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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 1105)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
Cultural anthropology is the study of contemporary and historically recent human societies and cultures. The main focus of this field is culture-the customs and beliefs of human groups. Anthropologists are especially fascinated by the great variety of the world's people and cultures; therefore, describing and attempting to understand and explain this cultural diversity is one of the discipline's major objectives. During the semester, you will examine the concept of culture, the diversity in adaptive strategies; diversity in kinship, marriage and family; economic systems; ideas about gender; political life; relationships with the supernatural; and social inequalities cross-culturally.
Topical Outline:
1. Anthropological methods and theory
2. Cultural variation (e.g., subsistence, economic strategies, political systems, kinship)
3. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
4. Power and inequality
5. Globalization and colonialism
Learning Outcomes:
1. Examine their own attitudes about the power of culture in shaping their views of the world
2. Discuss similarities and differences among various cultures, including their own
3. Analyze socio-cultural dynamics through the lens of "power"
4. Apply anthropological constructs, terminology, and perspectives to case studies
5. Describe the impact of colonialism and modernization in today's world
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC: