COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

ANTHRO 102

Instructor: Laurie Taylor                                                                                                

Email: ltaylor@marin.edu

Course Description:

This course explores what it means to be human by examining all aspects of human culture and ultimately the nature of culture itself. We will use the ‘Anthropological gaze’ to examine various aspects of culture including gender, ethnicity, kinship, family, religion, art, economics and politics, in other cultures as well as our own. We will also examine the contemporary issues that result from a living in a globalized world. We will explore these and related issues through lectures, ethnographic films, discussions, reading and writing assignments. This is primarily a discussion and lecture-based class, and question asking is highly encouraged!                                                        

Required Text

There is only on required text for this course. You MUST use the correct edition.

• Cultural Anthropology in a Globalizing World, 3rd edition.

Author: Barbara D. Miller

Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc.

• I know that the cost of textbook can be stressful, so I encourage you to consider the Etext (online) version of this book which can be found on the Pearson Higher Education website. You may also use the second edition of the book, but you are responsible for any material not included in the older edition of the text.

Assignments and Exams

Exams

There will be three exams throughout the semester. These Exams will be taken online, and will cover lectures, films, and readings. Exams will not be cumulative, however familiarity with general principles and theories stressed throughout the course is expected.

Assignments

There will be a number of smaller assignments quizzes/written and video assignments required throughout the semester. Failure to complete them on time will result in a grade of zero.

Final Ethnographic Project

There will be a final ethnographic paper/presentation. Details and instructions are provided on the course website under 'Modules'.

Grading

Exams: 300 pts

Assignments: 100 pts

Ethnographic Project: 100 pts

Total points= 500

A= 90-100

B= 80-89

C= 70-79

D= 60-69

F= 60 and below

Academic Honesty 
Students are expected to abide by the code of ethics established by COM, which states, “Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record.” Don’t Cheat. It’s not worth it.