SO204: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Supplemental Course Information

Academic Learning Activities Required Outside of Scheduled Class Time: (Instructor Add or Delete 5-week hybrid/F2f classes only)

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Type: [Online, Face to Face, Blended, Hybrid]

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Course Description

SO 204 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 Credits). Introduces methods and theory of cultural anthropology through theoretical and comparative examination of the role or culture in human life. Includes the study of other cultures as well as contemporary U.S. culture.

Prerequisite Courses

None

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, learners should be able to:

Explain the complex processes that shape the structure of societies around the world.
Describe key concepts of Cultural Anthropology including research methods and analyses practiced in the discipline.
Examine the similarities and differences between various human social groups, using basic anthropological concepts of holism and comparatives.
Explore the numerous beliefs and behaviors held by people worldwide.
Investigate cultural changes and the subsequent issues raised by such changes.
Apply your knowledge of different cultures to make sense of your own society.

Course Materials

Required Texts

Robbins., R. H. & Dowty., B. A. (2021). Cultural anthropology: A problem-based approach (8th ed.). California: Sage Publications. Print ISBN: 9781544371634 or 1544371632. eText ISBN: 9781544371665,1544371667 or 1544371667.

Required Resources

Rent and watch the movie The Big Short (2015).

Course Assignments and Activities

Week	Readings	Graded Assignments or Assessments and Associated Points
Week 1: Culture and Meaning	Chapter 1 - Culture & Meaning	Introductions: not graded Discussions Question: 4 points Cultural Analysis Paper - 10 points
Week 2: The Meaning of Progress & Development	Chapter 2 - The Meaning of Progress & Development	Discussion Questions (2): 8 points, 4 points each
Week 3: Debt, Globalization, and Nation-State	Chapter 3 - Debt, Globalization, and Nation State	Discussion Question: 4 points Movie Analysis Paper: 16 points
Week 4: The Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchies	Chapter 4 - The Cultural Construction of Social Hierarchies	Discussion Questions (2): 8 points, 4 points each Mid-course Survey
Week 5: Patterns of Family Relations	Chapter 6 - Patterns of Family Relations	Discussion Question: 4 points Soap Opera Skit: 10 points
Week 6: The Social & Cultural Construction of Reality	Chapter 5 - The Social & Cultural Construction of Reality	Discussion Questions (2): 8 points, 4 points
Week 7: The Cultural Construction of identity	Chapter 7 - The Cultural Construction of Identity	Discussion Question: 4 points PowerPoint on Modern Day Ritual (Combine with Week 8's PowerPoint for 20 points)
Week 8: The Cultural Construction of Violent Conflict	Chapter 8 - The Cultural Construction of Violent Conflict	Discussions Question: 4 points PowerPoint on Traditional Society Ritual (Combine with Modern Day Ritual PowerPoint for 20 points)
Total points		= 100 points

NOTE TO LEARNERS: On occasion, the course faculty may, at his or her discretion, alter the Learning Activities shown in this Syllabus. The alteration of Learning Activities may not, in any way, change the Learner Outcomes or the grading scale for this course as contained in this syllabus. Examples of circumstances that could justify alterations in Learning Activities could include number of learners in the course; compelling current events; special faculty experience or expertise; or unanticipated disruptions to class session schedule.

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