Heartland Community College
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Course Syllabus Fall 2014
Course Prefix and Number: ANTH 101-91 ONLINE
Course Title: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Credit Hours: 3.0 hrs.
Days and Times the course meets: flexible
Location and Classroom: virtual world
Catalog Description
This course provides an introduction to human culture encompassing social organization, the
arts, technology, economics, religion, language, family, and identity, as well as the effects of
globalization. Drawing on examples from around the world and close to home, students will
explore the broad variation of cultural expression, as well as the common characteristics shared
by all.
As a course taught fully online, ANTH 101-91 contains the following online features: class
notes, power points, reading assignments, quizzes, discussion board, journal, streaming movie
clips, and videos. Prerequisite(s): None
Instructor Information
Name: Ari Ariyaratne, Ph. D.
Phone number: (309) 268-8595
E-mail address: Ari.Ariyaratne@heartland.edu
Office hours: by appointment
Textbook: None
Beliefs
Academic Discipline: Anthropology is the study of human behavior in all its facets. It is
the only contemporary discipline that approaches human questions from historical, biological,
linguistic, and cultural perspectives. Each of these sub-disciplines imparts invaluable core
knowledge about human beings and their cultural and biological diversity.
Cultural anthropology, by employing its analytical tools ethnology and ethnography,
explores a variety of human beliefs and behavior while making sense of the meanings that people
from different societies ascribe to their experience.
Student Learning: Students tend to learn best when presented with a variety of ways to
get to know the material. This online course is designed prioritizing student engagement in active
learning.
Instructor Role: The student-centered approach is central to my teaching philosophy.
This online course of cultural anthropology is designed with the intention of maximizing student
participation in active learning.
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Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transferability:
ANTH 101 fulfills 3 of the semester hours of credit in Social and Behavioral Sciences
required for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General
Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois
colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an
academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI
web page for information as well at www.itransfer.org.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to accomplish the following objectives:
Course Outcomes
Essential
Competencies
Range of Assessment
Methods
Practice doing anthropology through
participant-observation and other exercises:
Summarize findings and elicit conclusion
clearly and effectively through oral, written,
and/or visual forms.
Develop a broader understanding of fellow
human beings and an appreciation of cultural
and social diversity.
CO1
CO2
DI2
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
DI1
DI5
Define central concepts of cultural anthropology
and apply them to everyday life and broader
world issues.
CT1
CT2
Identify, discuss, and compare various cultural
beliefs and behavior using relevant ethnographic
examples.
CT1
CT2
CO3
Describe and discuss the process of
enculturation and ethnocentrism in group
formation and social behavior
CO1
CO3
CT1
PS2
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
Utilize the holistic and comparative perspectives
of cultural anthropology to consider basic
human questions and important world issues in
the broadest possible context
DI4
PS3
CT1
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions
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Reflect upon and re-examine the formation of
their own interests, talents, goals, and beliefs in
light of the insights gained form the study of
other cultural beliefs and practices.
DI1
DI2
DI3
DI4
CT4
Writing Assignments,
Quizzes, Exams, Projects,
Presentations,
Discussions.
Course/Lab Outline:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
Cultural Anthropology: Introduction and Perspective
Ethnography and Fieldwork
Introducing the Concept of Culture and Theorizing Culture
Culture and Communication
Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations
Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations (Continuation)
Culture and Religion
Cultural Construction of Identity
Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchy: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Anthropology of Art
Political Anthropology: World System and Globalization
Political Anthropology: World System and Globalization (Continuation)
Method of Instruction
ANTH 101-91 is designed by using the online software package in Blackboard 9.0. Let me
briefly explain some features of the course layout.
Once you are in this webpage, you’ll see the left column on your computer screen, the column is
very important for navigating through the course. Notice that there are four blocks of links in the
left hand navigation column.
The first block has three links: “Announcements,” “Course Syllabus,” and “Course Calendar.”
The Announcements link will help you to find the instructor’s class-related announcements. The
Course Calendar link will help you to find the important dates and deadlines in relation to your
course activities. The Course Syllabus link will lead you to the syllabus, the document you are
reading right now. The syllabus will give you a fairly good idea on course requirements, course
work, method of course instructions and evaluation, and course expectations.
