INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ANTH 101, Online Section I01 Fall 2009
3.0 Credits
Dr. Laurie Walsh
EIT Center, Rm 123
email through WebCampus
Office Phone: 775.753.2331
Office hours: M, W 9:30-12:00
Required Textbook: Cultural Anthropology 2/E by Nancy Bonvillain, 2010.
Catalog Description: Analysis of the nature of culture, its universal aspects, and range of variation revealed by
human history and world ethnography.
Bonus Description! Cultural anthropology introduces the student to the concept of culture and the ways in which
anthropologists understand culture. Cultural anthropologists seek to understand whole systems of culture by
studying aspects such as environment, language, marriage, political systems, culture change, and the effects of
processes like globalization. The anthropological enterprise seeks to educate people in regard to their “folk” ideas
about other people, and to dismantle ethnocentrism. Anthropology views ethnocentrism, or the judgment of
other society’s behavior, as a perspective that impedes cross-cultural understanding. In a society that increasingly
seeks a multicultural framework, understanding other behaviors is more important than ever. This course will
help you to understand those sets of behaviors that all societies share, and it will explain how and why people are
different. This class enables student learner’s to understand what processes account for different cultural
expressions, and it provides insights into multiculturalism. In our ever-shrinking world, anthropology can provide
some insight into seeming madness!
Getting Started: First thing—read the syllabus carefully. Next access course materials under Learning Modules.
In addition to assigned weekly readings, each week you have a learning module that contains required materials
that include power point lectures, online resources, and/or films. You need to read your chapters, read/view the
power points, and view the online resources provided. These are all fair game on exams!!
Contacting the Instructor: Just because our class is in cyberspace doesn’t mean we can’t meet in person! Stop by
office during office hours! Or give me a call! Its always nice to meet students, so come on by!!!
I will respond to emails during office hours. Please do not expect that I will answer emails on the weekend or
after 5 pm. If you have an issue that needs to be addressed immediately please contact me at my office by
TELEPHONE during the week. And keep calling! You need to be aware that online courses are meant to provide
you with an opportunity to do courses any time, but I cannot be available 24/7 so figure the best contact times
are 8-5 during the week.
Learner Outcomes and Measurement: Yup, I do have some goals in mind for you! Check these out!!
Learner Outcomes
Gaining factual knowledge related to the structure of social groups
worldwide (subsistence, economics, religion, political organization,
technology, etc.)
Gaining factual knowledge about the lifeways and perspectives of
different peoples throughout the world
Measurement
All chapter quizzes and exams assess set
outcomes as do the ethnographic film
responses
All chapter quizzes and exams assess set
outcomes as do the ethnographic film
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
responses
Learning the fundamental principles, generalizations, and theories
All chapter quizzes and exams assess set
of cultural anthropology in general
outcomes
Learning to analyze and critically evaluate anthropological ideas,
Written portions of all exams and the film
arguments, and points of view
responses assess set outcomes
Learning to synthesize the basic principles behind human social
The integrated Understanding Culture essay
organization, and apply that to their understanding of
assesses this outcome
multiculturalism in the “real” world
Learning to analyze and critically evaluate “real” world news in
The New York Times discussion posts assess
anthropological terms
this outcome
Method of Instruction
This class is delivered via the Internet. Course materials are conveyed through readings, power point lectures, and
films. Textbook chapters are the primary source of course materials while power point lectures provide overviews or
more focused content that reinforce knowledge gained through reading. Weekly quizzes help learners to keep to the
time schedule and dig into their books for learning. Quizzes are objective and measure overall understanding of
chapter content. Exams provide an avenue for measuring understanding of general content and critical thinking.
Films provide visual, real world examples of cultural expression worldwide. Finally, an integrative essay provides an
opportunity for students to synthesize what they have learned and apply that knowledge to real world problems.
Required Work:
All required material is located within the weekly learning modules on your homepage. Be sure to read
instructions carefully and follow these to the “T.”
1. Chapter quizzes (one 10 pt quiz each week; 150 pts total). See schedule for dates and times.
These are one of the primary measurements of your understanding of overall content. For the quizzes, questions
are drawn randomly for a publisher test bank. Quizzes are open during the week the relevant chapter is assigned.
Quizzes can be taken only once. A missed quiz cannot be made up. You must be prepared to answer questions
using your brain. You will not have sufficient time to look up answers in the book. Be prepared and read read
read, and then read it again.
2. Exams (50 pts each; 150 pts total). See schedule for dates and times.
Exams are also a primary measure of your understanding of overall content. Three exams will cover multiple
chapters, films, online materials, and power point lectures. Exams will include short answer, short essay, and long
essays. Your answers to these written questions, while based on course materials, must be written in your own
words. TO COPY DIRECTLY FROM ANY SOURCE OTHER THAN YOUR BRAIN IS CHEATING! See the Academic
Honesty section of this syllabus. If you cheat on any portion of the exam, you will receive a zero for the entire
exam.
Online quizzes and exams can be tricky, save each question as you go. Don’t wait until the end!!
3. New York Times Discussion Posts (7 posts, 5 pts each; 35 pts total).
This exercise provides you an opportunity to apply your new acquired course knowledge to real world issues. Post
discussions during the week assigned—see schedule.
.
There are two components of these discussion posts. The first part is based on an article of your choosing
from the current issues of the NYT (no back issues can be used). Discussion posts are NOT the place for
personal opinions and emotional responses. You need to maintain academic objectivity.
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
Primary Post:
1. At the top identify the title of the article, the date and NYT issues in which its published and author if
that is available (put this in text please);
2. Then, compose a short summary of the article in your own words (No quotes!); and
3. Finally, the majority of your post should comprise an in depth, critical analysis of the article that
relates to anthropological concepts. You must clearly identify which concepts you are dealing with (i.e.,
ethnocentrism, subsistence practice, the practice of warfare, etc.). Put on your anthropological thinking
cap for this—personal opinion and emotions are best left private on these.
Total word count required: 300
Secondary Post:
1. Respond to another student’s post using the anthropological perspective. A post of “that is
interesting” or “that is sad” will not suffice. Put on your anthropology hat and engage intellectually, not
emotionally.
Total word count required: 150
Emotionally loaded posts will receive no points, as will posts that are too brief. If you only post a
primary or secondary discussion, you will also receive a zero for the exercise.
To Access the New York Times:
1. Log onto the GBC website
2. Go to the Library tab
3. Click on the DATABASE link at the top
4. Scroll down to “P” and click on PROQUEST CENTRAL
5. Go to the PUBLICATIONS link, click it and and then click on the New York Times Late Edition link
6. There you will find the paper organized by dates; again use current issues only
IF YOU DO NOT ACCESS THE NYT THROUGH THE LIBRARY PAGE YOU MAY BE CHARGED—DON’T DO THIS,
GBC PAYS FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF USING THE NYT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES SO GET THE MOST BANG
FOR YOUR BUCKS!!!
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE CALL THE LIBRARY FOR HELP OR DROP IN ON THEM (775.753.2222).
4. Film Responses. (12 x 5 pts = 60 pt). Due December 13 by 11 pm.
You are required to watch weekly films (these may show up on exams!). These films are fun, they give you a tour
of the world, and they illustrate major points in the textbook. So be sure to watch them every week.
For this written exercise, write a half-page (1.5 line spacing) response to 12 films (you must respond to required
films, all others are your choice). Some films are divided into parts due to the needs of WebCampus and these
count as a SINGLE film. In each response, you will identify the film you are responding to and identify which
groups and parts of the world were covered. Then identify three or more important ideas presented in the films
(i.e., function of matrilineal kinship). You are required to make connections to ideas found in your textbook.
Please provided page numbers to the relevant sections of the textbook. These responses are ANALYTICAL, check
your emotions at your keyboard!!
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
Format: 1.5 line spacing, 12 pt font, 1 inch margins, page numbers; insert name, course, and assignment into
HEADER. Submit film responses as a single document. Each response should be titled with the film name.
IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY LOADING FILMS ON YOUR COMPUTERS, CONTACT THE HELP DESK 775.753.2167.
5. Understanding Culture Essay (50 pts total). Due December 9 by 11 pm.
This 50 pt formal two-page essay (single-spaced) will address the big picture. You are asked to apply all you
know from the entire semester to address these questions in depth:
What social and environmental factors underlie the organization of human social systems
and how do these operate?
