ANTH& 206 - Cultural Anthropology

Credits: 5
Study of the field of sociocultural anthropology with emphasis on the nature of culture, types of social systems in society, and the way they work. Includes theoretical and methodological issues in anthropology and ethnographic studies, while examining cross-cultural perspectives.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101;or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science and Diversity

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe some of the main theoretical perspectives of cultural anthropology and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills required to critically examine ethnographic works.
Develop an understanding of some of the main methodological techniques of cultural anthropology and identify appropriate uses of these methods in the study of cultural diversity.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the concept of culture.
Display a basic understanding of the concept of cultural relativism and apply this concept to both anthropological and real world situations.
Show a basic understanding of the concept of cross cultural comparison and develop an expanded awareness of different world views while challenging ethnocentrism.
Develop an increased knowledge of some principles of critical thinking and analysis particularly those relevant to increased cross-cultural understanding and communication.

Program Outcomes

Define the anthropological concept of cultural relativism.
Identify the holistic perspective.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.