The second block has four links: “Course Content,” “Assessments,” “Discussion Board,” and
“Journal.” When you click on the Course Content link, it will lead you to the content modules of
the course and they correspond to the Course Outline given above. There are fifteen (15) content
modules. Each module has all reading materials, video highlights, and PowerPoint presentations
assigned for the week, and links to the week’s online quiz, discussion assignment, and journal.
Each week, the relevant content module will be made available for the students by Monday at
8:00 AM. You are required to visit the webpage regularly throughout the semester to
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browse the relevant module(s), do the required readings, watch the given visual highlights,
complete discussion board and journal, and take quizzes.
The fifteenth content module has only one item. It is the question for FINAL REFLEXIVE
ESSAY which has to be completed and posted on JOURNAL 15 during 8:00am, November
30 – 11:00pm, December 13.
“Assessments” link will direct you to the weekly online quizzes. They are designed for one
attempt only. Each week, the relevant online quiz will open by Monday at 8:00 a.m. and will
remain open until 11:00 pm, Sunday.
“Discussion Board” and “Journal” links will take you to the relevant venues every week. They
have to be completed no later than Sunday at 11:00 pm, every week.
The third block has the links for “Messages,” “Technical Support,” and “My Grades.”
The fourth block contains the link for “Professor’s Profile.” You will find your instructor’s biodata and contact information by following this link.
Now click on “Course Content” in the left hand navigation column, and then click on Module
One. You will find the materials you have to study for Module One as the first item. These
materials are class notes, power points, online readings, and streaming videos. Each of them is
hyperlinked, and by clicking on each heading, you can reach the material.
The second item in Module one is “Weekly Thinking Assignments.” Under this item, you will
find information on Quiz 1, Discussion Board 1, and Journal 1, the assignments you have to
complete within the first week. In order to take the quiz, click on “assessments” in the left hand
navigation column. Similarly, to complete Discussion Board, click on “Discussion Board,” and
to complete Journal, click on “Journal.”
The third item in the Module is titled as “Learn More.” Under this item, you will find links with
which you can learn more about the topic(s)/theme(s) discussed in the module.
You will find this same pattern in all content modules.
In order to get the best results from this online course, it is prudent to follow the instructions
given in the relevant content modules in their chronological order.
There is no mid-term or final examination for this course. However, there is a final
reflexive essay that has to be completed and submitted online.
Method of Evaluation (Grading System):
Letter grades will be based on the percentage of points earned in the course in accordance with
the following scale:
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ABCDF-
90-100%
80- 89%
70- 79%
60- 69%
59- 0%
You will be evaluated using the following method:
Quizzes or Multiple-choice Questions: 2.50 points x 14 modules = 35.00
Discussion Board: 2.00 points x 14 modules = 28.00
Journal: 2.00 points x 14 modules = 28.00
Journal for Final Reflexive Essay = 9.00
Total Number of Points Available = 100.00
For discussion board, points are given according to laid out expectations:
2.00 = High level of critical thinking and high proficiency in writing
1.75 = High level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
1.50 = Moderate level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
1.00 = Low level of critical thinking and low proficiency in writing
0.00 = Student did not attempt the assignment
For journal, points are given according to laid out expectations:
2.00 = High level of critical thinking and high proficiency in writing
1.75 = High level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
1.50 = Moderate level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
1.00 = Low level of critical thinking and low proficiency in writing
0.00 = Student did not attempt the assignment
When referring to letter grades, definitions, and grade point equivalent, this course follows the
guidelines of HCC official grading system given under the HCC Academic Policies of the 2013
HCC Catalog.
Midterm Withdrawal Policy:
Students are expected to meaningfully participate in online course activities regularly. Any
student who does not make reasonable attempts to successfully complete all course activities
(quizzes, discussion board, and journals), may be withdrawn from the course at midterm.
