Human Cultures
ANTH 151A
MWF: 8:00 am to 9:00 am
AH 117
Fall 2013
Professor: Gillian Richards-Greaves
Office Hours: M, W, 10am to 12noon
Email:grichardsgreaves@depauw.edu
and by appointment
Office: Asbury Hall 307
Office Telephone: (765) 658-6309
___________________________________________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
How can we learn about peoples and cultures that are different from our own, and how can we
use this knowledge to critically examine our own culture?
The main objective of this course is to introduce you to the field of sociocultural anthropology.
Sociocultural anthropology studies the complexities and commonalities of human experiences
around the world. While some disciplines study human existence from either a local or global,
past or present, individual or collective standpoint, sociocultural anthropology interrogates the
ways that these different perspectives intersect. As it offers a holistic approach to the study of
society, sociocultural anthropology presents a unique vantage point from which investigate and
address challenges of the past as well as solutions for current and future social problems.
COURSE GOALS:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and development of the discipline
2. Articulate how the discipline is grounded in approaches, methods, and theories that are
holistic and culturally relativistic
3. Demonstrate knowledge of overarching anthropological concepts and theories.
4. Identify fundamental research methodologies
5. Conduct a short-term ethnographic research project
6. Understand the professional role of the anthropologist in society
7. Identify how anthropological perspectives are applied to solve real life problems.
Required Book/Materials
Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa. Prospect
Heights: Waveland Press.
•
Additional articles are assigned and are available on Moodle under Library course
reserves. Please bring a copy of the reading to class on the day it is assigned.
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ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
Quiz (5%).
This is an in-class, closed-book quiz that is designed to evaluate your progress in the course and
familiarize you with my style of testing. The quiz will consist of one essay question and one
short-answer question.
Individual Research Project (20%).
During the course of the semester, each student will conduct an ethnographic research project on
a topic and site of your choosing. The goal of this project is for you to apply anthropological
research methods you have learned in the classroom to practical research setting(s). Before
beginning this project you must submit a one-page proposal (5% of overall grade), describing
your research question, methods, location, and other relevant information. A detailed
description of the proposal and project will be placed on Moodle by the second week of
classes.
Mid-term Exam (20 %). This in-class, closed-book exam will consist of short answers and
essay questions. It will cover the core issues and concepts discussed in class.
Final Exam (25 %). The final exam will address concepts and issues covered throughout the
semester but will primarily focus on the second half of the semester. The format of the exam will
be short answers and essay questions.
Applying Anthropology Paper (20%).
This objective of this assignment is to have students apply anthropological theories and concepts
they have learned over the course of the semester to solving a specific social or cultural problem
in society. This paper should be 8-10 pages with at least ten bibliographic references. A
detailed description of this paper will be discussed in class and placed on Moodle.
Participation (10%)
Complete assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss issues and concepts addressed
in those readings. Here are some questions to consider when reading articles:
1) What is the main point (s) of the reading?
2) How is the reading relevant to the topic course topic?
3) How can you apply what you have read to solve real life issues?
Grades in this course are determined by the following criteria:
Research Proposal
Quiz
Research Project
Paper
Midterm
Final Exam
Participation
5%
5%
20%
20%
20%
20%
10%
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Grading Scale:
A 94%+
B+ 87-89%
C+ 77-79%
D+ 67-69%
F 59%-
A- 90-93%
B 84-86%
C 74-76%
D 64-66%
B- 80-83%
C- 70-73%
D- 60-63%
The following information will help you better understand the criteria for graded material:
A= exceptionally thought-provoking, original, creative in both content and manner of
presentation, and a skillful use of concepts and/or materials which are fully supported.
B= presents a solid understanding of the subject matter and an ability to handle the issues and
materials encountered in the subject with only minor errors.
C= demonstrates an adequate understanding of the subject matter with central ideas present, but
too general, repetitious and not clearly supported or integrated with evidence and details.
D= a minimally acceptable performance with a confusing central idea and lacking details. Parts
of the assignment are missing and/or incomplete.
