Heartland Community College
Course Syllabus Summer 2010
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and Number: ANTH 101-02
Course Title: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Class Meetings: M & W 6:00 – 8:50; Lincoln Campus, Room 111
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
Office in Normal: ICB 2102
Office in Lincoln: Lincoln 111 (Classroom)
Instructor’s office hours: M & W 5:00- 6:00 PM (or by appointment) – In the regular
classroom (Lincoln 111)
-Please also feel free to contact me by e-mail at any time. I will endeavor 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 through the Heartland Library e-reserves system or will be
passed out in class.
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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.
Identify, discuss, and compare various cultural beliefs and
behavior using relevant ethnographic examples.
Describe and discuss the process of enculturation and the
role of ethnocentrism in group formation and social
behavior.
Practice doing anthropology through participantobservation and other exercises. Summarize findings and
elicit conclusions clearly and effectively through oral,
written, and/or visual forms.
GE
Code
CT 1
CT 2
CT 1
CT 2
CO 3
CO 1
CO 3
CT 1
PS 2
CO 1
CO 2
DI 2
Develop a broader understanding of fellow human beings
and an appreciation of cultural and social diversity.
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.
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.
DI 1
DI 2
DI 3
DI 4
CT 4
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Assessment Methods
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
Writing Assignments,
Exams, Projects,
Presentations, Discussions.
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: Race, Gender, and Sexuality
IX. Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
X. Political Anthropology: Political Systems and Social Order
XI. World System: Colonialism, Post-Colonialism, and Global Capitalism
XII. Modernity & Globalization: Applying Anthropology in the World Today
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Reflection Papers – A total of 9 short (2 page) reflection papers 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 certain anthropological questions/debates and to help
prepare you for class discussion. Only 8 of these papers will count towards your final grade,
allowing you to miss one paper. (If you do turn in all 9 assignments, the lowest score will be
dropped.)
Ethnography Review – During the first half of the semester, you will be required to individually
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.
Ethnographic Project – During the second half of the semester, you will have an opportunity to
conduct your own mini-ethnography in or around the community of Lincoln and/or Heartland
Community College. You will report on the results of your project in a 6-8 page paper, and will
also present the material to the 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, true/false, 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 up to 3 extra percentage points on that day’s reflection
paper 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 over the course of the
semester.)
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Grading Values:
*Reflection Papers (8) …………………….
*Ethnography Review …………………….
*Ethnographic Project (Paper/Presentation).
*Exam 1 …………………………………...
*Exam 2 …………………………………...
*Final Exam ……………………………….
*Discussion ………………………………..
20% (2.5% each)
10%
15%
15%
15%
15%
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%
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
This is a short, summer class, so 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 one excused absence will be granted.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
This course requires an average of approximately 40 pages of reading per class period. Required
readings include the assigned text, articles to be handed out by the instructor or posted on ereserves, the ethnography chosen for your ethnographic 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 reflection papers, an ethnographic review, a report of your ethnographic project,
and essay responses on assigned exams. All assignments should be double-spaced with 1”
margins and 12-point font.
IMPORTANT DATES:
June 16 (Wed) – Exam 1
June 23 (Wed) – Ethnography Review Paper
July 7 (Wed) – Exam 2
July 21 (Wed) – Ethnography Project Paper/Presentation
July 26 (Mon) – Final Exam
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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 – Hard copies of all papers are due in class as noted on the syllabus. Electronic
copies of your paper will only be accepted if you have an excused absence. Reflection papers
will not be accepted late under any circumstances, but only 8 of the 9 assigned papers will count
towards your final grade. If your Ethnography Review or Ethnographic Project papers are turned
in late, you 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.
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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.
Tutoring/Writing Services – Tutoring Services and Writing Services are available through the
Academic Support Center. You can schedule an appointment for either tutoring or writing help
at the Normal campus, or drop in for tutoring during regularly scheduled hours at any of the
Heartland Community College locations. For more information, call (309) 268-8291 to reach the
Normal Campus or (217) 735-1731 to reach the Lincoln Campus, or go to
www.heartland.edu/asc.
Open Computing – Open computer labs are available at both the Normal and the Lincoln
campuses, and offer internet access, scanning and printing equipment, and technical assistance.
