10003 Anthropology 151
Introduction
to Anthropology
Fall 2007
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Instructor: |
Dr. Kathleen
Fine-Dare |
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Requirements this 3-hour course fulfills |
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Office Hours: |
Phone: 247-7438 E-mail: fine_k@fortlewis.edu Web Page: http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/fine_k/ |
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Exam Dates: |
1. Fri, Oct 5 2. Mon, Nov. 5 3.
Mon, Dec. 10 |
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Lectures: |
Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday |
--Our
humanity rests upon a series of learned behaviors,
woven together into
patterns that are infinitely fragile and never directly inherited.
Margaret Mead,
Anthropologist
Patria es humanidad
Course Description
Anthropology
(from the Greek logos--or knowledge--about
anthropos, the human being) is an
extremely broad discipline that has its intellectual roots in philosophy, the
natural sciences, and history. The
purposes of anthropological inquiry are diverse, but in general it may be said
that the discipline provides a holistic approach to human
existence, one that pursues the philosophical question “What does it mean to be
human?” from an integrated, systemic perspective that sees biological, cultural,
social, political, economic, linguistic, material,
environmental, and global phenomena as analytically inseparable. Anthropologists may turn their attention to the
minutiae of human existence--such as cave drawings or body art--or they may
concentrate on sweeping social movements such as migrations and international
conflicts. Whatever the focus,
anthropologists inevitably link the personal to the political, the local to the
global, and the past to the present and future. While all anthropologists tend to cast a
broad net in situating the immediate to the systemic, they do focus their
studies somewhere in one of the four main subfields of the discipline:
Ÿ
BIOLOGICAL or PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (the
study of human evolution and biological variation; this area has affinities
with the disciplines of biology, human anatomy, primatology, exercise science,
chemistry, medicine, epidemiology, and paleontology)
Ÿ
LINGUISTIC
ANTHROPOLOGY (the
study of communication via linguistic and symbolic systems; linguistic
anthropology is informed by the disciplines of linguistics, folklore, political
science, ethnoscience, communications, and even neuroscience.)
Ÿ
ARCHAEOLOGY (the study of material culture,
particularly that of past societies; archaeology benefits from research
conducted in geography, geology, geographic information systems, Native
American studies, history, agriculture, ecology, and engineering).
Ÿ
SOCIOCULTURAL
ANTHROPOLOGY (or
ETHNOLOGY;
the comparative study of contemporary human societies; sociocultural anthropologists
may draw inspiration from economics, history, literary criticism,
education, women‘s studies, political
science, musicology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, religious studies, and
any other arena of inquiry touching human existence that one can imagine!)
APPLIED
ANTHROPOLOGY
Applied
Anthropology is considered by some to
be a fifth subfield of anthropology, but is more properly understood as a
“modality” or a means of employing the knowledge learned in the four main
subfields. Applied anthropology takes
place any time anthropological knowledge and practice are used towards
understanding, addressing, and solving human problems.
The application of
anthropological knowledge is a central theme in this course.
By the end of the term you will have enough familiarity
in these areas to make a decision regarding which you would like to pursue in
more depth as your studies continue.
Even if you take no other courses in anthropology than this one, you
will see the importance of viewing the world of human affairs in an
interrelated, historically-grounded manner.
Most importantly, you will begin viewing knowledge as imbedded in social
systems that are shaped by power struggles, economic inequality, human competition,
and the realities of our ecosystem.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS FOR ANTHROPOLOGY MAJORS.
You are not expected to
achieve ALL of these goals in just one course, but it's never too early to
start thinking about them! If you are
not a major, these should serve as important outcome goals for you, as well:
1.
Critical Thinking:
To develop a greater degree of critical thinking, not just in
anthropology, but in terms of the world at large.
2.
Critical Multicultural Awareness: To use the processes of critical thinking to
develop a greater understanding of human diversity to highlight the
sociocultural and historical groundings of knowledge in a democracy that is
founded on tolerance for diversity and on healthy self-criticism.
3.
Rhetorical Facility: To develop the ability to articulate one’s
position in defensible and well-argued analytical and descriptive statements
using both oral and written forms of expression.
4.
Disciplinary Integration: To develop the ability to integrate
perspectives from the different subdisciplines of anthropology (i.e., archaeology,
biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural
anthropology) into a unified whole, including an examination of the historical
constitution of the discipline.
5.
