Heartland Community College
Social and Business Sciences
Course Syllabus for Students
Course Prefix and Number: ANTH 101-01 HY Summer 2012
Course Title: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Credit Hours: 3.0 hrs
Days and Times the course meets: Mondays 6:00 PM – 8:50 PM
Location and Classroom: ICB 2301
Introduction
This hybrid course will furnish a thorough introduction to the principles and processes of cultural
anthropology. Cultural anthropology is the study of similarities and differences among
contemporary cultures of the world and development of theories to explain these relationships.
This course places in the field of general anthropology and describes the methods and research
problems which both connect it to and distinguish it from anthropology’s main research areas.
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.
In addition to aforementioned synchronous learning features, this hybrid course carries features
of asynchronous learning such as online readings (class notes, power points, and online articles),
visual highlights (streaming videos), online quizzes, and online discussion board assignments.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Instructor Information
Instructor’s Name: A. N. Ariyaratne, Ph. D.
Phone number to contact instructor: (309) 268-8595
Instructor’s e-mail address: Ari.Ariyaratne@heartland.edu
Instructor’s office hours: Monday 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM or by appointment
Textbook Required
None
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social 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 at www.itransfer.org for
more information.
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, ethno history, 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’s 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.
Moreover, moving beyond traditionally conceived categories of the subject, in this
introductory course, I will attempt to give a glimpse of the emerging new theoretical
frameworks, methodological transformations, and intellectual currents within the field of cultural
anthropology.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes)
Outcomes
Reflect upon the formation
of their interests, talents, and
goals within their human
experiences in order to
choose appropriate learning
General
Education
Outcomes
DI3
PS3
Range of Assessment Methods
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
environments.
Observe cultural interactions
and conduct ethnographic
interviews in a culturally
sensitive and technically
sound way, and summarize
findings and elicit
conclusions clearly and
effectively in oral, written,
and/or visual forms.
Develop a broader
understanding of fellow
human beings and an
appreciation of human biocultural origin, evolution,
and cultural and social
diversity.
Define central concepts of
cultural anthropology and
apply them to everyday life
in the process of
understanding human
condition and addressing
human predicaments.
Identify, discuss, and
compare, using relevant
ethnographic examples,
cultural beliefs and behavior
related to all facets of
human life.
Describe and discuss the
process of enculturation and
identify the intermingling
roles of hereditary and
cultural influences on
human behavior.
CO1
CO2
DI2
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
DI1
DI5
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
CT1
CT2
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
CT1
CT2
CO3
CO1
CO3
CT1
PS2
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
In light of the insights
gained from the holistic and
comparative perspectives of
cultural anthropology, view
human questions in the
broadest possible context in
order to comprehend their
interconnections and
interdependence.
Reflect upon and re-examine
the formation of one’s own
taken-for-granted way of
believing and behaving in
light of the insights gained
from the study of other
cultural beliefs and
practices.
DI4
PS3
CT1
DI1
DI2
DI3
DI4
CT4
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions
Writing Assignments, Quizzes,
Exams, Projects, Presentations,
Discussions.
Course Outline
Module 1: Why Study Cultural Anthropology? Introduction and Perspective
Module 2: And, How? Ethnography and Fieldwork
Module 3: Concept of Culture
Module 4: Culture and Communication: What is the Significance of Language?
Module 5: Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
Module 6: Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations
Module 7: Culture and Religion: What does Religion do for, and to us?
Module 8: Cultural Construction of Identity
Module 9: Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchy
Module 10: Political Anthropology
Module 11: World System: Viewing Social, Cultural, Political, and Economic Systems in
Global Context
Module 12: Modernity, Post modern Critique, and Globalization
Method of Instruction
This hybrid course of anthropology is designed by using the online software package in
Blackboard 9.0 and by blending online learning features with traditional in class learning
activities. 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
very important for navigating through the course. Notice that there are four blocks of links in the
left hand navigation column.
