Syllabus

UNE Summer Session

ANTH 1011: Cultural Anthropology – 6 Weeks

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

Main Text

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#

Supplementary

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 all proctored exams – Portal for UNE Online Students

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– 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.

Grading Policy

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

Grade Breakdown

AssignmentGrade Percentage
Discussion Questions18%
Journal Reflections18%
Quizzes16%
Article Review Activity8%
Video Review Activity8%
Participant Observation Activity8%
Eugenics Activity8%
Midterm Exam (Proctored)8%
Final Exam (Proctored)8%
Total100%

Grade Scale

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

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

2

Applying Anthropology

Medical Anthropology

Theory and Method

  • 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

Participant Observation Activity Introduction

3

Culture

Language

Language – Uniquely Human

  • Forensics and Legal Anthropology, Episode 20
  • Kottak (2019). Language and Communication
  • Whorf (2012). An American Indian Model of the Universe
  • Boroditsky (2011). How Language Shapes Thought
  • Project Nim [Video]

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

  • 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]

Journal Reflection (2)

Discussion Question

Quiz

Submit Eugenics Activity

5

Indigenous and Capitalist

Religion – Struggle for a Definition

American Indians – Religion?

  • 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]
  • Kottak (2019). Religion
  • In the Light of Reverence [Video]Sacred Places and Moral Responsibility 
  • Religion and Spirituality, Episode 17 [Video]

Journal Reflection (2)

Video Review Activity Introduction

Discussion Question

Submit Video Review Activity

6

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]

Journal Reflection

Discussion Question

Final Exam – Proctored

Extra Credit Reflection

Student Resources

Summer Session 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. If you are a current UNE undergraduate taking online Summer Session courses, please continue to work with your Advisor and include them on your outreaches.

Questions? Email: summersessiononline@une.edu.

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 and Accommodations

Your student support specialist 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.

To request an accommodation a student needs to go through the process with our UNE office. If the student has a current/already established accommodation in place with UNE it is the responsibility of the student to notify the program at summersessiononline@une.edu to ensure it is applied properly.

If you need to inquire about a possible accommodation, please reach out to the Student Access Center by calling 207-221-4418 or send an email to pcstudentaccess@une.edu.

If you are a current UNE undergrad, please continue to work with your coordinator at bcstudentaccess@une.edu and ensure any accommodations you have in place - are put in place for your online Summer Session course(s).

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.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

Policies

Summer Session & Academic Engagement Policy

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

Proctored Examinations

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.

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 12 weeks.

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar. Students in online Summer Session courses will have early access the Saturday prior to the course start date to review course content as needed.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Technology Requirements

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

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact summersessiononline@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.

Late Policy

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.

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 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.

Using Generative AI When Completing Coursework

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.