Department of Anthropology
ANTH 1025G-001
Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology
COURSE OUTLINE
Winter 2014
Class Time: Wednesday 7:00-10:00 pm, University Community Centre Room 37
Instructor: Mrs. Terry Webb
E-mail: twebb@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-452-2000, ext. 69725
TA:
Nathan Dawthorne
Office: SSC 3306
Office Hours: Mondays 1-3 pm
TA: Kristy Nicholson
Office: SSC 3304
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12-2 pm
This course has been designed to introduce you to the discipline of Anthropology, what it is,
what it does, and why.
You will note in the course schedule the time of your test, the due date for your assignments
and finally, the date of your final exam. Please note that the actual time of your final exam
will not be known until the university posts it. This latter timetable cannot be changed by you
or your instructor.
The course introduces you to the whats, whys and hows
of Sociocultural Anthropology. Read the text material that corresponds to the study
notes. The Haviland book is the theory text for the course. The Conformity and Conflict text is
an excellent compilation of papers that illustrate the material from the Haviland book. You will
see some readings appear to encompass an entire section. These readings generally dribble
over into the next unit as well.
PLEASE NOTE: The exam is not cumulative. That is, material on your term test will not be
tested on the final exam. The questions are quite broad-based and require a comprehensive
understanding of the material., however, you will be given 10 prep questions ahead of time to
prepare. Six questions from this list will comprise the midterm and you will be required to
answer four from this six. I'll explain more about this in class. You are expected to answer the
questions in excellent grammatical style. The FINAL EXAM will test you on the remaining
course material. You will, however, be provided with a list of questions prior to the exam to
help you prepare. NOTE: Questions from this list will comprise the questions on the final
exam.
Finally, one last recommendation: keep up with the readings. I recommend one unit per week.
The test will evaluate Units 1 - 6 and all associated readings and audio-visual materials. The
final exam will evaluate the remainder of the material. Note the time of your test/exam and
make sure that you have completed the readings by that time. It is too easy to fall behind and
assume that you can catch up. The course builds on previous information and you need to
give yourself time to absorb it.
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You will enjoy the course. It explores a wide range of issues and interests, offering something
for everyone. You may wish to consider the sister course, Anthro 1026G, which continues the
study of biological anthropology and archaeology.
NOTE: There is a little flexibility built into this course with respect to deadlines. Contact me
should you run into difficulties and need extensions. Extensions are usually only given to
students with documented medical emergencies.
So, without further ado, good luck and happy reading!
Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
This course is a survey of the basic paradigms and concepts of Sociocultural Anthropology,
including the study of religions, politics, social organizations, gender, economics and
language. Anthropology explores the diversity of humankind, examining the ways in which we
are different and the ways in which we are the same. It increases your awareness of the
richness of human cultural expression, and in the process, enhances your ability to recognize
and support diversity.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1. Haviland, William A., Fedorak, Shirley A., and Lee, Richard B. Cultural
Anthropology Nelson Publishing 4th ed.
2. Spradley, James and McCurdy, David W. Conformity and Conflict Readings in Cultural
Anthropology Prentice Hall 14th ed.
COURSE EVALUATION:
Students are responsible for any and all material covered in assigned readings and course
notes.
Assignment/Test
Due Date
Term Test
see schedule
% of Final Grade
30%
Research Assignments
see schedule
30%
Discussions
ongoing
Final Examination
see schedule
5%
35%
These are the only evaluations in the course. I have, however, set up self-tests for each unit of
the course. I recommend you try them. You can do them as often as you wish. They will not be
graded. The self-tests are strictly to help you learn terms and concepts.
For each unit, there is a discussion question posted. You will be given a grade based on your
participation in the discussions. You are required to answer any 5 of the posted questions
though Discussion #1 is mandatory. Answers should be about 1-2 paragraphs long, no more.
Your research paper for this course will involve using the National Geographic for research and
critical analysis. Information for this is posted under the icon marked 'Research Assignments'.
There will be a 4% deduction for each day, including the days of the weekend, for late
submissions. I will only give extensions to documented emergencies. I urge you to give
yourself adequate time to complete it before you start to prepare for your final.
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