F= shows lack of effort and minimal comprehension of material with major mechanical errors,
no thesis, and misuse of key concepts.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Remember to give credit where credit is due. Students who present another writer’s words
as their own or who neglect to cite proper bibliographical information when referring to
material published on-line, in reference books, or in a journal or book of any kind are
subject to disciplinary action by the university.
DePauw’s policy states that “cheating, plagiarism, submission of the work of others, etc. violates
DePauw policy on academic integrity and may result in penalties ranging from a lowered grade
to course failure or expulsion.”
(http://www.depauw.edu/files/resources/tipsplanningcoursesyllabi2.pdf)
To familiarize yourselves with proper citation procedures, please visit the W center and/or online
resources such as (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/). Please see the following link for more
information about the university’s academic integrity policy.
http://www.depauw.edu/handbooks/academic/policies/integrity/
LAPTOPS
Laptop computers are allowed ONLY for note-taking purposes and for viewing relevant course
materials during class discussion.
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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Attendance and punctuality are crucial to your overall participation grade. I take attendance
everyday. If you have to miss class to observe a religious holiday, please provide me with written
notification at least two weeks in advance. You are allowed one unexcused absence, but I will
deduct 5 points from your final grade for each absence thereafter. If you have to miss class for
medical reasons, please bring me a doctor’s notes.
Be punctual and prepared. Submit assignments on the day they are due. I will deduct three points
from assignments submitted a day after the deadline. If assignments are submitted I will NOT
accept assignments a week after the due date.
STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES
DePauw University is committed to providing equal access to academic programs and University
administered activities with reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments (ADAAA). Any student
who feels she or he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability or learning
challenge is strongly encouraged to contact Pamela Roberts, Coordinator of Student Disability
Services for further information on how to receive accommodations and support. Student
Disability Services is located at 101 E. Seminary St., 765-658-6267.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES: TOPICS, ASSIGNED READINGS, AND ACTIVITIES
Important: Readings, class topics, and projects may be subject to minor changes. These changes
will be announced on Moodle and in class. Please check the website each week for
announcements and updates.
Week
Date
Aug. 28
01
Aug. 30
Lecture Topic
Introductions;
Outline of course
What is
Anthropology?
Sept. 2
02
The Concept of
Culture
Sept. 4
Readings
None.
Reading: Keesing, Roger. 1998. The Anthropological
Approach. In Cultural Anthropology: A Contemporary
Perspective, pp. 1-8
Reading: Steiner, Christopher. 1990. “Body Personal
and Body Politic.”
Reading: Blake, Fred. 1994. “Foot-Binding in NeoConfucian China and the Appropriation of Female
Labor”
Reading: Feld, Steven. 1998. They Repeatedly Lick
Their Own Things.” Critical Inquiry 24(2), Intimacy,
445-472
Reading: Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Chapters 1 & 2
pg 1-24.
Reading: Anthony Seeger: "The meaning of body
ornaments: a Suya example," Ethnology 14(3) pp 211224, 1975.
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Sept. 6
Sept. 9
Sept. 11
03
Sept. 13
Theoretical
Frameworks
(Cultural
Relativism,
Ethnocentrism,
etc.)
Sept. 16
Methods
Ethnographic
Field Research
04
Sept. 18
QUIZ
Sept. 20
Sept. 23
05
Sept. 25
Sept. 27
Sept. 30
Symbols,
Language,
Communication
Reading: Schulz and Lavenda, Chapter 2 "Culture"
from Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology. New
York: McGraw Hill.
Reading: Danforth, Loring M. 2001. Is the "World
Game" an "Ethnic Game" or an "Aussie Game"?
Reading: Miner, Horace. 2008. "Body Ritual Among
the Nacirema."
Reading: Discussion.
Reading: Bohannan, Laura. 2008. "Shakespeare in the
Bush." In Anthropology 9/10. ed. Elvio Angeloni, 56-59.
New York: McGraw-Hill Co.
Reading: Geertz, Clifford 1972. “Deep Play: Notes on
the Balinese Cockfight”
Reading: Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Chapters 3-4 pgs.
25-48.
Reading: Wolf, Jan. 1983. “Circumcision and Initiation
in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda.”
Debate: Should anthropologist actively work to
eliminate female circumcision?
Research Proposal Due.
Reading: Kottak, C. Cultural Anthropology. 2002.
Chapter 2. In the field.
Reading: Perez, Maria Rosa. 2009. Body and Culture:
Fieldwork Experiences in India
Reading: Richards-Greaves. “Going
Home.” http://www.anthropologynews.org/index.php/2013/08/01/going-home/
Reading: Sterk, “Tricking and Tripping”
Reading: Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Dancing
Skeletons. Chapters 5-7 pg 49-90
QUIZ
Reading: Kottak, Conrad. 2013. Ch. 5 “Language and
Communication,” Cultural Anthropology.
Reading: Suslak, Daniel. 2010. “Battered Spanish,
Eloquent Mixe.”
Reading: Rickford, John R. and Angela E. Rickford.
1976. “Cut-Eye and Suck-Teeth: African Words and
Gestures in New World Guise.”
Reading: Bonner, Donna. 2001. “Garifuna Children's
Language Shame.”
Reading: Basso, Keith. “Speaking with Names.”
Reading: Reading: Harrison, K. 2007. “Silent
Storytellers.” Chapter 5. When Languages Die. pgs.
141-160.
Reading: Cane, Scott. 1987. “Australian Aboriginal
Subsistence in the Western Desert.”
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Ecology and
Subsistence
06
Oct. 2
Oct. 4
07
Oct. 7
Oct. 9
Oct. 11
Oct. 14
Oct. 16
08
Oct. 18
Oct. 19-Oct. 27
MIDTERM EXAM
Production and
Reading: Ember, C. and M. Ember. Cultural
Distribution
Anthropology. NJ: Prentice Hall. Chapter 6: Economic
systems (pp.85-105).
Reading: Moran, Emilio “Population, Consumption,
and Environment.”
From Production Reading: Scheper-Hughes, Nancy. “Death without
to Reproduction
Weeping”
Reading: Craven, Christa. 2005. “Claiming Respectable
American Motherhood.”
Reading: Kottak, Conrad. 2013. Chapter 9 “Gender,”
Cultural Anthropology.
Reading: Fernea, “A Look Behind the Veil”
Reading: Gayatri, Freddy. 2003. “‘Men’ Who Would
Gender
Be Kings”
Reading: Bacigalupo, Mariella. “The Mapuche Man
Who Became a Woman Shaman”
Film: An Initiation Kut for a Korean Shaman
1992; 36 minutes
“This film follows a 32-year-old woman as she makes
her decision to become a shaman and the two-day
ceremony that she must complete. University of Hawaii
Press.”
Fall Break. No Class.
Oct. 28
Oct. 30
09
Reading: Diamond, Jared. 1995. “Adaptive Failure:
Easter’s End”
Film: N!ai: The Story of a !Kung Woman
1980; 59 minutes
“This film provides a historical overview of the daily
life of the !Kung, a gathering and hunting people in
South Africa. It presents the story of N!ai, a !Kung
woman, from childhood to her mid-thirties. The film
shows the contrast in lifestyles between traditional
foraging of 30 years ago and life in a government
settlement in Namibia in 1978.”
REVIEW FOR MIDTERM
Marriage, Family,
Kinship, Descent
Reading: Bailey, G. and J. Peoples. Essentials of
Cultural Anthropology. Chap 7 Domestic Life. 2011.
Reading: Porter, Karen. 2004. “Marriage is Trouble.”
Reading: Goldstein, Melvyn. 2008. "When Brothers
Share a Wife."
Reading: Ayres, Barbara. 1974. “Bride Theft and
Raiding for Wives in Cross-Cultural Perspective.”
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Film: Strange Relations. 1992; 60 minutes
“This film explores the cross-cultural variations found in
marriages. Examples include a Nyinba couple in Nepal,
the Wodaabe of Niger, and a couple in Canada.”
Nov. 1
Nov. 4
10
Nov. 6
Biology &
Culture: Race,
Identities, Roles
Nov. 8
Nov. 11
11
Nov. 13
Political
Organization,
Social
Stratification,
Social Control
Nov. 15
Nov. 18
12
Nov. 20
Religion, Ritual,
Magic,
Worldview
Research Project Due.
Reading: Smedley, Audrey. 1998. “Race” and the
Construction of Human Identity.”
Reading: Visit: the American Anthropological
Association (AAA) website on race and read all three
sections: http://www.understandingrace.org/
Reading: Baran, Michael D. 2007. “Girl, You Are Not
Morena. We Are Negras!”
Reading: Hangen, Susan . 2005. “Race and the Politics
of Identity in Nepal”
Reading: J Fish. 1995. “Mixed Blood” Psychology
Today, Nov-Dec 1995
Reading: Mehta, Brinda J. 2004. “Kali, Gangamai, and
Dougla Consciousness in Moses Nagamootoo's
‘Hendree's Cure’”
Reading: Ferraro, G. 2004. “Political organization and
social control.” Cultural Anthropology: An Applied
Perspective. Chapter 12. Pp. 272-301.
Reading: Mason, Katherine. 2012. “The Unequal
Weight of Discrimination: Gender, Body Size, and
Income Inequality”
Reading: Bailey, G. and J. Peoples. 2011. Essentials of
Cultural Anthropology. Chapter 9: Politics and social
inequality.
Reading: Natrajan, Balmurli. 2005. “Caste, Class, and
Community in India: An Ethnographic Approach.”
Reading: Mule, Pat and Diane Barthel 1992. The
Return to the Veil: Individual Autonomy vs. Social
Esteem
Reading: Roth, Louise Marie. 2004. “Engendering
Inequality: Processes of Sex-Segregation on Wall
Street.”
Reading: Gmelch, G. (1971). Baseball magic. Society
8(8): 39-41.
Reading: Ember, C. and M. Ember. Cultural
Anthropology. NJ: Prentice Hall. Chapter 14 Religion
and Magic.
Reading: Robinson, Chase. “Neck-Sealing in Early
Islam.”
Reading: Pérez y Mena, Andrés I. 1998. “Cuban
Santería, Haitian Vodun, Puerto Rican Spiritualism: A
Multiculturalist Inquiry into Syncretism.
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Nov. 22
Nov. 25
13
Arts, Media, &
Sports
Film: Pilgrimage to Pittsburgh. 1999; 25 minutes
“This film focuses on the Hindu community at the Sri
Venkatewsara Temple in Pittsburgh. During the tenth
anniversary of the community, in 1986, thousands of
Hindus from around the United States traveled to
Pittsburgh to participate in the celebration.”
Reading: Condry, Ian. 2001. “Japanese Hip-hop and the
Globalization of Popular Culture”
Reading: Myers, “Pintupi Paintings”
Applying Anthropology Paper Due.
Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Dec. 2
14
Dec. 4
Dec. 6
Dec. 9
Dec. 11
15
16
Thanksgiving Recess. No Class.
Reading: Kottak, Conrad. 2004. “Anthropology and its
Applications.” In Mirror for Humanity: A Concise
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. Boston:
McGraw Hill Higher Education. Chapter 12.
Reading: Irvine, Mahri. 2012. “Public Anthropology in
the Field.”
Applied and
development
Reading: Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Chapters 8-10
anthropology
(pgs. 91-130)
Reading: Ramos, Rita. 1999. “Anthropologist as
Political Actor.”
Reading: Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Chapters 11-14
(pgs. 131-164)
Reading: Handler, Richard. 2006. “Afterword to
‘Cruelty, Suffering, Imagination..”
Reading: Conklin, Beth. 2002. “Shamans versus
Cultural Change
Pirates.” American Anthropologist 104(4): 1050-1061.
and Globalization Reading: Turner, Terrence, “Kayapo Resistance.”
Reading: “Jihad vs McWorld” by Benjamin Barber
at www.theatlantic.com/doc/prem/199203/barber
Dec. 13
Reading: Poynor, Robin. 2012. The Many and
Changing Faces of Ògún:
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
Dec. 20
FINAL EXAM, 8:30am-11:30am
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