SUFFOLK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MICHAEL J.GRANT CAMPUS
Fall 2014
COURSE OUTLINE
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Oksenhorn
EMAIL: oksenhj@sunysuffolk.edu
CATALOG NO.: ANT101
COURSE TITLE: Cultural Anthropology
WEBSPACE: www2.sunysuffolk.edu/oksenhj
This is an introductory course studying a broad range of cultural similarities and differences among
human populations. Using ethnographic accounts as a database, initial focus is on non-Western cultures.
Comparisons with more technologically advanced cultures provide important insights into how culture
works. We will examine the ways which different societies solve similar problems. In the process of
understanding differences, we will be able to acquire a better idea of what it is to be human. The main
objective of this course is to provide you with the basic theoretical and methodological tools from the
perspective of the social sciences, which will allow you to understand better your own society by comparing
it to the rest of the peoples of this planet. To achieve this goal we need to follow certain simple rules that
will contribute to the smooth development of the course.
TEXTS
1.
Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology, 9th edition, West/Wadsworth Publishing 2011 (any edition OK)
Additional Reading
1.
Miner, Horace “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” (JSTOR)
2.
Althaus, Francis A. “Female Circumcision: Rite of Passage or Violation or Rights?” (JSTOR)
3.
King, Robert D. “Should English Be the Law?” (on website)
4.
Maltz, Daniel & Ruth Borker “A Cultural Approach to Male-Female Miscommunication.” (on website)
Extra Credit: Gray and Wolfe “An Anthropological Look at Human Sexuality.” (on website)
COURSE OBJECTIVE
1.
Identify and describe the similarities and differences between the cultural practices of several NonWestern Cultures.
2.
Compare and contrast the cultural elements exhibited in Non-Western Cultures with those the
Western World.
3.
Identify and describe the components, characteristics, and organizational structure of various
cultures, which may include language, religion, family, society, economy and politics.
4.
Analyze and discuss the interplay between elements of culture, which may include language,
religion, family, society, economy, and politics.
5.
Through class discussions and written examinations students will demonstrate the use of
anthropological concepts in an application of cross-cultural settings.
6.
To provide the scientific method and to use it to evaluate cultural anthropology research and
formulation.
7.
To provide an overview of cultural anthropology as well as a sound foundation for those who might
continue in the field.
8.
To help students develop an understanding of the human problems to which cultural anthropologists
address themselves.
PROCEDURES FOR ACCOMPLISHING THESE OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
There will be lectures and class discussions.
Films will be utilized where appropriate.
Each student will complete 5 reaction papers for articles assigned.
Students must complete four tests which reflect class lectures, texts, and films.
Class participation is encouraged and is important in computing a final grade.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THE COURSE
1.
Students must complete all assignments and examinations on time. Late work will not be accepted
without permission of instructor and permission must be granted BEFORE the assignment is due.
2.
Make-up examinations, in essay format, will be given only for good reason and with the permission
of the instructor. Be prepared to show documentation if applicable. It is the responsibility of the
student to notify the instructor on or before the day of the test if he or she is unable to take a
scheduled examination and request a makeup. If a makeup is granted the student then has one week
to coordinate the make-up examination with the professor.
3.
Attendence is an important part of the student’s class participation grade, and students who miss
more than four classes will lose all class participation points. If a student has excessive absences
they may be dropped from the course and receive a “No-Credit” if they fail to contact the instructor.
4.
Lateness can also result in an official absence. Three latenesses will count as one official absence.
It is also the responsibility of the student to report his or her lateness to the instructor after class.
Failure to do so will result in a recorded absence.
5.
During class, ALL BEEPERS AND CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF.
6.
Cheating will not be tolerated. SCCC has a strict policy regarding academic integrity,
which
can be found in the SCCC student handbook. Any student who is caught cheating will be
punished to the fullest extent of the college’s cheating policy.
*Cheating includes:
- Copying from a fellow student during an exam or in a homework assignment.
- Texting during an exam will be considered as a cheating attempt.
- Plagarism: Presenting the words and ideas of others as your own is dishonest. You
must cite any source you use.
FINAL GRADES
Will be computed as follows:
Reaction Papers
Class Participation
(3) Exams
Final Exam
15%
5%
60%
20%
REACTION PAPERS
For every article assigned, to be discussed in class, students need to bring a TYPED, double-spaced, reaction
paper (~ 2 pages). The student will utilize the introduction paragraph for a brief summary of points covered
in the reaction, followed by the reaction section (what did you think after reading it? Where there points
which shocked you, interested you, made you rethink old opinions? Which points did you agree/disagree
with and why?). These reaction papers are important to your final grade. Make sure to remember that your
opinion on the topic is most important, no matter if it is agreeing with, or opposing to, the topic discussed.
Remember, this is NOT a summary! (see essay sample)
Article titles are listed in your additional reading list. Access those labeled (JSTOR) using directions below.
Access those listed as (Website) from my website listed at the top of the syllabus.
Accessing the JSTOR database
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Go to SCCC homepage (www.sunysuffolk.edu)
Click “Library” in tab across top of website.
Click “Articles and Databases” ON RIGHT
Click “Database List”
Scroll down and select JSTOR database from the alphabetized list.
Login using your MySCCC username/password (needed only if off campus)
Search for the article title from your reading list above (those labeled JSTOR
only)
OFFICE HOURS/ EXTRA HELP
Office Hours are by appointment only, contact me to set up a time. Additional Extra help sessions outside of
class time are usually run the week before an exam, see me for details if you are interested.