Library – The library is located on the Normal campus in the Student Commons Building. Ereserves and other 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
Summer 2010
ANTH 101-02
Prof. Jennifer Zovar
June 2 (Wed) – Why Study Cultural Anthropology?: An Introduction
June 7 (Mon) – Anthropological Perspectives: What do Anthropologists Do?
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 1 (pgs. 1-13)
- “Shakespeare in the Bush,” by Laura Bohannan (handout – 4 pgs.)
- “Eating Christmas in the Kalahari,” by Richard Lee (handout – 6 pgs.)
- “Tricking and Tripping: Prostitution in the Era of AIDS,” by Claire E. Sterk
(handout – 6 pgs.)
-DUE: Reflection 1
June 9 (Wed) – Ethnography and Fieldwork: How do Anthropologists Work?
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Appendix (pgs. 227-237)
- Start reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Reflection 2
June 14 (Mon) – Concept of Culture: Ethnocentrism & Cultural Relativity
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 2 (pgs. 15-32)
- “Of Headhunters and Soldiers: Separating Cultural and Ethical Relativism,” by
Renato Rosaldo (e-reserves – 5 pgs.)
- Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Reflection 3
June 16 (Wed) – Culture and Communication: What’s the Significance of Language?
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 3 (pgs. 33-50)
- Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-IN CLASS: EXAM 1
June 21 (Mon) – Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, & Marriage
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapters 9 & 10 (pgs. 153-178)
- “When Brothers Share a Wife,” by Melvyn C. Goldstein (handout – 6 pgs.)
- Finish reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Refection 4
June 23 (Wed) – Economic Anthropology: Adaptive Strategies
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 8 (pgs. 131-152)
- Read about the potlatch and look at images of potlatch masks at:
www.umista.org/masks_story/en/ht/potlatch01.html
-DUE: Ethnography Review (4-6 pg. paper)
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June 28 (Mon) – Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Healing
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 5 (pgs. 67-87)
- “Baseball Magic,” by George Gmelch (e-reserve – 11 pgs.)
- “Hmong Shamanism: Animist Spiritual Healing in America’s Urban Heartland,” by
Phua Xiong et al. (e-reserve – 16 pgs.)
-DUE: Reflection 5
June 30 (Wed) – Cultural Constructions of Identity: Race, Gender, & Sexuality
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 4 (pgs. 51-66)
- “The Berdache Tradition,” by Walter Williams (handout – 6 pgs.)
- ““Race” and the Construction of Human Identity,” by Audrey Smedley (e-reserve –
13 pgs.)
- Explore the articles and activities of the American Anthropological Association’s
RACE Project at www.understandingrace.org. Be prepared to discuss what you
saw in class.
-DUE: Reflection 6
July 5 (Mon) – NO CLASS – HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
-You may want to take advantage of the break to start work on your Ethnographic Project!
July 7 (Wed) – Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 6 (pgs. 89-107)
-IN CLASS: EXAM 2
July 12 (Mon) – Political Anthropology: Political Systems & Social Order
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 7 (pgs. 109-129)
- “The Kpelle Moot,” by James L. Gibbs, Jr. (handout – 9 pgs.)
- “Say ‘Cheese!’: The Disney Order that is Not So Mickey Mouse,” by Clifford D.
Shearing and Phillip C. Stenning (handout – 4 pgs.)
-DUE: Reflection 7
July 14 (Wed) – World System: Colonialism, Post-Colonialism & Global Capitalism
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 11 (pgs. 179-200)
- Selection from Europe and the People without History, by Eric Wolf (e-reserve –
pgs. 3-7; 13-19)
- “The Price of Progress,” by John Bodley (handout – 7 pgs.)
-DUE: Reflection 8
July 19 (Mon) – Modernity and Globalization: Applying Anthropology in the World Today
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 12 (pgs. 201-225)
- “Broccoli and Globalization,” by Edward Fischer (e-reserve – 5 pgs.)
- Anthropology in the News – Visit http://anthropology.tamu.edu/news/ Choose 1-2
articles to from this site to read, print-out, and discuss in class
-DUE: Reflection 9
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July 21 (Wed) – Presentations and Test Review
-DUE: Ethnography Project (6-8 page Paper and short Presentation)
July 26 (Mon) – FINAL EXAM
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