OFFERED IN THE
SPRING SEMESTER
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ANTH-02
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2008
INSTRUCTOR: Marcus Arguelles
OFFICE LOCATION: IAC 264
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER: (209) 384-6246
EMAIL: arguelles.marc@mccd.edu
LAB TECHNICIAN / ASSISTANT: Christine Grimaldi
OFFICE LOCATION: IAC 111
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER: (209) 384-6019
EMAIL: grimaldi.c@mccd.edu
TEXT: Ember and Ember, Cultural Anthropology, Twelfth Edition
WEEK OF READING ASSIGNMENT REACTION PAPER DUE
Jan. 14 Chapters 1, 2
Jan. 21 Chapters 3, 4
Jan. 28 Chapter 5 Reaction Paper #1 Jan. 31
Feb. 4 Chapter 6
Feb. 11 Chapter 7
Feb. 18 Chapter 8 Reaction Paper #2 Feb. 21
Feb. 25 Chapter 9
Mar. 3 Chapter 10
Mar. 10 Chapter 11 Reaction Paper #3 Mar. 13
Mar. 17 Chapter 12
Mar. 24 Spring Break
Mar. 31 Chapter 13
Apr. 7 Chapter 14 Reaction Paper #4 Apr. 10
Apr. 14 Chapter 15
Apr. 21 Chapter 16
Apr. 28 Chapter 17 Reaction Paper #5 May 1
May 5 Chapter 18
May 12 Chapters 19, 20
May 19 Finals Week
May 22 (Thurs.) FINAL 8:00 am - 9:50 am
REACTION PAPERS: Reaction papers will be due on the Thursdays indicated in the above schedule. These papers should reflect your thoughts about statements in the text or your reaction to class discussions, lectures, and films. You may also express your ideas about subjects relevant to cultural anthropology that you see on television or read in newspapers and periodicals. Sometimes your own experiences will provide you with material for this assignment.
Reaction papers will generally be worth a maximum of 25 points each, although I may award higher scores for exceptionally good work. Late papers will receive a reduced grade. Papers are to be typed in a 12 point font, double-spaced, and should average two pages in length. PLEASE!!! Be sure to include the following information in the upper right hand corner of the first page:
NAME
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
DATE
In addition to these assignments you may be asked to write your response to a question or reaction to a short article during class. These will be graded the same as your assigned reaction papers and cannot be made up. Map exercises will also be required.
EXAMINATIONS: From time to time you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the text, films, lectures or lab through short quizzes. These may not be announced in advance and make-ups will be given only on the discretion of the instructor. The final will be comprehensive in scope and will be worth approximately 20% of your grade.
CLASS EXERCISES: You may be asked to participate in exercises designed to acquaint you with field methods in cultural anthropology. These may involve observing and recording ethnic cultural events; or taking part in the preparation and consumption of ethnic foods.
RESEARCH PAPER / ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY: You will be required to obtain and read one of the following ethnographic studies:
The Dobe ˇKung by Lee
Road through the Rain Forest by Hayano
Weekend Warrior by Marshall
The examination on this assignment will be worth approximately 20% of your final grade.
ATTENDANCE: It is your advantage to attend each class since unannounced class exercises cannot be made up and the final examination will be partially based on material covered in class.
CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS: Turn off and put away your cell phones before entering the classroom.
MAKE-UPS: Make-ups will be given only at the discretion of the instructor. On occasion, Mr. Arguelles may ask you to contact Christine Grimaldi to arrange a make-up. No make-ups will be given during finals week.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the study of human culture and the concepts, theories, and methods use in the comparative study of socio-cultural systems. Subjects include subsistence patterns, social and political organization, language and communication, family and kinship, religion, the arts, social inequality, ethnicity, gender, and culture change. The course applies anthropological perspectives to contemporary issues.
EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
A. Differentiate and appraise the major anthropological approaches to the study of human culture.
B. Compare and contrast various anthropological theories.
C. Critically analyze existing anthropological research.
D. Examine and assess the basic concepts and findings of cultural anthropology.
E. Demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of man’s cultural diversity.
F. Relate anthropological insights to the problem of interacting with people of differing cultural backgrounds
both at home and abroad.
GRADES: The scores on your labs, reaction papers, class exercises, and final exam will be added together to determine your grade. The top total score will be used to set the grading scale. The following increments will be used to establish the grades:
A = 90-100% of high total score
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
ACADEMIC HONESTY: “Academic dishonesty is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and misuse of college computers and software. Disciplinary action may include oral reprimand; a failing grade on all or part of a particular paper, project, or examination; or the assignment of an “F” grade in cases where dishonesty is more serious, premeditated, or a repeat offense. Serious or repeated offenses may result in suspension from the college.” (Merced College Catalog)
Instructor e-mail: arguelles.marc@mccd.edu
Lab Tech e-mail: grimaldi.c@mccd.edu
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