Heartland Community College
Course Syllabus Spring 2011
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and Number: ANTH 101-01
Course Title: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Class Meetings: T & R 12:30-1:45; WDC 2607
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course furnishes a thorough introduction to the concepts, approaches, and methods of
Cultural Anthropology, one of the four main sub-disciplines of General Anthropology. With an
emphasis on the holistic and comparative nature of the cultural anthropological approach, and
using contemporary and recent ethnographic examples from around the world, the course
provides an awareness of the wide spectrum of cultural and social variation, while at the same
time stressing those characteristics that are shared by all human beings. The class includes
lectures, discussions, ethnographic films, and student presentations.
Prerequisites: None
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor name:
Phone number to contact instructor:
Instructor e-mail address:
Location of instructor’s office:
Jennifer Zovar
(309) 268-8590
jennifer.zovar@heartland.edu
ICB 2102
Instructor’s office hours: T & R 11:00-12:00 (or by appointment)
-Please also feel free to contact me by e-mail at any time. I check my email
regularly, and will usually be able to reply to all emails within 24 hours or less.
TEXTBOOK
Lavenda, Robert H. and Emily A. Schultz (2010) Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology,
Fourth Edition. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education.
Additional readings are available on Blackboard. Please consult Blackboard regularly for class
readings, assignments, and other announcements.
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RELATIONSHIP
TO
ACADEMIC
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS
AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
ANTH 101 fulfils 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or
A.S. degree. ANTH 101 should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum
described in the Illinois colleges and universities participating in IAI. However, students should
consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to
the IAI web page for information at www.itransfer.org for more information.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
In this class you will…
 Define central concepts of cultural anthropology, and apply them to everyday life and
broader world issues. (GE Code: CT 1, CT 2)
 Identify, discuss, and compare various cultural beliefs and behavior using relevant
ethnographic examples. (GE Code: CT 1, CT 2, CO 3)
 Describe and discuss the process of enculturation and the role of ethnocentrism in group
formation and social behavior. (GE Code: CO 1, CO 3, CT 1, PS 2)
 Practice doing anthropology through participant-observation and other exercises.
Summarize findings and elicit conclusions clearly and effectively through oral, written,
and/or visual forms. (GE Code: CO 1, CO 2, DI 2)
 Develop a broader understanding of fellow human beings and an appreciation of cultural
and social diversity. (GE Code: DI 1, DI 5)
 Utilize the holistic and comparative perspectives of cultural anthropology to consider
basic human questions and important world issues in the broadest possible context. (GE
Code: DI 4, PS 3, CT 1)
 Reflect upon and re-examine the formation of your own interests, talents, goals, and
beliefs in light of the insights gained from the study of other cultural beliefs and
practices. (GE Code: DI 1, DI 2, DI 3, DI 4, CT 4)
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Why Study Cultural Anthropology?: Introduction and Perspective
II. Ethnography and Fieldwork: How do Anthropologists Work?
III. Concept of Culture: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativity
IV. Culture and Communication: What’s the Significance of Language?
V. Society & Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
VI. Economic Anthropology: Adaptive Strategies
VII. Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Healing
VIII. Cultural Constructions of Identity: Childhood and Gender Norms
IX. Cultural Constructions of Identity: Race and Ethnicity
X. Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
XI. Political Anthropology: Political Systems and Social Order
XII. World System: Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
XIII. Modernity, Global Capitalism, and Globalization
IV. Applying Anthropology in the World Today
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METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Journals – A total of 12 short (300-600 word) journal assignments will be assigned over the
course of the semester dealing with specific topics discussed in class or in the readings. These
papers are designed to delve more deeply into anthropological questions/debates and to help
prepare you for class discussion. Only 10 of these papers will count towards your final grade,
allowing you to miss 2 papers. (If you do turn in more than 10 assignments, the lowest score(s)
will be dropped.)
Book Review – During the first half of the semester, you will be required to read an
ethnographic book and write a 4-6 page review of the material. Your review should consider the
culture described in the book and the way in which the anthropologist conducted his/her
fieldwork. You will work with other classmates who are reading the same book to prepare a
brief presentation about your ethnography to the class.
Ethnographic Project – During the second half of the semester, you will have an opportunity to
conduct your own mini-ethnography in or around Heartland Community College or the wider
community of Bloomington-Normal. You will report on the results of your project in a 6-8 page
paper and will discuss your project in class.
Exams – There will be three exams over the course of the semester – two regular in-class exams
and one final exam. The exams are not cumulative, although the final exam will require you to
utilize some of the key concepts stressed throughout the course. Exams will include both
material covered in lectures and material from the assigned readings. Exam questions will
include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, maps, and short answer/essay questions.
Discussion – Every class period will include time for small and large-group class discussions, as
well as some hands-on projects. You are expected to come to class prepared and ready to
participate fully in all classroom activities.
Extra-Credit – Students will receive an additional ½ grade on that week’s journal assignment if
you bring in a paper copy of a recent news article that deals with an anthropological topic or is
relevant to what we are discussing in class. Be prepared to discuss the article with the class.
