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.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
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.
Both the Midterm and Final Exam are proctored. A UNE compliant external webcam is required. You will not be able to review them at any time. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
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.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
| Assignment | Grade Percentage |
|---|---|
| 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 (Proctored) | 8% |
| Final Exam (Proctored) | 8% |
| Total | 100% |
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 93 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 92.9% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89.9% | 3.50 |
| B | 83 – 86.9% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 82.9% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79.9% | 2.50 |
| C | 73 – 76.9% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 72.9% | 1.75 |
| D | 60 – 69.9% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 59.9% | 0.00 |
| Week | Topic | Readings/ Resources | Assignment Type |
| 1 |
What is Anthropology Interdisciplinary Method Anthropology and the Four Fields Academic | Applied |
|
Journal Reflection Discussion Question |
| 2 |
Applying Anthropology Medical Anthropology Theory and Method |
|
Journal Reflection (2) Discussion Question Quiz Participant Observation Activity Introduction |
| 3 |
Culture Language Language – Uniquely Human |
|
Participant Observation Activity Journal Reflection Article Review Assignment Introduction Midterm Review Discussion Question Submit Article Review Midterm Exam – Proctored |
| 4 |
Ethnicity and Race American Indian Boarding Schools Modes of Production |
|
Journal Reflection (2) Discussion Question Quiz Submit Eugenics Activity |
| 5 |
Indigenous and Capitalist Religion – Struggle for a Definition American Indians – Religion? |
|
Journal Reflection (2) Video Review Activity Introduction Discussion Question Submit Video Review Activity |
| 6 |
The World System and Colonialism Global Issues Today |
|
Journal Reflection Discussion Question Final Exam – Proctored Extra Credit Reflection |
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Your course may have proctored exams. For all proctored exams, an external camera is required. Please see the course for the exact exam requirements, test-taker guidance, proctoring format, and allowances (such as calculators or whiteboards, as indicated in the course). https://success.une.edu/science-prerequisites/honorlock/
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
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 12 weeks.
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Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact summersessiononline@une.edu with any questions.
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course.
Unless stated otherwise by your faculty: 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.
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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:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the College. 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.
Generative AI (GenAI) applications (like ChatGPT) have proven to be powerful and effective tools, and students are encouraged to become familiar with and use them. However, as with any tool, students must use GenAI in ways that support learning, not replace it. Learning to use AI responsibly and ethically is an important skill in today’s society.
In their courses, students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools, such as generative AI tools, on assignments unless explicitly directed to do so. Each student is expected to complete each assignment, including labs and quizzes as applicable, without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.
Using AI-content generators to complete assignments without proper attribution violates academic integrity. By submitting assignments in UNE courses, you pledge to affirm that they are your own work and you attribute use of any and all tools and sources.
Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of AI is treated as a violation of academic integrity.
Citing AI Use
If permitted, students should indicate and cite any use of AI tools.
Instructor Responsibility
Instructors should clearly reiterate, using UNE AI Use Policy, how students can use AI tools in their courses, and communicate this policy to students at the beginning of the semester.
Student Responsibility
Students must follow the academic integrity policy of the University of New England.