However, if any of the following situations apply, the student will be automatically withdrawn
by the end of week 8:
 was absent from online course activities for any 2 consecutive weeks without appropriate
notice
 Did not complete at least 60% of assignments
Incompletes
Incompletes are allowed only under the most extreme situations. Students wishing to earn an
incomplete grade should see the instructor.
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Extra Credit
None.
Deadlines/Late Work
Student Evaluations
In the last 2-3 weeks of class, all students are expected to complete a course evaluation form
online, at www.studentevals.com/heartland.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College
and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because
grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of
their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious
offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion
from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far
beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification
of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college
catalog.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
 Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
 Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
 Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
 Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
 Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it
were your own.
 Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. 7th ed. New York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism
may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or
expulsion from school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of the original work. When in
doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA or MLA
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Style. Don’t be daunted by citing sources which are not books. You can cite everything,
including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television shows,
Internet and world-wide web sites.
Student Evaluations:
In the last 2-3 weeks of class, all students are expected to complete a course evaluation form
online, at www.studentevals.com/heartland.
General Information for Students:
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001):
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online,
hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a
make-up exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented disabilities must be
arranged by the student through Disability Support Services. Testing Services will only
administer exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309) 2688050.
Counseling Services:
Counseling Services provides confidential and professional counseling for both emergency and
personal issues. Services also include referrals to local community resources and support for
students on academic probation. For more information, please call (309) 268-8318.
Services in Academic Support Center (Raab Road campus):
Library:
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources
including books, online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and
interlibrary loan. Individualize research by appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab
in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309) 268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services:
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal,
Pontiac, and Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study
groups are also available by request. For more information about services available at each
location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731
(Lincoln).
Disability Support Services:
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the
college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations
as mandated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DSS offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive
technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations.
Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should
call (309) 268-8259 for details.
Open Computing Lab:
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The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times
throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of
approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Writing Lab:
The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking
and the stages of the writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors
with years of experience working with students on writing. In every session, supportive staff
work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas as appropriate to the needs of their
readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective communication. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus):
Academic Advising:
Academic advisors help students develop a plan of study, review degree/program requirements,
discuss transferability of courses, and provide career exploration support. For more information,
please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising services are also available at the Lincoln and
Pontiac sites.
Career Services:
Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search
skills and connect with potential employers in preparation for employment and career
transitions. Through the Online Career Center at www.collegecentral.com/heartland students
can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post resumes and find a host of free
career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to relevant workbased learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in their
career pursuits. For more information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email
Career.Services@heartland.edu.
Financial Aid Office:
The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available
to students. For more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts (Located in Student Commons Building 1000):
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts
may also be obtained at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be
requested in writing. The form is available online
(http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial
transcripts are available to print online through IRIS.
Syllabi disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to make alterations to this syllabus as necessary.
Course Calendar
Week 1 (August 13 – Module 1 will be made available)
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Module 1: Cultural Anthropology: Introduction and Perspective
Week 2 (August 25)
Module 2: Ethnography and Fieldwork
Week 3 (September 1)
Module 3: Introducing the Concept of Culture and Theorizing Culture
Week 4 (September 8)
Module 4: Culture and Communication
Week 5 (September 15)
Module 5: Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
Week 6 (September 22)
Module 6: Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations
Week 7 (September 29)
Module 7: Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations
(continuation)
Week 8 (October 6)
Module 8: Cultural Construction of Identity
MIDTERM EVALUATIONS
Week 9 (October 13)
Module 9: Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchy: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Week 10 - (October 20)
Module 10: Anthropology of Religion
Week 11 (October 27)
Module 11: Anthropology of Art
Week 12 (November 3)
Module12: Political Anthropology: World System and Globalization
Week 13 (November 10)
Module 13: Political Anthropology: World System and Globalization (Continuation)
Week 14 (November 17)
Module 14: Political Anthropology: World System and Globalization (Continuation)
THANKSGIVING BREAK – NOVEMBER 27 – 28
No Module Due
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Week 15 - FINAL REFLEXIVE ESSAY (December 1)
Module 15: (Contains the question for JOURNAL 15 only)
Week 16: FINAL REFLEXIVE ESSAY must be submitted by DECEMBER 12
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