Heartland Community College
Course Syllabus Fall 2011
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and Number: ANTH 101-02
Course Title: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Class Meetings: T & R 2:00-3:15; ICN 2302
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
ICB 2102 (Enter through ICB 2100)
Instructor’s office hours: By appointment, before or after class time
-Please also feel free to contact me by e-mail at any time. I check my email
regularly, and will usually be able 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 on Blackboard. Please consult Blackboard regularly for class
readings, assignments, and other announcements.
-1-
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. (GE Code: CT 1, CT 2)
 Identify, discuss, and compare various cultural beliefs and behavior using relevant
ethnographic examples. (GE Code: CT 1, CT 2, CO 3)
 Describe and discuss the process of enculturation and the role of ethnocentrism in group
formation and social behavior. (GE Code: CO 1, CO 3, CT 1, PS 2)
 Practice doing anthropology through participant-observation and other exercises.
Summarize findings and elicit conclusions clearly and effectively through oral, written,
and/or visual forms. (GE Code: CO 1, CO 2, DI 2)
 Develop a broader understanding of fellow human beings and an appreciation of cultural
and social diversity. (GE Code: 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. (GE
Code: 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. (GE Code: DI 1, DI 2, DI 3, DI 4, CT 4)
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. Applied and Activist Anthropology
V. Culture and Communication: What’s the Significance of Language?
VI. Society & Identity: Kinship, Descent, and Marriage
VII. Economic Anthropology: Adaptive Strategies, Material Processes, & Social Relations
VIII. Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Healing
IX. Cultural Constructions of Identity: Childhood and Gender Norms
X. Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
XI. Cultural Constructions of Identity: Race and Ethnicity
XII. Political Anthropology: Political Systems and Social Order
XIII. World System: Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
XIV. Modernity, Global Capitalism, and Globalization
-2-
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Journals – A total of 12 short (300-600 word) journal assignments 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 anthropological questions/debates and to help
prepare you for class discussion. Only 10 of these papers will count towards your final grade,
allowing you to miss 2 papers. (If you do turn in more than 10 assignments, the lowest score(s)
will be dropped.)
Book Review – During the first half of the semester, you will be required to 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. You will work with other classmates who are reading the same book to prepare a
brief presentation about your ethnography to the class.
Ethnographic Project – During the second half of the semester, you will have an opportunity to
conduct your own mini-ethnography in or around Heartland Community College or the wider
community of Bloomington-Normal. You will need to prepare a research proposal, conduct
background research, collect data, and respond to the research projects of your classmates. Your
final assignment will be to report on the results of your project in a 6-8 page paper.
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, 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 an additional 2 points on that week’s journal assignment if
you email me a link to or bring in a 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 during
the semester.) Other extra credit opportunities may be announced as the semester progresses.
Grading Values:
*Journals (10) ……………………...……….150 points (15 points each)
*Book Review (Paper/Presentation) …….....150 points
*Ethnography Project …….……………...... 150 points
*Exam 1 …………………………………... 150 points
*Exam 2 …………………………………... 150 points
*Final Exam ………………………………. 150 points
*Discussion ……………………………….. 100 points
Letter grades will be based on the points earned in accordance with the following scale:
A = 900-1000 points
B = 800-899 points
C = 700-799 points
D = 600-699 points
F = 0-599 points
-3-
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
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
two excused absences will be granted.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
This course requires an average of approximately 40 pages of reading per week. Required
readings include the assigned text, articles posted on Blackboard, the ethnography chosen for
your book 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 journal assignments, essay responses on assigned exams, and two formal writing
assignments (the book review and the report of your ethnographic project.) Journal assignments
will be submitted via Blackboard. Paper copies of the two formal writing assignments will be
submitted in class. These assignments should be double-spaced with 1” margins and 12-point
font.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Sept 22 (R) – Exam 1
Oct 11 & 13 (T & R) – Group Presentations
Oct 18 (T) – Book Review Paper
Nov 3 (T) – Exam 2
Dec 6 (T) – Ethnography Project Paper
Dec 13 (T) – Final Exam
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 – All written assignments are due on the date noted on the class syllabus. Journal
entries should be submitted electronically via Blackboard before class begins on the due date.
Journals will not be accepted late under any circumstances, but only 10 of the 12 assigned papers
will count towards your final grade. Hard copies of your Book Review and Ethnographic Project
papers should be submitted in class. Electronic copies will only be accepted if you have an
excused absence. If your Book Review or Ethnographic Project papers are turned in late, you
-4-
will lose a half letter grade (5 points). Papers that are extremely late (more than 1 week) will
lose one – two full letter grades (10-20 points).
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.
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.
-5-
Tutoring/Writing Services – Tutoring Services and Writing Services are available through the
Academic Support Center. You can schedule an appointment or drop in for tutoring during
regularly scheduled hours.
For more information, call (309) 268-8291 or go to
www.heartland.edu/asc.
Open Computing – Open computer labs are available in the campus library, and offer internet
access, scanning and printing equipment, and technical assistance.
Library – The library is located in the Academic Support Center in the Student Commons
Building.
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.
-6-
CLASS SCHEDULE
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Fall 2011
ANTH 101-02
Instructor: Jennifer Zovar
UNIT 1: INTRODUCING ANTHROPOLOGY
Why Study Cultural Anthropology?: Introduction and Perspective
Aug 23 – Introductions
Aug 25 – What Do Anthropologists Do?