Methodological Familiarity: To develop an appreciation for and understanding
of the epistemological concerns of anthropology (as a science, social science,
and humanity) and
an ability to apply different methods to testing those concerns.
6.
Organic Intellectualism: To develop an understanding of the ways
anthropological knowledge and practice can be used in the amelioration of human
problems, and to be able to communicate this understanding by word and deed.
7.
Ethical Positioning: To be able to arrive at a considered and
defensible personal position regarding the ethical implications of
anthropological knowledge, practice, and research; and to be able to
communicate this position cogently to others.
8.
Career Preparation: To acquire the tools necessary, including
familiarity with specific area studies, to pursue a career in anthropology or
in a related professional field.
Required
You
are expected to complete the required readings before the dates indicated.
The texts and lectures are complementary and both include appropriate
material from which examination questions will be drawn.
EVALUATION: Your final grade will be configured from the
following components:
Ÿ
Quizzes (25%) - I will drop the lowest
grade. (Missing a quiz results in an
"F").
Ÿ
Three in-class exams (75%). Each exam is weighted approximately the same,
but I will allow the later exams to carry more weight in averaging your final
grade if they indicate that improvement has been made from your first exam.
It is your responsibility to be present for all exams and quizzes.
Make-up exams will not be given except under extreme circumstances.
NOTE: With
the exception of students with documented learning disabilities, special
individual arrangements for the timing of exams will
not be made! If
you cannot be present to take the exams at their scheduled times you should drop
this course now.
ATTENDANCE
Every student is required to attend all lectures each week. Because the
material covered in the exams will be based not only on the readings but also
on the lectures you will not be able to do well on the exams without attending
class. We view many films in this class, very few of which are announced on the
schedule. If you miss class it is your
responsibility to obtain notes from your classmates. I m not obligated to provide notes for you. If you miss films, you may not make these up
unless the film is located in the library.
You must be earning a passing grade to withdraw from this class and
receive a “W,” otherwise you will receive a grade of “F.” Exceptions will be made only under extreme
circumstances. If you find that you are
struggling, it is in your best interest to stay in the course and try to bring
up your grade. I encourage anyone who is having trouble to come see me during
office hours or to make an appointment to come talk to me.
“INCOMPLETE”
GRADES
A grade of “I”
is given only in cases where a student is currently passing the class and is
unable to complete the final work for the course due to some sort of emergency
situation. An “I” is a student-
initiated grade that must be approved by the instructor.
The structure, schedule, and goals of this
course are clearly spelled out in this syllabus. Therefore, exams and quizzes should
be anticipated and studied for. It is your responsibility as a student to stay
current on the readings, to come to class, and to study for the exams. Because
the course guidelines are very clear, no extra credit will be given in
this class.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities have equal
access and equal opportunity in this course. If you require reasonable accommodations to fully
participate in course activities or meet course requirements, you must register
with Disability Services, 280 Noble Hall, 247-7459. If you qualify
for services, bring your letter of accommodation to me as soon as possible.
Statement
on Cheating & Plagiarism
Cheating
in any form will result in an “F” for
the class and a file established in your name in the Office of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs. More
than one entry in the file may result in your dismissal from the college.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Use of
drugs or alcohol by students on campus or in college sanctioned off-campus
activities is strictly against FLC policy and will not be tolerated in this
class. If I find a student in violation of this policy he or she will be asked
to leave the classroom and may be faced with sanctions as specified in the
student handbook (www.fortlewis.edu/administrative_services/flc_policies/04_human_resources/4-14.asp).
CELL
PHONES, Mp3 Players, ETC. ARE NOT WELCOME!
THEY MUST BE TURNED OFF AND PUT IN A BAG (not IN YOUR POCKET).
Ringing
cell phones are distracting, annoying, and disrespectful in the classroom. Make
sure that yours is turned off PRIOR
to entering the classroom. Reading or
writing text messages will result in immediate ejection from the classroom. Do not at any time listen to a recording
device, particularly during quizzes and exams!
REMEMBER:
A college education is optional.
If you don’t want to be in this class, you are free to drop it before
the census date. After the
census date (Sept. 11) I may give you an “F” grade rather than a “W”
(withdrawal). If you are disruptive to
your peers’ ability to learn or my ability to teach them, I am free to remove
you from my “magisterium” (classroom).
If you withdraw from the class after the “Census Date” (Tuesday, Sept.
