Chabot College
Fall 2009
Course Outline for Anthropology 5
CULTURES OF THE U.S. IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Catalog Description:
Anthropology 5 - Cultures of The U.S. in Global Perspective
3 units
Issues relevant to understanding constructs of race, class, gender and culture in U. S. society from a
global perspective. Factors affecting at least three major U.S. cultural communities (such as African
American, Asian American, Latino American and others) including impacts of globalization, patterns
of migration, permeability of cultural communities in the U.S., the cultural politics of identity and
inclusion and exclusion, and other factors influencing modern U.S. society.
3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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identify constructs of race, class, gender, and culture in the United States;
describe major causes of migration and patterns of settlement in the United States;
identify impacts of globalization on United States cultural communities;
delineate patterns of identity formation among cultural communities in the United States.
Course Content:
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Introduction to cultural patterns of the countries of origin;
Factors affecting migration;
Cultural communities and patterns of globalization;
Constructions of race, gender, ethnicity in United States communities;
A life-cycle perspective on immigration: Special issues for children, adolescents and elders;
Politics of inclusion and exclusion in United States society;
Cultural synthesis and permeability of cultures in United States society
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture
Small and large group discussion
Audio-visual (ethnographic documentary)
Internet based resources
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Read and critically examine articles on American Cultural Communities
b. Observe, record, and analyze cultural patterns of local communities
Chabot College
Course Outline for Anthropology 5
Fall 2009
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Ethnographic project papers
b. Written assignments
c. Midterms and Final examinations
Textbook(s):
On Being Different, Kottak and Kozaitas, McGraw-Hill, 2008
Special Student Materials:
None.
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