Syllabus
Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Health
ANTH 1011: Cultural Anthropology – Spring A 2025
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
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the fundamental concepts of cultural anthropology and explain their interconnectedness to the four-field discipline of anthropology
- 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
- Examine anthropological ideas regarding the origins, causes, and effects of colonialism and cultural imperialism in the development of globalization and our current world system
- Investigate the field of linguistics, including the subfields of historical linguistics, descriptive linguistics, and ethnosemantics
- Describe the association of anthropology with early constructions of racial theory, the rise of American eugenics, and current disciplinary understandings of ethnicity and race
- Apply ethnographic fieldwork and anthropological theory
- 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 – Proctored (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 – Proctored (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.
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 Questions | 18% |
| Journal Reflections | 18% |
| Quizzes | 16% |
| Article Review Activity | 8% |
| Video Review Activity | 8% |
| Participant Observation Activity | 8% |
| Eugenics Activity | 8% |
| Midterm Exam | 8% |
| Final Exam | 8% |
| Total | 100% |
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
Week 1: Jan 15 – Jan 21
Week 2: Jan 22 – Jan 28
Week 3: Jan 29 – Feb 4
Week 4: Feb 5 – Feb 11
Week 5: Feb 12 – Feb 18
Week 6: Feb 19 – Feb 25
Week 7: Feb 26 – Mar 4
Course Schedule:
| Week | Topic | Readings/ Resources | Assignment Type |
| 1 |
What is Anthropology Interdisciplinary Method Anthropology and the Four Fields Academic | Applied |
|
Journal Reflection Discussion Question Practice Proctored Exam (Optional) |
| 2 |
Applying Anthropology Medical Anthropology
|
|
Journal Reflection (2) Discussion Question Quiz
|
| 3 |
Theory and Method Culture
|
|
Article Review Assignment Introduction Participant Observation Activity Introduction Journal Reflection Midterm Review Discussion Question Participant Observation Activity Submission
|
| 4 |
Language Language – Uniquely Human
|
|
Article Review Introduction Journal Reflection Discussion Question Midterm Exam Article Review Submission |
| 5 |
Ethnicity and Race American Indian Boarding Schools
|
|
Eugenics Activity Introduction Journal Reflection Discussion Question Submit Eugenics Activity
|
| 6 |
Modes of Production Indigenous and Capitalist |
|
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
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
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
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
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.
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- 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:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- 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.