What factors explain the similarities and differences between groups of people?
How can you apply course materials to your understanding of the real world at home and abroad?
This is truly a summative exercise that provides you the opportunity to show me what you have learned this
semester! Your essay needs to have an anthropological voice and be based on scholarship; it should reflect the
depth of the material you have been exposed to. Personal opinions and emotions are best left private.
Grading: The total number of points available is 440. No extra credit will be given. Assigned grades will be based
on standard percentages:
Assignment/Tests
Quizzes
15 (10 pts each)
New York Times
Discussion Posts
7 (5 pts each)
Exams
3 (50 pts each)
Film Responses
12 (5 pts each)
Understanding Culture
Essay
Total
Point
Value
150
Percent of
overall grade
34
35
8
150
34
60
13
50
11
445
100%
Grade Scale (based on 445 points):
A
94-100%
B+
87-89%
B83-80%
C
76-74%
D+
69-67%
D63-60%
Goal of exercise
Develop factual knowledge and fundamental principles
of overall subject matter
Critical thinking; applying the anthropological
perspective to real world issues
Develop factual knowledge base and writing, analytical,
and critical thinking skills
Develop critical thinking skills; apply anthropological
knowledge base to film content
Developing critical thinking skills and synthesis—putting
together the BIG picture; demonstrating knowledge of
core concepts in anthropology
AB
C+
CD
F
93-90%
86-84%
79-77%
70-73%
66-64%
59% and below
Make-up Quizzes/Exams/Late Work: This online course is designed to provide great flexibility for busy students.
Students have many days in which to complete and submit assigned work. Once an assignment, quiz, or exam has
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
closed, it is closed and will not be re-opened. Given that you are dependent on technology, please be sure to
allow ample time to submit work. It’s amazing how often those “last-minute” submissions get goofed up!
However, in the case that EXTRAORDINARY (i.e., hospitalization of the student, a death in the family, etc),
circumstances warrant rescheduling, the student and instructor will negotiate an appropriate solution.
Computer problems, travel plans, work schedules, and minor illnesses are not acceptable
excuses!
Attendance: As an adult, it is up to you to “come” to class. If you have made travel arrangements or will be out
of town on business during the course, for example, it is up to you to be sure you have internet access so that you
meet deadlines. You need to plan ahead. In accordance with college policy, those missing three classes may be
removed from the course. If you miss three assignments, I will assume you have missed three classes. Students
who log on and engage with their online courses regularly and intensively tend to perform better!
Classroom Etiquette: Given this is an online course, written communication will be the norm. Please be
courteous in writing emails and posting discussions, and give people the benefit of the doubt. It is easy to
misread intent in electronic communication, so don’t over analyze. Foul or hostile language is unacceptable as
are communications that are hostile to the instructor or other students. Such misconduct will not be tolerated
and a student may be withdrawn from the course. Please see the GBC catalog for information about misconduct.
Academic Honesty: GBC students should strive to behave ethically which means each student takes personal
responsibility for all aspects of her or his education. Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and may
result in a failing grade for the course. Cheating includes copying other’s work, using unapproved technology
during exam situations, talking to one another during an exam, and so on. Copying material directly out of the
book and inserting that into a paper or an exam is plagiarism and this is cheating. Cheating may result in a zero
for the assignment, course failure, or removal from the course. See the GBC catalog for additional information.
Plagiarism, according to Webster’s, is the practice of stealing or passing off the work or ideas of others as one’s
own. Examples of plagiarism include copying directly from your textbook, failure to cite the sources of the ideas
presented in research papers, or using a paper done in one class in another class. Buying or downloading
previously written research papers (whole or in parts) is another form of plagiarism and it is a heinous type of
cheating that deprives you of the educational experience you paid for!
Student work may be screened through plagiarism software. If it is determined that your work (exams,
discussions, papers, etc.) has been plagiarized, you may fail the course. Any incidents of student misconduct
involving cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the Vice President of Student Services. See the GBC catalog
for further details.
