1 ASB 102: Introduction to Cultural & Social Anthropology Glendale Community College Fall 2011 LEC 16965 M W F 8:00-8:50 AM Room: HU 101 Instructor: Dr. Dean Wheeler Office: 05-129 Office Hours: M 9-10 AM, W 10-11 AM, T R 10 AM-12 PM, and by appointment Office Phone: (623) 845-3903 Email: [email protected] Course Description Anthropology studies human diversity around the world through its sub-fields of biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. In this class we will focus on cultural anthropology and explore the diverse social institutions and belief systems of people in the world. Although anthropologists have traditionally worked with isolated small-scale societies, today many of them work in more complex societies. For example, art communities in New York, immigrant workers in Berlin, and computer hackers are among the many groups anthropologists explore. Although the locations and topics of their research are extremely diverse, cultural anthropologists attempt to understand how humans live, think, act, and communicate in the world they live. In order to do so, anthropologists immerse themselves in cultures and live with them for extended periods of time. In this course we will explore anthropological concepts, methods, and theories. We will also study the diverse forms of human organization documented and discussed by anthropologists. This course will allow you to realize that the way you see and act in the world is only one of many possibilities. It will also give you an opportunity to question and critique ethnocentrism as well as domination and oppression of other cultures. Required Texts* Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 14th Edition, by James Spradley and David McCurdy. (collection of readings in Cultural Anthropology) Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village, by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea (ethnographic monograph) Suggested Text Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition, 7th Edition, by Emily A. Schultz and Robert H. Lavenda. *There will also be articles distributed in class and/or posted on Blackboard that you will be required to read for in-class discussions. Quechua Girls2 Course Requirements 1) Exams (60%): There will be three exams each worth 20% of your grade. Each exam will mainly cover only material presented since the previous exam, although you are expected to remember basic concepts and important information from all the preceding parts of the course. Exams will consist of objective questions (e.g. multiple-choice, matching, true or false) and subjective questions (define or discuss issues or concepts in short sentences or paragraphs). Exams will only be administered during the designated exam periods. If you miss an exam without a good, documented reason (illness, death in the family, etc.) you will receive a 0 grade for that exam, with no opportunity to make it up. If you miss an exam for an acceptable, documented reason you may be required to take an alternative essay exam at Testing Services (TDS 118). Requests to take an exam at a different time because the scheduled exam date is inconvenient will not be granted. 2) Ethnographic Poster (20%): Each student must research one cultural group and present their findings in an illustrated poster. The posters will be presented in class during the last few weeks of the semester and must cover the fundamental cultural lifeways of the selected cultural group. We will discuss the requirements for the poster in greater detail in class.* *Important note on posters: Because each student is required to present their poster in class it is very important that you present your poster on the assigned day. If you miss your presentation day and/or do not present your poster in class, you may still submit your poster for a reduced grade (maximum points 80/100). If you fail to turn-in a poster by the assigned due date you will receive a 0 grade for the poster with no opportunity to make it up. 3) Quizzes (20%): There will be ten short, pop-quizzes pertaining to the assigned readings from Conformity & Conflict and Guests of the Sheik. The quizzes are designed to test whether you have completed the reading assignment. You will find that the quizzes are relatively easy if, in fact, you have done the reading. Quizzes will take place on days designated for discussion of the assigned reading. Grading Grades will be assigned according to the percentage of total points scored on the combined exams, fieldwork assignment, and pop-quizzes. 90% and above = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F. Note that a grade of “C” or higher is required for transfer credit to a University. Once graded, you should promptly go over your exam to catch errors in addition of points or evaluation of answers. It is your responsibility to detect such errors and bring them to the attention of the instructor as soon as possible. DO NOT wait until the end of the term to address potential errors in grading as it may be too late to adjust the grade. Grades will be updated periodically on Blackboard. There is no extra credit.3 Attendance and Participation Although attendance and participation are not factored into the calculation of your course grade, you are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and activities. Many of the assigned readings require that you participate in class discussion of the readings in order to grasp and apply important points. Therefore, if you fail to attend class and/or participate you will not be prepared for the exams. *IMPORTANT NOTICE: if you are absent more than twice during the first two weeks of class you will be DROPPED from the class. Also, if you are absent more than three times prior to the 45th DAY ROSTERS you will be DROPPED from the class. If you are dropped, you are responsible for your class standing. If you wish to withdraw from the course, you must have me sign a withdrawal slip. If you simply stop attending and appear on my final roster or do not complete all of the course requirements you will receive a “W” for the course. Academic Integrity All students are expected to act with civility, personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity