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. -1- 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 -2- 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% -3- 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 -4- 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. -5- 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. -6- 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 -7- 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 -8- 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 -9- 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 -10-