Other Stuff: If you are having trouble in the class, come see me or call, and we will work to find a solution. If
other problems arise (i.e., sickness, a death in the family, or some other catastrophic event), please speak to me
as soon as possible so that I can help you. If you are unhappy with your grade or some other facet of the class,
please call, visit during office hours, or arrange for a meeting. As your instructor, I am committed to your
educational experience and will strive to make the class accessible and fair.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
GBC is committed to providing equal access or students with documented disabilities. Please contact Julie Byrnes
in Elko (775.753.2271)as soon as possible to request timely and appropriate accommodations.
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
General Education Goals: This is a GBC general education course and the goal of the college is that these courses
provide certain educational opportunities:
Communication skills—communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form, embracing discussion, reading, listening,
and accessing.
High: This course requires intensive reading and the completion of written, formal assignments along written
communication through the online format. Thus, students will experience formal, scholarly writing and writing that
communicates day-to-day issues through emails.
Critical thinking—integrate creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and the hierarchy of inquiry and knowing in social
scientific understanding.
High: This course encourages the development of these qualities through the essay exams and a written essay
exploring the nature of culture. As well, students will learn to unravel the mysteries of human behavior as they learn
the fundamental principles that underlie the organization of human societies.
Personal/Cultural Awareness—understand the roles of individuals in society, the development of human societies, and the
significance of creativity in the human experience.
High: This course focuses on how human societies are organized as groups. The creativity inherent in the human
experience will be seen as we examine the cross-cultural differences in culture and all the amazing ways people have
adapted to their worlds.
Personal Wellness—develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors which promote personal well being.
Moderate: This class environment encourages the development of personal ownership of education, a participatory
environment, and collegiality. All of these qualities add to the growth of each student. As well, understanding why
we view others in stereotypical ways can add to our ability to embrace multiculturalism and to reduce the tension
and negative viewpoints that result from an ethnocentric framework..
Technology—function effectively in modern society through the use of technology.
High: This course is taught entirely online. Students possessing strong computer skills will hone those skills and
other students will improve their technology skills and come to some understanding of the nature of web based
technology.
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
Anthropology 101 Class Schedule Fall 2009
Reading
Bonvillain 2/E
Chs 1, 2
Films
Week 2
Sept 7
Ch 3
How Cultures are
Studied
Week 3
Sept 14
Ch 4
Language and
Communication
Week 4
Sept 21
Ch 5
Taboo: Child Rearing
Week 5
Sept 28
Ch 6
Subsistence (pts 1 and 2)
Week 6
Oct 5
Ch 7
Ongka’s Big Moka
Week 7
Oct 12
Ch 8
Taboo: Blood Bonds
Week 8
Oct 19
Ch 9
Taboo: Marriage
Week 9
Oct 26
Ch 10, 11
Understanding Race
(this film is required)
Week 10
Nov 2
Ch 12
Taboo: Justice
Week 11
Nov 9
Ch 13
Week 12
Nov 16
Ch 14
The Devil Came on
Horseback
(this film is required)
Taboo: After Death
Week 13
Nov 23
Ch 15
Marks of Identity
Week 14
Nov 30
Ch 16
Leopards of Zanzibar
Week 15
Dec 7
Ch 17
Voices of the Forest
Week 1
Aug 31
Finals
Dec 14
Assignments/Exams
NYT Discussion Posts
Nature of Anthropology
What is Culture
NYT 1
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
NYT 2
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Exam 1
Chs 1-5, Wk 1-4
materials
NYT 3
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
NYT 4
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Exam 2
Chs 6-11, Wk 5-9
materials
NYT 5
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
NYT 6
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
NYT 7
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Exam 3
Chs 12-16, Wk 1015 materials
Quizzes
Chs 1, 2
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 3
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 4
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 5
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 6
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 7
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 8
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 9
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Chs 10, 11
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 12
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 13
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 14
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 15
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 16
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11 pm
Ch 17
open all week, closes
Sunday at 11
pm
Understanding
Culture Essay
Due Dec 9 by 11
pm.
Film Responses
Due Dec 13 by 11
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!
Anthropology 101 Class Schedule Fall 2009
Reading
Bonvillain 2/E
Films
Assignments/Exams
NYT Discussion Posts
Quizzes
pm
Online Fall 2009
This syllabus is your guide to the course, it is not a contract; things may change as we go!