Syllabus

Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Health

ANTH 1011: Cultural Anthropology – Accelerated – 8 Weeks- Spring 2, 2024

Credits - 3

Description

Cultural Anthropology 1011 introduces you to the study of human cultural patterns and learned behavior. You will explore the discipline through weekly topics that include linguistics and religion, social and political organization, race and ethnicity, culture and personality, culture change and applied anthropology. The study of cultural anthropology helps to provide you with a more open and sensitive attitude towards persons of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds by exploring commonalities of belief and life intention and reflecting on the role of enculturation in shaping the lives of societies and individuals.

 

Materials

Textbooks

Balée, W. (2016). Inside cultures : A new introduction to cultural anthropology. Taylor & Francis Group. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uneedu/reader.action?docID=4693242&ppg=1

Kottak, C. (2019). Cultural anthropology: Appreciating cultural diversity. McGraw-Hill. ProQuest Ebook Central. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uneedu/detail.action?docID=5834111#

Resources

Lacy, Scott M. (2017). Anthropology and the Study of Humanity. [Kanopy video series]. The Great Courses. https://unelib.kanopy.com/video/religion-and-spirituality

Webcam

A UNE-compliant webcam and whiteboard is required for proctored exams. If you do not have one, you may order one here: UNE-Compliant Webcam and whiteboard.

 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the fundamental concepts of cultural anthropology and explain their interconnectedness to the four-field discipline of anthropology
  2. Assess how anthropologists apply the concepts and methodologies of the field to real-world problems through the use of case studies from medical, agricultural, and other applied anthropological subfields
  3. Examine anthropological ideas regarding the origins, causes, and effects of colonialism and cultural imperialism in the development of globalization and our current world system
  4. Investigate the field of linguistics, including the subfields of historical linguistics, descriptive linguistics, and ethnosemantics
  5. Describe the association of anthropology with early constructions of racial theory, the rise of American eugenics, and current disciplinary understandings of ethnicity and race
  6. Apply ethnographic fieldwork and anthropological theory
  7. Generate a more open and sensitive attitude towards persons of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds by exploring commonalities of belief and life intention and reflecting on the role of enculturation in shaping the lives of societies and individuals

 

Assignments

Quizzes (2)
Quizzes consist of term matching, multiple choice, term definition and short essay questions. They are designed to test your comprehension of key terms and concepts from the required readings and videos. Your course allows for a possible second and/or third attempt with quizzes assignments. Please contact your course instructor if you wish to utilize another attempt.

Midterm (1)
Covering required material from the first eight weeks of the course, the midterm contains term matching, multiple choice and short essay questions. 

Final exam (1)
To assess student comprehension of the last eight weeks of the course, the final exam has an increased focus upon critical thinking and writing. It contains term matching, multiple choice, and a selection of essay questions.

Both the Midterm and Final Exam must be taken though ProctorU. See UNE’s ProctorU page for information about signing up and scheduling your exam. 

You must purchase a UNE-compliant Webcam to take your proctored examinations. Remember to order your webcam at least three weeks prior to scheduling your first proctored exam.

Discussion questions (8)
Discussions are designed to encourage critical thinking about the required readings and video viewings. Additionally, they aim to create a welcoming and stimulating intellectual space in which to interact with your peers and instructor.

Journal reflections (8)
Journal questions provide an opportunity to reflect and evaluate readings and videos based upon your understanding of the week’s content and themes. They are personal meditations seen only by your instructor.

Participant observation activity (1)
This activity aims to introduce learners to a core method in anthropological fieldwork where they will be relying solely upon their powers of perception to recall the social situation where the activity will take place. It is one of the principle methods found in the anthropological toolkit.

Article review activity (1)
Learners will assess the arguments presented in a classic anthropological linguistics article written by Benjamin Lee Whorf. The theory of linguistic determinism (Sapir/Whorf) continues to have a powerful influence in the social sciences and humanities today.

Eugenics activity (1)
Students will investigate a concealed chapter in American history, American eugenics, by viewing a video, reading an article, and visiting two websites in order to write a short paper on this topic.

Video review activity (1)
An award-garnering video introduces learners to the American Indian struggle over sacred lands, one ongoing since the creation of reservations. Students will grapple with legal and ethical dilemmas presented by three case histories.

 

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Discussion Questions18%
Journal Reflections 18%
Quizzes 16%
Article Review Activity 8%
Video Review Activity8%
Participant Observation Activity8%
Eugenics Activity8%
Midterm Exam 8%
Final Exam8%
Total100%

Grade Scale

Grade Points Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 94 – 100% 4.00
A- 90 – 93% 3.75
B+ 87 – 89% 3.50
B 84 – 86% 3.00
B- 80 – 83% 2.75
C+ 77 – 79% 2.50
C 74 – 76% 2.00
C- 70 – 73% 1.75
D 64 – 69% 1.00
F 00 – 63% 0.00

 

 

Schedule

Course Schedule:

Week 1: Mar 20 – Mar 26
Week 2: Mar 27 – Apr 2
Week 3: Apr 3 – Apr 9
Week 4: Apr 10 – Apr 16
Week 5: Apr 17 – Apr 23
Week 6: Apr 24 – Apr 30
Week 7: May 1 – May 7
Week 8: May 8 – May 14

 

 

Course Schedule:

