LAVC Fall Semester 2016

ANTHROPOLOGY 102 – HUMAN WAYS OF LIFE: CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Section # 1129 TH 9:40am-11:05am B2

Instructor: Eugene Sky Scott

Office: AHS 306

Hours: M 7-8am, T 11am-12:30pm, W 1-2pm

Phone: 1.818.947.2600 x4928

Email: (For class purposes only!)

Course Description:

Cultural Anthropology documents and tries to explain or interpret the fascinating variability of the world’s diverse peoples, races, ethnicities, and/or societies. The diverse peoples of the world now interact more frequently and intensively than ever before. The main reasons for this increasing interdependence of peoples and nations include: internationalization of the global economy, immigration patterns, cultural exchanges between countries and nations, worldwide spread of consumer culture, new forms of conflict and terrorism. Anthropology has much to contribute in an era of multiculturalism and multinationalism. More importantly, anthropology makes those who study it aware of how their own lives are affected by such globo-cultural forces.

Course Objectives:

In this course, I will attempt to convey the life-enriching as well as educational value of discovering these varied cultural forces. In the process of discovery, I hope students will experience a change in their attitudes about other cultures and about humankind in general. I also hope anthropology will lead students to reconsider their own identities as individuals, as cultural beings, and as members of an increasingly global human community. If anything at all, it is hoped students of this course will learn the oldest anthropological lesson of all: that their own values, worldviews, and behaviors are a product of their upbringing in a particular human group.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to discuss other cultures in a non-ethnocentric manner.

Students with Disabilities – If you are a student with a disability requiring classroom accommodations and have not yet contacted Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) do so as soon as possible. SSD is located in the Student Services Annex room 175. You can also call SSD at (818)947-2681 or TTD at (818)947-2680 to meet with a SSD counselor. If SSD has already sent the memo confirming accommodations, please meet with me to discuss arrangements.

Educational Beliefs:

In general, the purpose of education is to make the world a better place for all of us. Students must be taught to understand that they play a key role in attaining this goal. To do this, I organize my lecture to relate its content to contemporary social issues. By studying content that reflects real life situations, students learn to adapt to a changing society and to intervene where necessary. The main purpose of education is to teach students how to think critically and effectively, question authority. As they interact with course content, students must learn general intellectual skills such as observing, classifying, analyzing, and synthesizing. In this way, students gain intellectual autonomy. A positive learning experience is the goal. Learning anthropological concepts are the objectives to the goal.

Method of Instruction:

This course is a basic Text reading/lecture/test format.

The lecture is based on the book. Anthropology is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary therefore; rather than lecturing from the book, class time will be spent discussing the book content as related to various subjects both directly and indirectly. Thus, the class is an open forum. It is not my responsibility to cover everything in the book. You will be responsible for things in the book/on the test not covered in lecture. My role as instructor is not as expert or formal authority. My role is facilitator and resource consultant. You are responsible for your own learning and eventual grade earned.

Course Requirements:

1.  Open mind/Willingness to learn (see student expectations)

2. Textbook: CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY –Kottak ltst ed.

Reading of assigned chapters is mandatory. Yes, you need to read the book! All lectures and tests will be based on the textbook.

3.  Four tests 50 pts. each

4.  Term Paper/Essay Assignment- Topic = Mini Ethnography (culture scene) see handout 25 pts. Due day of third test.

5.  Homework: Two mini essays 10pts./One Internet Activity 5 pts.

Grades for the semester will based on a total point accumulation. There is 250 points possible in the class. Grades will be based on a ten percentile straight scale:

A=90% 225-250pts.

B=80% 200-224pts.

C=70% 175-199pts.

D=60% 150-174pts

F=50%

Student Expectations:

Education is a precious commodity in the 21st century. If you don’t want to be here, give your seat to somebody who does. If you decide to stay, there are certain responsibilities and expectations that come with community college enrollment. First is a commitment to yourself. Second is a commitment to this class. This involves a true self-evaluation of your current life and available study time.