The first block is titled as “Course Information.” Click on that, and it 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 three links: “Course Content,” “Course Calendar,” and “Announcements.”
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 twelve (12) 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 and discussion assignments. Each week, the
relevant content module(s) will be made available for the students by Sunday at 8:00 am. You
are required to visit the webpage regularly throughout the semester to browse the relevant
module(s), do the required readings, watch the given movie clips, participate in discussion
through posting comments, and complete online quizzes.
The Course Calendar link will help you to find the important dates and deadlines in relation to
your course activities. The Announcements link will help you to find the instructor’s classrelated announcements.
The third block should be the tools you need to “do” the homework. You will find
“Assessments,” “Discussion Board,” “Email,” “Messages,” and “My Grades” links there.
The fourth block should be “Professor’s Profile.” You will find your instructor’s bio-data and
contact information there.
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. It is titled as
“What should I do BEFORE class.” 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 is titled as “What will I learn DURING class?” and it will give you an idea of
the themes/topics which are to be discussed during the first class meeting.
The third item in Module one is “What should I do AFTER class?” Under this item, you will find
information on Weekly Thinking Assignments of Quiz 1, and Discussion Board 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.”
The third item in the Module is titled as “What can I LEARN MORE in this regard?” 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.
The weekly online quizzes are designed for one attempt only. Each week, the relevant online
quiz(zes) will open by Monday at 08:00 a.m. and will remain open until 11:00 pm of Sunday.
Discussion Board(s) has/have to be completed no later than Sunday at 11:00 pm, every week.
Note: given the fact that Summer semester has only 8 weeks of learning, in certain weeks
you have to study materials given in two modules, instead of one. Put another way, you
have to complete 12 modules in 8 weeks. This means, you have to take two quizzes and have
to complete two discussion board assignments in certain weeks. Please follow the weekly
course calendar for details.
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.
Method of Evaluation (Grading System)
You will be evaluated using the following method:
Quizzes or Multiple-choice Questions: 2 points x 12 units = 24
Discussion Postings: 1 point x 12 units = 12
Midterm: 30
Final: 30
Participation: 6
For discussion postings, points are given according to laid out expectations:
1 = High level of critical thinking and high proficiency in writing
.75 = High level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
.5 = Moderate level of critical thinking and moderate proficiency in writing
.25 = Low level of critical thinking and low proficiency in writing
0 = 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 2012
HCC Catalog.
Incompletes
Incompletes are allowed only under the most extreme situations. Students wishing to earn an
incomplete grade should see the instructor.
Extra Credit
None.
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.
Syllabi disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to make alterations to this syllabus as necessary.
Course Calendar
Week 1 (Modules Opening: June 4, Class Meeting: June 4)
Module 1: Why Study Cultural Anthropology? Introduction and Perspective
Module 2: And, How? Ethnography and Fieldwork
Week 2 (Module Opening: June 10, Class Meeting: June 11)
Module 3: Concept of Culture
Module 4: Culture and Communication: What is the Significance of Language?
Week 3 (Module Opening: June 17, Class Meeting: June 18)
Module 5: Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
Week 4 (Module Opening: June 24, Class Meeting: June 25)
Module 6: Adaptive Strategies: Material Processes and Their Social Relations
MIDTERM EXAMINATION (IN CLASS)
Week 5 (Module Opening: July 1, Class Meeting: July 2)
Module 7: Culture and Religion: What does Religion do for, and to us?
Module 8: Cultural Construction of Identity
JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY (COLLEGE CLOSED)
Week 6 (Module Opening: July 8, Class Meeting: July 9)
Module 9: Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchy
Module 10: Political Anthropology
Week 7 (Module Opening: July 15, Class Meeting: July 16)
Module 11: World System: Viewing Social, Cultural, Political, and Economic Systems in
Global Context
Week 8 (Module Opening: July 22, Class Meeting: July 23)
Module 12: Modernity, Post modern Critique, and Globalization
JULY 30 – FINAL EXAMINATION (IN CLASS)