ANTH 120 Comparative World Cultures

This course provides an examination of various facets of social structure, social organization, and social practices in small-scale non-western societies, past and present. The Trobriand Islanders and Ju/'hoansi provide the primary case studies. Basic principles of anthropological examination and archaeological inference will be discussed and utilized in the examination of the customs, values, and beliefs of these communities. Students will have the opportunity to do individual inquiry-led research and thereby gain an understanding and appreciation of a major culture other than their own.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Identify the basic concepts anthropologists use to describe a culture and apply them to a
   variety of global case studies.
2. 2. Analyze the adaptive strategies of a variety of cultures and the effects of these strategies
   upon the environment, including the cultural values and ethical responsibilities placed on the
   environment.
3. 3. Evaluate cultural practices and customs which are different to one’s own.
4. 4. Engage in an exploration of anthropological concepts including core beliefs of kinship, social structure, subsistence, worldview, and globalization in a culture that is different from one’s own.
5. 5. Reflect upon the ethical issues facing small scale societies in a globalized world.
6. 6. Communicate a sense of self through the greater understanding of others.
7. 7. Compare and evaluate variations in the social, economic, and political organization of small-scale societies.
8. 8. Evaluate the culture and cultural values manifested within Spanish-speaking societies of Latin America.
9. 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Identify the basic concepts anthropologists use to describe a culture and apply them to a
   variety of global case studies.
2. 2. Analyze the adaptive strategies of a variety of cultures and the effects of these strategies
   upon the environment, including the cultural values and ethical responsibilities placed on the
   environment.
3. 3. Evaluate cultural practices and customs which are different to one’s own.
4. 4. Engage in an exploration of anthropological concepts including core beliefs of kinship, social structure, subsistence, worldview, and globalization in a culture that is different from one’s own.
5. 5. Reflect upon the ethical issues facing small scale societies in a globalized world.
6. 6. Communicate a sense of self through the greater understanding of others.
7. 7. Compare and evaluate variations in the social, economic, and political organization of small-scale societies.
8. 8. Evaluate the culture and cultural values manifested within Spanish-speaking societies of Latin America.
9. 9. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.