AN 210: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Professor: Dillon Carr, Ph.D.
Office: 201-F White Hall
Phone: 616-234-4284
E-mail: dcarr@grcc.edu
Office Hours: Monday 12:15-1:15; Tuesday 12:45-2:15; Thursday 12:45-2:15 Required Texts: Essentials of Cultural Anthropology, Garrick Bailey and James Peoples. 2nd edition. Cengage. ISBN:978-0-84003-275-1
Mad Dogs, Englishmen, and the Errant Anthropologist: Fieldwork in Malaysia, Douglas Raybek, Waveland Press. ISBN: 978-0-88133-906-2
As Strong as the Mountains: A Kurdish cultural journey, Robert L. Brenneman. Waveland Press. ISBN: 978-1-57766-477-2
Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali, Kris Holloway. Waveland Press. ISBN: 978-1-57766-435-2
Optional Texts: None
Course Description: This course introduces students to Cultural Anthropology.
Course Goals
This course serves as an introduction to Cultural Anthropology, one of the four anthropological sub-fields. One of the main goals of cultural anthropology is to understand and appreciate the diversity of human cultural systems. Throughout the semester we will survey the different theories and methods, such as ethnography, that are employed by cultural anthropologists to study culture. Students will also become familiar with a variety of general concepts including the role of language and culture, how and why kinship patterns are organized, and the effects of globalization on world cultures today. Both anthropological theory and specific case studies are used to highlight the application of these concepts in contemporary anthropological practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the semester students who have adequately completed the course should:
Understand the concept of ethnocentrism and recognize its implications within a global society.
Developed specific critical thinking skills that will enable them to view culture holistically.
Understand how the distinctive parts of culture