Anthropology 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

SYLLABUS

Anthropology 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Fall 2013

Professor Mandana Limbert

Office: Powdermaker 315F

Telephone: (718) 997-5526

Mondays/Wednesdays 9:15-10:30 and 10:45-12:00

Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30-2:00 and by appointment

e-mail: mlimbert@qc.cuny.edu

Course Description:

The aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the central themes, concepts, and methods of cultural anthropology. Cultural anthropology explores human diversity as well as human similarities. Students will learn about the richness of human diversity and the ways that anthropologists have examined that diversity. We will also develop our ability to look at those things we most take for granted in new ways. We will examine topics such as the concept of culture, methods of cultural anthropology, language, economic and political systems, kinship, gender, and race, ritual and religion, as well as colonialism and globalization. Through discussions of these themes in the context of specific studies and by understanding their cultural and historical underpinnings, students will learn to analyze their own and others' assumptions about the how they live in the world. Come to class prepared to think and to be challenged!

Course Organization:

This course is organized as a lecture course. However, it also requires all students to come to class prepared to discuss and raise questions about the readings. Students must complete the readings for the day before coming to class. Every week is divided into two clear parts. On Mondays, students will be required to have completed a chapter in the textbook. On Wednesdays, students will be required to have read additional assigned articles from the volume Conformity and Conflict and/or from Blackboard. The articles complement the textbook chapters and lectures by providing short ethnographic examples from around the world and will be the basis of our discussions.

Guidelines and Make-Up Policy:

In the interest of fairness and creating a good learning environment, the class will follow a number of basic ground-rules and guidelines:

a) No computers or electronic devices allowed in class.

b) No chatting or "loud" food. If you are disrupting the class, I will ask you to leave.

c) There are no make-up exams unless you have had or are having a verifiable dire emergency AND you have contacted me via email BEFORE the