Chabot College
Fall 2003
Course Outline for Anthropology 5
CULTURES OF THE U.S.: ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
ON RACE, CLASS, GENDER AND ETHNICITY
Catalog Description:
5-
Cultures of The U.S.: Anthropological Perspectives on Race, Class, Gender and
Ethnicity
3 units
Issues relevant to understanding race, class, gender and ethnicity within the American
setting. Historical as well as contemporary situation of the following groups: 1) African
Americans; 2) Native Americans; 3) Hispanic Americans; 4) European Americans; and 5)
Asian Americans, among other groups. Emphasis on analyzing the way that public
understandings of culture and biology are translated into social policy. Contemporary social
issues such as race relations, multiculturalism, affirmative action, bilingual education, and
the use and abuse of I.Q. testing. 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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
distinguish the different cultures making up the new American population;
describe major causes of migration and patterns of settlement in the United States;
describe problems of adaptation and assimilation;
identify current political issues related to immigration and assimilation.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduction to cultural patterns of the countries of origin;
Push factors: Historical and socio-economic causes of migration;
Pull factors: Patterns of resettlement in the United States;
Problems of adaptation and assimilation: Social, economic and political issues
facing new immigrants;
A life-cycle perspective on immigration: Special issues for children, adolescents
and elders;
Ethnic stereotyping and xenophobia: Perceptual problems and prejudices in
American culture.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Anthropology 5
Fall 2003
Page 2
Course Content (cont'd):
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
The physical and psychological well being of immigrants and refugees;
Current political issues: Bilingualism and cultural diversity in America;
Subcultural maintenance of ethnicity and tradition;
Political integration and relations with the majority culture;
Cultural stability and change;
The applied anthropology of ethnic subcultures.
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture
Small and large group discussion
Audio-visual (ethnographic documentary)
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
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Ethnographic project papers
b.
Written assignments
c.
Midterms and Final exams
Textbook(s):
Rereading America, Bedford Books Co., 2001, or latest edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
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Revised: 10-21-2002