Time management (see catalog, Units of Work/Study Load)

Time management is a students’ greatest nemesis. The maximum study load is 18 units during a regular semester. The normal class load for students in the fall or spring semester is 12 units for full-time students. Full-time status is equal to a 40-hour workweek. Those students who will be employed while attending college should consider reducing their programs accordingly. It is suggested those students who are employed full-time should enroll in no more than one or two classes or 9 units maximum. You simply can’t do it even though your youthful arrogance may convince you otherwise. This course requires reading, re-reading, integration, contemplation, and reinforcement. Also, an evaluation of your personal life and/or potential crises is prudent (i.e.: unstable households, roommates, girlfriends/boyfriends, transportation issues, etc.)

Simply being in school is not enough. Once you’ve evaluated your time commitment, your attitude will play an important roll in the grade you receive for the semester. An open mind and willingness to learn is key. If you don’t like this course or instructor, drop it! Make way for someone who cares.

Attendance Statement and Drop Policy (see catalog)

Attendance is your commitment to class performance. Poor attendance equals poor class performance. Being on time to class is a professional and personal courtesy not only to me but also to your fellow classmates. Students should attend every meeting of all classes for which they register. Students who are pre-registered in a class and miss the first meeting will lose their right to a place in the class. Students are responsible for officially dropping a class that they stop attending. Students must abide by deadlines posted in the schedule of classes every semester. See section “Dropping classes.” A grade will be assigned to students who are enrolled past the end of the 11th week even if they stop attending class, except in cases of extenuating circumstances.

Class Behavior

Talking in class during lecture or video presentations is rude and strongly discouraged.

Please turn off or silent phones during class meeting times. I expect your undivided attention. Be here now!

First violation – Verbal warning

Second violation – Verbal referral

Third violation – SD Form

Academic Honesty Policy

Students are expected to abide by ethical standards set forth by the institution. See catalog.

Note: Cheating and plagiarism, although generally accepted within the high school experience, will not be tolerated. Students suspected of violation will be referred to academic affairs for possible SUSPENSION!

Incomplete Statement (see catalog)

Incomplete academic work for enforceable, emergency, and justifiable reasons at the end of the term may result in an “I” symbol being entered in the student record. The condition for removal of the” I” shall be determined by the instructor in a written record. Incompletes will only be considered prior to the last week of the semester.

Also see catalog for policies regarding: student responsibilities, student rights, withdrawals, etc.

Students are responsible for reading of all assigned chapters.

Students are required to take all four tests on assigned days (see schedule below). All tests are mandatory. Make-up tests will only be considered under extenuating circumstances determined by the instructor.

Students are required to submit all assignments on due dates. Late assignments will only be accepted under extenuating circumstances determined by the instructor.

These are the minimum expectations and/or requirements for the average (“c”) student.

Studies have shown regular attendance, active note taking of lecture material, and thorough reading of chapters result in above average grades.

SCHEDULE (subject to change without notice)

WEEK 1 / Introduction, Syllabus, First Lecture Ch. 1), Question and Answer
WEEK 2 / “Culture” concept lecture (Ch. 2), Video presentation – Millenium
WEEK 3 / Handout – “Nacirema” ,Ethnography lecture (Ch. 3), Homework -
Critical Thinking essay
WEEK 4 / Applied Anthropology lecture, Test #1 Chapters 1-4
WEEK 5 / Review/Feedback, Handout – Fieldwork,
Question and Answer
WEEK 6 / Lecture – Ethnicity and Race (Ch.6), DVD, Discussion
WEEK 7 / Lecture Ethnicity/Economic Systems lecture (Ch.7), Homework assignment-
Internet Activity
WEEK 8 / Lecture, Test #2 Chapters 6 & 7
WEEK 9 / Review/Feedback, Lecture Chapter 8 Political Systems
WEEK 10 / Lecture Chapter 9 Kinship
WEEK 11 / Lecture Chapter 10 Marriage
WEEK 12 / Kinship and Marriage DVD, Discussion
WEEK 13 / Lecture, Test #3 Chapters 8-10
Paper Due
WEEK 14 / Review/Feedback, Religion lecture(Ch. 12) ,
WEEK 15 / Last lectures Chapter 14 & 15 The Modern World/Globalization,
Homework assignment – Critical Thinking essay
WEEK 16 / Finals