12) I am entitled to assign you an “F” for the course, according to campus
policy. I have zero tolerance for
immaturity, disrespect, aggression, or power struggles! I have endless tolerance for a sincere desire
to learn, for respect for yourself and for others, and for helping you with the
academic end of your transition into the culture of the university in any ways
that I can.
Ÿ
Please contact me during office hours--my
office is in 279 Center of Southwest Studies.
I also read my email very regularly and would encourage you to
communicate with me on line if that is your preference.
Useful
suggestions
Ÿ
Read
the chapters BEFORE I give the lecture; you will be better prepared for
questions that way. At least look at the chapter summary. ALWAYS bring your
books to class!
Ÿ
If
you aren’t able to read the chapter, at least look over the chapter glossary
terms. QUIZZES WILL OFTEN BE OVER THESE
TERMS.
Ÿ
“Quizzes”
will be varied; sometimes an in-class exam, sometimes asking you to look more
deeply into a Kidder reference, a LS sidebar, etc. You never know.
Ÿ
Study
carefully p. 321-322 of Farmer; be able to lead discussion and/or write quiz
answers.
Disclaimer regarding the following course schedule
Every effort has been made to provide an accurate outline of course
topics, requirements and expectations. Changes, however, may occur throughout
the semester and these will be announced during lectures and posted on my
faculty web page in the form of an updated course schedule. If absent from
class it is the student’s responsibility to inform him- or herself of those
changes.
In addition, this syllabus is an outline of the expectations for the
course. The policies, deadlines, and expectations discussed in this document
are not subject to negotiation. Students will not be allowed to
“negotiate the minimum” in this course.
SCHEDULE OF LECTURES, EXAMS & READING ASSIGNMENTS
|
Week Number |
Readings to be
discussed FOCUS ON SUMMARY
& KEY TERMS AT END OF EACH CHAPTER |
Important notes |
|
1. Aug 27,
29, 31 What is Anthropology? |
·
LS ch. 1, pp. 1-23 ·
KIDDER pp. 1-44 |
·
Study Module 1 carefully |
|
2. Sept 3, 5, 7 Evolutionary Theory and Human Variation |
·
LS ch. 2, pp. 24-39 ·
LS ch. 3, pp. 55-77 |
I
will emphasize some sections over others; pay attention |
|
3. Sept 10, 12, 14 Humans as Primates |
·
LS ch. 4, pp. 90-109 ·
KIDDER pp.
47-121 |
CENSUS
Sept. 11 (Tues) =
last day to add or drop |
|
4. Sept 17, 19, 21 Knowing the Human Past |
·
LS ch. 6, pp. 154-179 |
|
|
5. Sept 24, 26, 28 Social Complexity |
·
LS ch. 7, pp. 180-217 |
“Global
public health” panel, 7-9 pm , SML (extra quiz opportunity) |
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6. Oct 1, 3, 5 |
·
KIDDER pp. 125-177 |
EXAM NO. 1 Friday, October 5 |
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7. Oct 8, 10, 12 The Culture Concept |
·
LS ch. 8, pp. 218-243 ·
KIDDER pp. 181-237 |
·
Study Module 3 carefully |
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8. Oct 15, 17, 19 Language & Culture |
·
LS ch. 10, pp. 268-307 |
MIDTERM
GRADES DUE Monday, October 15 |
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9. Oct 22, 24, 26 Symbolism &
Worldview |
·
LS ch. 11, pp. 308-341 |
ACADEMIC
ADVISING WEEK |
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10.
Oct 29, 31, Nov 2 Political Economy
& Social Organization |
·
LS ch. 12, pp. 342-379 ·
KIDDER pp. 241-301 |
ACADEMIC
ADVISING WEEK |
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11. Nov 5,
7, 9 Kinship |
·
LS ch. 13, pp. 380-419 |
EXAM NO. 2 Monday, November 5 REGISTRATION
WEEK |
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12. Nov 12, 14, 16 Anthropology
& Social Inequality |
·
LS ch. 14, pp. 420-451 |
REGISTRATION WEEK |
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13.
Nov 19, 21, 23 |
THANKSGIVING
BREAK |
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14.
Nov 26, 28, 30 Anthropology
& Globalization |
·
LS ch. 15, pp. 452-502 |
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15. Dec 3, 5, 7 |
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Study
Module 4 carefully |
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16.
FINAL EXAM WEEK |
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Exam
#3,
Mon Dec 10 7:30-9:30
a.m. |