ANTH-1000
Introduction to Anthropology
Spring 2013
MWF 2:00 – 2:50 pm
Comer 207
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Brite
Office: Haley 0303M; office hours: drop-in or by appointment
Contact: ebb@auburn.edu
Course Description
Anthropology is the study of human origins, diversity, and the specific features which make us unique
from other biological species. In this general survey course, we will explore basic concepts within the
four main sub-fields of American anthropology:
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

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Physical or biological anthropology – the study of human evolution, human biological
variation, and the evolution of human behavior
Archaeology – the study of human interactions with the material world in the past and
present
Cultural anthropology – the study of human cultural variation and culture change
Linguistic anthropology – the study of the development and use of language among
humans
We will examine the different themes and issues which define modern anthropological thought, and
explore the ways in which anthropologists create new knowledge about the human species. This course
uses textbook readings, lectures, discussions, class exercises, and multimedia content to expose
students to basic concepts in anthropology. Evaluation of student retention of materials is assessed
through standardized testing and lab and homework assignments.
Required Materials



Ember, Carol R., Melvin Ember, and Peter N. Peregrine. 2011. Anthropology. 13th Edition. Pearson.
ISBN 0-205-83156-7
Cottier, John. 2008. Anthropology Lab Manual. 2nd Edition.
ISBN 0-89892-350-6
Additional readings TBA; these will be posted on Canvas throughout the semester
Requirements and Evaluation
Lab/homework assignments (5 @ 15 pts. each)
Exam 1
Exam 2
Mini-ethnography
Final Exam (cumulative)
Total
75 points
(25%)
60 points
(20%)
60 points
(20%)
30 points
(10%)
75 points
(25%)
300 total possible points
Attendance: In accordance with university policy, attendance is mandatory and is of course imperative
to your success in this class. Lectures emphasize material in the readings and provide additional
information and examples that are likely to appear on your exams; lab exercises are likewise sources for
exam questions. Therefore, your success in this class depends heavily on your coming to each and every
class. That said, I respect my students’ individual abilities to manage their time wisely, and I therefore
do not regularly take role or incorporate attendance in your final grade.
Lab and homework assignments: Students will complete a series of lab assignments that call for
practical application of course content and which are designed to build critical thinking skills through
active engagement. Some of these assignments are to be completed in class either individually or in
groups; others may be individual homework assignments. All lab assignments must be typed and
turned in via Canvas by 2PM on the Monday following the date it is assigned in the syllabus, unless
otherwise specified. Some labs may additionally require reading or research in advance of the date the
lab is to be conducted. Specific instructions will be given in class in advance of the particular lab
assignment.
Exams: All exams will be standardized test format and can include multiple choice, true-false, and fill-inthe-blank questions. Exams are designed to test your comprehension of key concepts presented in the
readings, lectures, and in your lab and homework assignments. Exams 1 and 2 are non-cumulative and
only cover material new since the previous exam. The Final Exam is cumulative.
Study guides for exams will not be provided; it is therefore imperative that you take good notes during
reading and lectures!! Students are welcome to visit me in my office hours or by appointment for
guidance in good note-taking or for exam review.
Policies
E-Mail and Telephone Communications: Auburn University recognizes e-mail as an official form of
communication. BE SURE to regularly check your TigerMail account for communications about this
course. If the nature of a student e-mail is too complex to answer electronically, you will be asked to
come during office hours or to make an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
Late Assignments and Make-up Exams: Assignment due dates are rigid and all assignments are due at
the start of class unless otherwise noted, or unless you have an excused absence. If you anticipate a
problem turning an assignment in on time please discuss it with me in advance. Make-up exams will only
be provided upon submission of a university-accepted excuse. In case of sudden illness, a written
excuse from a doctor on letterhead must explain that you were not able to attend class during the
time of the exam (not simply that you visited the clinic!), and must be turned in within one week from
the end of the period of the excused absence. All other circumstances will result in a zero.
Attendance, Participation, and Behavior: The success of this class depends in large part on the full
participation of each student. You are expected to come to all classes with assigned readings
completed, to meet the designated deadlines for all homework assignments, and to actively participate
in and complete all in-class exercises and discussions. Obviously, behavior like sleeping, texting, internet
surfing, and chatting indicate a lack of attention and focus. Likewise, absences and tardiness affect your
ability to fully participate. Cell phones must be silenced during class. Laptop and tablet computers may
be used only to facilitate class participation; students who engage in other uses will be asked to turn
off all devices during class.
Honesty: Auburn University expects students to complete your academic work with honesty and
integrity. The Academic Honesty Code is online, and explains actions considered to be cheating and the
possible consequences. Violations of the Academic Honesty Code will not be tolerated in this course.
Students with Disabilities: Any student needing special accommodations should inform the instructors
during the first week of class and contact the Program for Students with Disabilities in Haley Center
1244, 844-2099 (V/TT) or email: scw0005@auburn.edu.
*This syllabus may be modified by the instructor as situations dictate to allow for successful
completion of the course.
Course Schedule
Week 1 – Introduction to the Course
Jan. 9
Jan. 11
Syllabus, Ice Breakers
*Assign lab groups*
What is Anthropology?
Ember Ch. 1
Week 2 – The Discipline of Anthropology
Jan. 14
History of Anthropology
Jan. 16
Research Methods
Jan. 18
Lab: The Nacirema
Ember Ch. 2, pgs. 14-22
Ember Ch. 3, pgs. 32-42, 49-50
TBA [Miner, Body Ritual]
Week 3 – Biological Anthropology I
Jan. 21
Jan. 23
Jan. 25
Ember Ch. 4
Ember Ch. 5
Week 4 – Biological Anthropology II
Jan. 28
Jan. 30
NO CLASS – MLK Day
Natural Selection
Human Variation
Ember Ch. 6
Ember Ch. 8
Feb. 1
The Primates
Hominids
*receive instructions for Pine Hill*
Lab: Hominids (Students A-K)
Week 5 – Biological Anthropology III
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 8
The Genus Homo
Homo sapiens
Lab: Hominids (Students L-Z)
Ember Ch. 9
Ember Ch. 10
Week 6 – Archaeology I
Feb. 11
Feb. 13
Feb. 15
EXAM 1
Introduction to Archaeology
Lab: Seriation, Garbology
Seriation website
Week 7 – Archaeology II
Feb. 18
Feb. 20
Feb. 22
Archaeological Methods
The Upper Paleolithic
Lab: Archaeological Data
TBA [Renfrew/Bahn]
Ember Ch. 11
Cottier 5-1
Week 8 – Archaeology III
Feb. 25
Feb. 27
Mar. 1
Domestication of Plants and Animals
Origins of Cities and States
Lab: Archaeological Lessons
Ember Ch. 12
Ember Ch. 13
Cottier 8-1
Culture and Culture Change
*receive mini-ethno. assignment*
Food and Economy
Film – TBA
Ember Ch. 14
Week 9 – Cultural Anthropology I
Mar. 4
Mar. 6
Mar. 8
Ember Ch. 16, 17
Week 10
Mar. 11-15
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
Week 11 – Cultural Anthropology II
Mar. 18
Mar. 20
Mar. 22
Social Stratification
Sex and Gender
Marriage and Kinship
Ember Ch. 18
Ember Ch. 20
Ember Ch. 21, 22
Week 12 – Cultural Anthropology III
Mar. 25
Mar. 27
Mar. 29
Political Systems
Religion, Magic, and the Arts
EXAM 2
Ember Ch. 24
Ember Ch. 25, 26
Week 13
Apr. 1-5
NO CLASS – SAA’s
Week 14 – Linguistic Anthropology
Apr. 8
Apr. 10
Apr. 12
Communication and Language
Language, Race, and Politics
Film – Do You Speak American?
Ember Ch. 15
TBA [Hill, Alim]
Week 15 – Selected Topics I
Apr. 15
Apr. 17
Apr. 19
Anthropology and Globalization
Anthropology and Sustainability
Mini-ethnography DUE
Ember Ch. 28
TBA
Week 16 – Selected Topics II
Apr. 22
Apr. 24
Apr. 26
Applied Anthropology
Careers in Anthropology
Anthropology Research at Auburn
Ember Ch. 27
FINAL EXAM: Mon., April 29 @ 4:00 – 6:30pm
**Requests to take the final exam early to accommodate vacation schedules will not be granted!