Week Topic Readings/ Resources Assignment Type
1

What is Anthropology

Interdisciplinary Method

Anthropology and the Four Fields

Academic | Applied

  • Balée (2016). The Study of Us
  • Read Balée, Chapter 1
  • Week 1 and 2 Study Guide
  • Welcome Video
  • Why Anthropology Matters, Episode 1 [Video]

Journal Reflection

Discussion Question

Practice Proctored Test (Optional)

2

Applying Anthropology

Medical Anthropology

 

  • Balée (2016). Applications of Cultural Anthropology
  • Miner (1956). Body Ritual Among the Nacirema
  • Mattingly (2006). Pocahontas goes to the clinic.
  • Week 3 and 4 Study Guide
  • Medical Anthropology, Episode 21 [Video]
  • Balée (2016). Contemporary Theory and Method
  • Kottak (2019). The Scientific Method
  • International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
  • American Anthropological Association (2005). Code of Ethics

Journal Reflection (2)

Discussion Question

Quiz

 

3

Theory and Method

Culture

 

  • Forensics and Legal Anthropology, Episode 20
  • Kottak (2019). Language and Communication
  • Whorf (2012). An American Indian Model of the Universe.
  • Project Nim [Video]

 

Article Review Assignment Introduction

Participant Observation Activity Introduction

Journal Reflection

Midterm Review

Discussion Question

Participant Observation Activity Submission

 

 

4

Language

Language – Uniquely Human

 

 

  • Kottak (2019). Language and Communication
  • Worf (2012) Language, Thiught and Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Worf.
  • Boroditsky (2011) How Language Shapes Thought.

 

Article Review Introduction

Journal Reflection

Discussion Question

Midterm Exam

Article Review Submission

5

Ethnicity and Race

American Indian Boarding Schools

 

 

  • Balée (2016).Cultural Variation.
  • Kottak(2019).Ethnicity and Race.
  • American Anthrolpological Association. (N.D.)The RACE Project. [Website]
  • Anderson (2021). Cultural Anthropology Study Guide.
  • UCLA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (2020). [Website]
  • Native American and Indigenous Peoples FAQ. [Website]
  • Anthropology and the Question of Race [Video]
  • The Lynchburg Story: Eugenic Sterilization in America. [Video].
  • Facing History and Ourselves Foundation. (n.d.). The science of race: Holocaust and human behavior.
  • Facing History and Ourselves Foundation. (2002). Race and membership in American history: The eugenics movement.
  • Dolan DNA Learning Center. (n.d.). Image archive on the American eugenics movement. [Website]
  • Black (2003). The Horrifying American Roots of Nazi Eugenics
  • Guardian Staff and Agencies (2021). U.S. to investigate ‘unspoken traumas’ of Native American boarding schools.
  • Haaland (2021). Opinion: Deb Haaland – My grandparents were stolen from their families as children
  • Native Silence [Video]
  • Native American Boarding Schools [Video]
  • After Silence [Video]

Eugenics Activity Introduction

Journal Reflection

Discussion Question

Submit Eugenics Activity

 

6

Modes of Production

Indigenous and Capitalist

  • Balée (2016). Ecology, Landcape and Culture
  • Kottak (2019). Making a Living
  • Lappe, F.M. Collins, J Rosset, P. (1998)
  • The Myth – Scarcity: The Reality – there is enough food.
  • Agricultural Roots of Civilization [Video]
  • Vandana Shiva on the Problem with Genetically-Modified Seeds [Video]
  • Vandana Shiva on the Real Cause of Food Hunger [Video]
  • ‘Bill Gates is continuing the work of Monsanto’ Vandana Shiva tells FRANCE 24 [Video]
  • Shiva (2014). Defending farmers seed freedom.
  • Shiva (2014). Introduction and Chapter 1
  • The Chipko Movement [Website]
  • Navdanya: “Nine Seeds” [Website]
  • Base and superstructure [Video]

Journal Reflection

Discussion Question

Quiz

 

7

 

Religion- Struggle for a Definition

Religion or Cultural Traditions?

 

Kottak (2019). Religion. What is Religion and what are its various forms?
Anderson (2021).  Cultural Anthropology
In Light of Reverence. [Video]
Deloria (2013). Sacred Places and Moral Responsibility
Religion and Spirituality [Video]

Journal Reflection

Video Review Activity 

Discussion Questions

Submit Video Review Activity

8

The World System and Colonialism

Global Issues Today

 

Balée (2016). Colonialism and the World System
Kottak (2019).  The World System, Colonialism, and Inequality
Ishi: The Last Yahi [Video]
Women in the Global Factory
“The Doctrine of Discovery, 1493”
Kottak (2019). Anthropology’s Role in a Globalizing World
Matamoros: The Human Face of Globalization [Video]
“The Exit Zero Project (Website and Film Trailer)” [Video]

Practice Proctored Test

Discussion Question

Final Exam

Extra Credit Reflection

 

Student Resources

 

 

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

UNE Libraries

Further Assistance

Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.

Policies

 

 

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Assignments

Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Proctored Examinations

The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.

Upon enrollment into the course, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded the ProctorU Chrome or Firefox extension and are using the most current version of Chrome or Firefox. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.

Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.

Students must use ProctorU and must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited.

Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Length

A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.

Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.

Grade Policy

Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.

Transcripts

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.