ANTH 260 - Cultural Anthropology

3 Credit (3 lecture, 0 lab) 3 Contact Hours [Reading Level 3 ]

This course introduces the student to the study of human beings and the diversity of their ways of life. The historical evolution of the discipline of anthropology, its holistic perspective, its methods and ethics are studied. The central concept of culture links discussions of globalization, psychology, and cultural exchange and adaptation. The relationship of inequality and culture allows consideration of race, gender and indigenous issues. In addition, symbolic systems are studied with emphasis on language and religion. Human social organization is examined, featuring study of stratification, kinship, marriage and the family, as well as political and economic institutions and their relationship to adaptation and survival in an increasingly dynamic and globally interconnected environment. Finally, the concepts of human cultural adaptation to the natural environment and technological and demographic change in the contemporary world are examined.
OFFERED: spring semesters

Course Goals; Objectives; Competencies
Goal 1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field of anthropology.

Define cultural anthropology.
Examine & differentiate between the various sub-disciplines of cultural anthropology.
Identify and explain the methodologies between the historical perspectives of cultural anthropology.
Examine and distinguish the various theories of cultural anthropology.
Examine the methodologies used by cultural anthropologists.

Goal 2: Demonstrate understanding of the influence of culture.

Define terms used by cultural anthropologists.
Examine and demonstrate awareness of cultural universals and their variations.
Identify various cultural patterns and structures of cultures.

Goal 3: Demonstrate understanding of human societal variation.

Define society and distinguish from culture.
Compare & contrast subsistence patterns.
Compare & contrast adaptive strategies.
Compare & contrast stratification systems (economic, political, family).
Compare & contrast forms of kinship.

Goal 4: Demonstrate Critical Thinking Skills.

Evaluate issues related to cultural diversity, distinctive world views, and adaptation to environmental & technological change.
Assess variations in socio-cultural development.
Compare, contrast, and assess the evolution of the cultural constructs of language and symbolic communication.

Goal 5: Demonstrate written communication skills.

Write a logical, coherent, critical essay and/or paper.
Take and use class notes and outlines.

Goal 6: Demonstrate the interpersonal, organizational and time management skills needed in the workplace.

Employ effective written and oral communication with group members to organize information, concatenate different perspectives and compromise.
Meet deadlines.