(You are only allowed to take advantage of this extra credit twice during the semester.) Other
extra credit opportunities may be announced as the semester progresses.
Grading Values:
*Reflection Papers (10) …………………….15% (1.5% each)
*Book Review (Paper/Presentation) …….....15%
*Ethnography Project …….……………...... 15%
*Exam 1 …………………………………... 15%
*Exam 2 …………………………………... 15%
*Final Exam ………………………………. 15%
*Discussion ……………………………….. 10%
Letter grades will be based on the percentage of points earned in the course in accordance with
the following scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 0-59%
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ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance and participation at every class period is essential. Your grade is based in part on
your participation in in-class discussion and activities, and you cannot participate if you are not
here! If you need to miss a class for a work, court, or medical reason please contact me before
class to make sure your absence will be excused. Except under extraordinary circumstances only
two excused absences will be granted.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
This course requires an average of approximately 40 pages of reading per week. Required
readings include the assigned text, articles posted on Blackboard, the ethnography chosen for
your book review, and any additional readings necessary for the completion of your ethnographic
project.
A minimum of 30 pages of college level writing is required in this course. Writing assignments
include short journal assignments, essay responses on assigned exams, and two formal writing
assignments (the book review and the report of your ethnographic project.) Journal assignments
will be submitted via Blackboard. Paper copies of the two formal writing assignments will be
submitted in class. These assignments should be double-spaced with 1” margins and 12-point
font.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Feb 15 (T) – Exam 1
Mar. 1 & 3 (T & R) – Group Presentations
Mar 3 (R) – Book Review Paper
Mar. 29 (T) – Exam 2
May 3 (T) – Ethnography Project Paper
May 10 (T) – Final Exam
ASSESSMENT/GRADING POLICIES:
Paper Drafts – I am happy to meet with you individually to discuss your papers at any stage in
the writing process, and will also respond to specific questions that are emailed to me at any
time. If you would like for me to read a complete paper draft, please turn it in to me one week
before the paper is due, so that I have enough time to read through it and provide useful
comments.
Late Papers – All written assignments are due on the date noted on the class syllabus. Journal
entries should be submitted electronically via Blackboard before class begins on the due date.
Journals will not be accepted late under any circumstances, but only 10 of the 13 assigned papers
will count towards your final grade. Hard copies of your Book Review and Ethnographic Project
papers should be submitted in class. Electronic copies will only be accepted if you have an
excused absence. If your Book Review or Ethnographic Project papers are turned in late, you
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will lose a half letter grade. Papers that are extremely late (more than 1 week) will lose one –
two full letter grades.
Make-up Exam Policy – Exams will be given in class on the days noted on the syllabus. Makeup exams will only be given in extraordinary circumstances, and only if I have approved your
absence before the scheduled exam.
Incompletes – Incompletes are only allowed under the most extreme circumstances. If you
think you will need to receive an incomplete, please meet with me individually.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Cell-phones – Please turn off your cell-phones (Blackberries, pagers, smart phones, etc.) during
class time. Do not text or answer calls. Failure to do so may result in the lowering of your
discussion grade for the day. (If you have a job or other situation that requires you to be “oncall” during class time, please let me know at the beginning of the semester.)
Laptops – Laptops are only permitted for legitimate, course-related functions (e.g. taking notes).
Any other use during class time may result in the lowering of your discussion grade for the day.
Discussion – Please respect your fellow students, your professor, and the classroom. Some of
the topics discussed in the class may lead to spirited debates, and I encourage the expression of
courteous academic disagreement. I do ask, however, that you refrain from interrupting, talking
over, or disparaging other students and that you try to keep your discussion on-topic. If you have
any questions or comments that you do not feel comfortable expressing in class, please feel free
to speak to me after class or send me an email.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism – Academic integrity is taken very seriously at Heartland
Community College. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in
severe penalties and disciplinary measures, which could include course failure, suspension, or
expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. If you have any questions about what
constitutes cheating or plagiarism, please consult the 2010-2012 Catalog & Student Handbook
(pg. 181) or talk to me personally.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions – If class is cancelled for any reason, it will be listed on the
on the front page of your myHeartland account and at www.heartland.edu/classCancellations.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER SERVICES:
Disability Support – I am happy to accommodate any students with a documented disability that
has been reported to Heartland Community College’s Disability Support Services. If you have a
disability and require academic accommodations (e.g. extra time on exams, sign language
interpreter, note taker, etc.), please contact Anita Moore at (309) 268-8249 or
anita.moore@heartland.edu.
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Tutoring/Writing Services – Tutoring Services and Writing Services are available through the
Academic Support Center. You can schedule an appointment or drop in for tutoring during
regularly scheduled hours.
For more information, call (309) 268-8291 or go to
www.heartland.edu/asc.
Open Computing – Open computer labs are available in the campus library, and offer internet
access, scanning and printing equipment, and technical assistance.
Library – The library is located in the Academic Support Center in the Student Commons
Building.
Electronic library resources can be located through myHeartland or at
www.heartland.edu/library.
SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER:
The instructor reserves the right to alter this syllabus as necessary over the course of this
semester.
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CLASS SCHEDULE
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Spring 2011
ANTH 101-01
Instructor: Jennifer Zovar
Why Study Cultural Anthropology?: Introduction and Perspective
Jan 11 – Introductions
Jan 13 – What Do Anthropologists Do?
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 1 (pgs. 1- 13)
-“Shakespeare in the Bush,” by Laura Bohannan
-DUE: Journal 1
Ethnography and Fieldwork: How do Anthropologists Work?
Jan 18 – Conducting Fieldwork
-READ: “Tricking and Tripping: Prostitution in the Era of AIDS,” by Claire E. Sterk
Jan 20 – Reading Ethnography
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Appendix (pgs. 227-237)
-Start reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 2
Concept of Culture: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativity
Jan 25 – Defining “Culture” and Addressing Ethnocentrism
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 2 (pgs. 15-32)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
Jan 27 – Cultural Relativism vs. Ethical Relativism
-READ: “Of Headhunters and Soldiers: Separating Cultural and Ethical Relativism,”
by Renato Rosaldo
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 3
Culture and Communication: What’s the Significance of Language?
Feb 1 – Introducing Language
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 3 (pgs. 33-50)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
Feb 3 – Language and Meaning
-READ: “For Argument’s Sake: Why Do We Feel Compelled to Fight About
Everything?,” by Deborah Tannen
-DUE: Journal 4
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Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, & Marriage
Feb 8 – Family and Kinship
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 9 (pgs. 153-166)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
Feb 10 – Marriage
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 10 (pgs. 167-178)
-“When Brothers Share a Wife,” by Melvyn C. Goldstein
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 5
EXAM 1
Feb 15 (Tues)
Economic Anthropology: Adaptive Strategies
Feb 17 – Subsistence Strategies and Modes of Exchange
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 8 (pgs. 131-152)
-“Eating Christmas in the Kalahari,” by Richard Lee
-Finish reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 6
Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Healing
Feb 22 – Religion, Magic, and Ritual
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 5 (pgs. 67-87)
-“Baseball Magic,” by George Gmelch
Feb 24 – Religion and Healing
-READ: “Hmong Shamanism: Animist Spiritual Healing in America’s Urban
Heartland,” by Phua Xiong et al.
-DUE: Journal 7
Ethnography Presentations
Mar 1 – Student Presentations
Mar 3 – Student Presentations
-DUE: Book Review (4-6 pg. paper)
SPRING BREAK
Mar 8 & 10 – NO CLASS
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Cultural Constructions of Identity: Childhood & Gender Norms
Mar 15 – Identity Formation
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 4 (pgs. 51-66)
Mar 17 – Gender and Sexuality
-READ: “The Berdache Tradition,” by Walter Williams
-DUE: Journal 8
Cultural Constructions of Identity: Race & Ethnicity
Mar 22 – History of “Race”
-READ: “’Race’ and the Construction of Human Identity,” by Audrey Smedley
Mar 24 – Race and Racism
-READ: American Anthropological Association’s RACE Project
-DUE: Journal 9
EXAM 2
Mar 29 (T)
Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
Mar 31 – Social Organization
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 6 (pgs. 89-107)
-DUE: Proposal for Ethnography Project
Political Anthropology: Political Systems & Social Order
Apr 5 – Disputes, Social Control, and Law
-READ: “The Kpelle Moot,” by James L. Gibbs
Apr 7 – Power, Hegemony, and Political Organization
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 7 (pgs. 109-129)
-“Say ‘Cheese!’: The Disney Order that is Not So Mickey Mouse,” by
Clifford D. Shearing and Phillip C. Stenning
-DUE: Journal 10
World System: Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
Apr 12 – World Systems and Globalization
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 11 (pgs. 179-200)
Apr 14 – Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
-READ: Selection from Europe and the People without History, by Eric Wolf
-DUE: Ethnography Project Background Research
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Modernity, Global Capitalism, and Globalization
Apr 19 – Global Capitalism and Structural Violence
-READ: “The Price of Progress,” by John Bodley
-“Death Without Weeping,” by Nancy Scheper-Hughes
Apr 21 – Globalization and Indigenization
-READ: “Broccoli and Globalization,” by Edward Fischer
-DUE: Journal 11
Applying Anthropology in the World Today
Apr 26 – Applied Anthropology
READ: “Anthropologists on the Job,” by Shira Boss
“Plano Woman Works on Human Terrain Team,” by Jim Landers
“Tackling Homelessness,” by Jack Garrett
Apr 28 – Anthropology in the News
READ: “Anthropology World News”
DUE: Reflection 12
Review
May 3 – Test Review
DUE: Ethnography Project Paper
FINAL EXAM
May 10 (T) – 12:00 – 1:50 PM
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