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 1: “Anthropology” (pgs. 1- 13)
-“Shakespeare in the Bush,” by Laura Bohannan
-DUE: Journal 1
Ethnography and Fieldwork: How do Anthropologists Work?
Aug 30 – Conducting Fieldwork
-READ: “Tricking and Tripping: Prostitution in the Era of AIDS,” by Claire E. Sterk
Sept 1 – Reading Ethnography
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Appendix: “Reading Ethnography” (pgs. 227-237)
-Start reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 2
Concept of Culture: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativity
Sept 6 – Defining “Culture” and Addressing Ethnocentrism
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 2: “Culture” (pgs. 15-32)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
Sept 8 – Theoretical Perspectives
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 12: “Theory in Cultural Anthropology” (pgs.
201-225)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 3
Applied and Activist Anthropology
Sept 13 – Applied Anthropology
READ: “Anthropologists on the Job,” by Shira Boss
-“Plano Woman Works on Human Terrain Team,” by Jim Landers
-“Tackling Homelessness,” by Jack Garrett
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-7-
Sept 15 – Anthropology, Ethics, and Activism
READ: “Of Headhunters and Soldiers: Separating Cultural and Ethical Relativism,”
by Renato Rosaldo
-“At the Intersection of Scholarship and Activism,” by Richard Reed
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
DUE: Journal 4
Anthropology in the News
Sept 20 – Anthropology in the News
READ: “Anthropology World News”
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
DUE: Bring printed copies of news articles to class
EXAM 1
Sept 22 (Thurs)
UNIT 2: CLASSIC ETHNOGRAPHY
Culture and Communication: What’s the Significance of Language?
Sept 27 – Introducing Language
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 3: “Language” (pgs. 33-50)
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
Sept 29 – Language and Meaning
-READ: “For Argument’s Sake: Why Do We Feel Compelled to Fight About
Everything?,” by Deborah Tannen
-Continue reading your chosen ethnography
-DUE: Journal 5
Society and Identity: Kinship, Descent, & Marriage
Oct 4 – Family and Kinship
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 9: “Relatedness: Kinship and Descent” (pgs.
153-166)
-Finish reading your chosen ethnography
Oct 6 – Marriage
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 10: “Marriage and Family” (pgs. 167-178)
-“When Brothers Share a Wife,” by Melvyn C. Goldstein
-DUE: Journal 6
Ethnography Presentations
Oct 11 – Student Presentations
Oct 13 – Student Presentations
-DUE: Journal 7
-8-
Economic Anthropology: Adaptive Strategies
Oct 18 – Subsistence Strategies
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 8: “Economic Anthropology” (pgs. 131-152)
-DUE: Book Review (4-6 pgs.)
Oct 20 – Modes of Exchange
-READ: “Eating Christmas in the Kalahari,” by Richard Lee
-DUE: Journal 8
Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Healing
Oct 25 – Religion, Magic, and Ritual
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 5: “Expressive Culture: Religion, Worldview,
and Art” (pgs. 67-87)
-“Baseball Magic,” by George Gmelch
Oct 27 – Religion and Healing
-READ: “Hmong Shamanism: Animist Spiritual Healing in America’s Urban
Heartland,” by Phua Xiong et al.
-DUE: Journal 9
Cultural Constructions of Identity: Childhood & Gender Norms
Nov 1 – Identity Formation, Gender, and Sexuality
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 4: “Culture and the Individual” (pgs. 51-66)
-“The Berdache Tradition,” by Walter Williams
EXAM 2
Nov 3 (Thurs)
UNIT 3: POLITICS, GLOBALIZATION, AND IDENTITY
Cultural Constructions of Social Organization and Social Hierarchy
Nov 8 – Introducing your Ethnography Project
Nov 10 – Social Organization
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 6 (pgs. 89-107)
-DUE: Proposal for Ethnography Project
Cultural Constructions of Identity: Race & Ethnicity
Nov 15 – History of “Race”
-READ: “’Race’ and the Construction of Human Identity,” by Audrey Smedley
Nov 17 – Race and Racism
-READ: American Anthropological Association’s RACE Project
-DUE: Journal 10
-9-
Political Anthropology: Political Systems & Social Order
Nov 22 – Political Organization, Social Control, and Law
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 7: “Political Anthropology” (pgs. 109-129)
-“The Kpelle Moot,” by James L. Gibbs
-“Say ‘Cheese!’: The Disney Order that is Not So Mickey Mouse,” by
Clifford D. Shearing and Phillip C. Stenning
-DUE: Ethnography Project Background Research
THANKSGIVING BREAK – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Nov 24 – NO CLASS
World System: Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
Nov 29 – World Systems and Globalization
-READ: Lavenda & Schultz, Chapter 11: “Globalization and the Culture of
Capitalism (pgs. 179-200)
Dec 1 – Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
-READ: Selection from Europe and the People without History, by Eric Wolf
-DUE: Journal 11
Modernity, Global Capitalism, and Globalization
Dec 6 – Modernity, Globalization and Structural Violence
-READ: “The Price of Progress,” by John Bodley
-“Death Without Weeping,” by Nancy Scheper-Hughes
-“Broccoli and Globalization,” by Edward Fischer
-DUE: Ethnography Project Paper (6-8 pgs)
Dec 8 – Test Review
-READ: Another student’s paper
-DUE: Journal 12
FINAL EXAM
Dec 13 (Tues) – 2:00 – 3:50 PM
-10-