Description:

This introductory course will employ various anthropological theories, perspectives, and methodologies to critically and comparatively examine an array of cultural and social topics as they relate to selected Western and Non-Western cultures and societies. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Trace the development of anthropology and its relationship to other social sciences.
2. Describe the connection between cultural anthropology and the other subfields of anthropology - physical anthropology, archeology, linguistic anthropology, and medical anthropology.
3. Identify and analyze numerous anthropological theories and perspectives.
4. Identify and apply established anthropological research methods.
5. Analyze environmental factors which influence the development of various subsistence patterns and associated technologies.
6. Discuss the roles power and social inequality play in cultures and societies.
7. Investigate the major forms of kinship and family organization found throughout the world.
8. Discuss selected Western and Non-Western religious and world view traditions.
9. Compare and contrast major political and economic institutions.
10. Describe aesthetic traditions, including visual arts, music, and dance, from around the world.
11. Investigate and describe the connection between language and culture.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Anthropology
   A. Identify and discuss the sub-fields of anthropology
      1. Cultural anthropology
      2. Archeology
      3. Biological anthropology
      4. Linguistic anthropology
      5. Medical anthropology
   B. Identify and comprehend the core of cultural anthropology
      1. Ethnocentrism
      2. Cultural relativism
      3. Holism
      4. Ethnography
      5. Ethnology

II. Principal Anthropological Theories and Frameworks
   A. List and describe nineteenth century theories
      1. Marxism
      2. Unilinearl Evolution
   B. List and describe twentieth and twenty-first century theories
      1. Historical particularism
      2. Materialism
      3. Structuralism
      4. Functionalism
      5. Interpretive frameworks
      6. Post-Modernism
      7. Critical frameworks
      8. Explanatory models
      9. Social capital

III. Basic Anthropological Methodologies
   A. Discuss components of fieldwork
      1. Observation
         a. Participant observation
         b. Critical observation
         c. Direct observation
      2. Culture shock
      3. Ethics
      4. Safety
   B. Identify and utilize basic qualitative research methodologies
      1. Interviews
         a. Unstructured
         b. Structured
      2. Focus Groups
      3. Surveys
   C. Identify and utilize quantitative research methodologies
      1. Surveys
      2. Pile sorts
      3. Triads

IV. Anthropological Modes
   A. Diagram and utilize an ecological base model
   B. Diagram and utilize a model of sociocultural change

V. Economic Systems
   A. Compare and contrast forms of economic production
      1. Hunting and gathering
      2. Pastoralism
      3. Intensive agriculture
      4. Extensive agriculture
      5. Industrialism
   B. Compare and contrast systems of exchange
      1. Reciprocity
      2. Redistribution
      3. Market

VI. Forms of Social Organization
   A. Identify sociocultural systems
      1. Bands
      2. Tribes
      3. Chiefdoms
      4. States
   B. Identify and comprehend models of the evolution of the state

VII. Power and Social Inequality      
   A. Compare and contrast race and ethnicity
   B. Compare and contrast sex and gender
   C. Describe colonialism

VIII. Forms of Kinship, Descent and Marriage
   A. Compare and contrast various types of family
      1. Matrilocal/patrilocal
      2. Nuclear
      3. Polygamous
         a. Polygynous
         b. Polyandrous
      4. Extended
         a. Matrilocal
         b. Patrilocal
         c. Bilocal
         d. Avunculocal
   B. Compare and contrast patterns of descent
      1. Unilateral
         a. Matrilineal
         b. Patrilineal
      2. Bilateral
      3. Consanguineal
      4. Affinal
      5. Lineage
      6. Clan
   C. Compare and contrast types of marriage
      1. Endogamous
      2. Exogamous
      3. Levirate
      4. Sororate

IX. Examine Informal Forms of Social Control
      1. Gossip
      2. Ridicule
      3. Witchcraft accusations
   B. Investigate formal forms of social control
      1. Law
      2. Policy

X. Religion and World View
   A. Compare and contrast religious taxonomies
      1. Monotheism
      2. Polythesism
      3. Animism
      4. Mana
   B. Discuss the functions of religion
      1. Explanation
      2. Validation
      3. Integration
   C. Discuss the concept of world viewXI. Aesthetics	

XI. Aesthetics		
     A. Investigate various vorms of visual arts
     B. Explore different types of music
     C. Examine various dances

XII. Language and Culture
     A. Identify the cultural specificity of selected verbal forms of
communication
     B. Identify the cultural specificity of selected non-verbal forms of
communication

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Class Participation - 15%
Mid-term	    - 20%
Final 		    - 20%
In-Class Projects   - 15%
Presentation 	    - 30%
	   Total   - 100%

Caveats:

1. None

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.