
Maintenance of Student Records:
Tests and papers will be returned to students for review within one week of completion.
Questions about grades should be addressed to the instructor during his office hours (see above). Exams are
retained by the instructor for a period of one year. Scores are retained on a permanent basis and are stored in
the instructor's files.
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ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may
be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or
questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with
faculty and used for assessment purposes.
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Attendance Policy Attendance is important as it will affect your grade and team participation. Woody Allen is
quoted as saying that “90% of succeeding is showing up.” You can neither contribute nor benefit from class
discussion when you are absent. Furthermore, as is true in a business setting, it is the student’s responsibility
to contact the faculty member prior to or on the day of an absence. Failure to do so is noted in the instructor’s
grade book and is utilized, as in a business setting, when the instructor considers whether or not to give the
student the benefit of the doubt on subjective matters. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all missed
notes or materials.
Persons missing the equivalent of 5 or more classes will be dropped with an IW according to guidelines, (this
should not to be construed as a statement that the instructor is required to withdraw the student). Students
who have not completed the assignments nor taken the exams by the deadline date for IW's are also subject to
withdrawal. Attendance can affect future financial aid.
INCOMPLETE: In the event that a student does not withdraw and does not complete the course requirements,
a final grade of “F” is ordinarily given. A course grade of “I” (Incomplete) will only be considered if the student
has completed 60% or more of the course satisfactorily, the request is made in advance of the final portfolio
review date, and there is a substantial, transcendent and verifiable reason for the delayed completion of the
coursework.
Withdrawal due to Non-Attendance:
Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for the class, the
instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date. Students in this section of
Introduction to Anthropology must attend a class meeting by 3/22/16.
Additional Notice:
This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and expected learning outcomes.
However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that may result in enhanced or
more effective learning for students. These modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives
of this course and will be done within the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
Disciplinary Action:
The following are subject to discipline in my classroom. A student may be asked to leave class for any
disruptive behavior and will be counted absent for the class.
a. cell phone usage and/or texting during class
b. wearing headphones during class
c. use of laptop computers in class unless approved by instructor
d. plagiarism
e. sleeping in class
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COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS: When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the
Student Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/StudentServices/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask
questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and
maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information
at http://www.albion.com/netiquette.
RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM: Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the
instructor’s knowledge and permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable
accommodation under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate
documentation from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the
individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted, sold or
distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the
Student Conduct Code.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT: Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for
classwork may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the
library website at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx or by your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the
College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course,
suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the
Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Board-ofGovernors/Procedures.aspx.
TURNITIN.COM: To promote ethical use of source materials and integrity in students' written work,
Metropolitan Community College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a service that provides document source analysis
in order to detect plagiarism. Students enrolled in this class agree that all required work may be submitted to
Turnitin.com.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you are encouraged to
contact your instructor and consult an MCC advisor, counselor, or the Financial Aid Office to evaluate the
consequences of dropping the class. You can officially withdraw through My Services on the MCC My Way
portal at https://myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. The
last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer
friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members
in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Selfpaced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language,
and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal, the
College Catalog, and online at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools.aspx.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Metropolitan Community College will provide
reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s
responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student
Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should
privately discuss these accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or
visit https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Disability-Support-Services.aspx.
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NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Metropolitan Community College does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual
orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.
If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to “Getting Started Online”
at https://www.mccneb.edu/Online.
If you are unable to solve the problem, email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call 402-457-2834.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer
systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources.
It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures
Memorandum may be found at the following website: https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/AboutMCC/Board-of-Governors/Procedures.aspx.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS:
Unit
Date
I
3/10/16
Exam /
Assignment
Textbook
Topic
Introduction
Prologue
Introduction /
Anthropology
I
3/15/16
Chapter 1
Science Basics
I
3/17/16
Chapter 2
People are
Primates
I
3/22/16
Chapter 2
“
I
3/24/16
Chapter 2
“
I
3/29/16
Chapter 3
Human Variation
I
3/31/16
Chapter 3
“
I
4/5/16
Chapter 4,5
Language / Kinship
II
4/7/16
Chapter 6
Ecological Systems
II
4/12/16
Chapter 6
“
II
4/14/16
Chapter 7
Economics
II
4/19/16
Chapter 8
Political Systems
II
4/21/16
Chapter 9
Case Study:
Medieval Iceland
II
4/26/16
Chapter 10
States
III
4/28/16
Chapter 11
Religion
III
5/3/16
Chapter 12
Political Economy
III
5/5//16
Chapter 13
Class
III
5/10/16
Chapter 13
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III
5/12/16
Assignment Due
Chapter 14
Back to the Land
III
5/17/16
Presentations
Chapter 15
Global, Local
III
5/19/16
Presentations
Chapters
16,17
Connections
III
5/24/16
Exam 3 Due
Exam 1 Due
Exam 2 Due
Course Overview
Unit I - Chapters 1-5
Unit II - Chapters 6-10
Unit III - Chapters 11-17
SYLLABUS 3/16
COURSE OUTLINE 8/12
**The Instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule as necessary.
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2016 (15/SP) Spring Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin Mar 10 Th
★Census Date/Tenth Day* date Mar 23 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies See Refund Policy★★
Spring Break/College Closed Mar 26-27 Sa-Su
Winter quarter “I” incomplete grades are due May 11 W
Classes end May 25 W
Spring grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. May 31 Tu
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins…….Mar 18 F
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins Mar 22 T
General Registration Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins Mar 24 Th
*Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class schedule found online at
https://catalog.mccneb.edu/Pages/Home.aspx then, find the course section and click on the Important Dates link on the
same line as the course title. Dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates
and the number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior
to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date★ is the date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is
checked to determine the type and amount of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of
that date.
★★ REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Non-attendance or non-payment
does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may entitle the student to a refund.
Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition Refund Modeler” to see the refund percentage received
through midnight of the same day you “drop” withdraw from a class.
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