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Texts:
Haviland et al
2010
The Essence of Anthropology Second Edition
Borofsky, Robert
2009 Why a Public Anthropology? (students will receive a digital copy)
Additional course materials will be available to download from this website at least one week before they are discussed in class.
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the dynamic discipline of anthropology as it exists in the contemporary world. Such an understanding requires a historical perspective as well as a broad foundation because anthropology takes as its subject a wide range of topics. This variation is partially a product of anthropologists identifying with one or more of four broadly defined sub-disciplines. These sub-disciplines are biological, archaeological, social/cultural, and linguistic. Questions asked by anthropologists include the evolution of modern humans and primate behavior (biological anthropology); the diversity of languages, their origins, and spread across the planet (linguistic anthropology); documenting and understanding the multiplicity of cultural groups throughout the world (cultural anthropology); and the experiences of past peoples as evidenced through their material remains (archaeological anthropology). This course will demonstrate the vitality of anthropology in our rapidly changing world.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, each student will:
- Apply anthropological concepts and critical reasoning skills to culture, human diversity, and the modern world around you
- Have a detailed knowledge of anthropology’s sub-disciplines, how they have been re-configured over time, and the major methods employed by each
- Understand the evolutionary sequence beginning approximately 5-6 million years ago leading up to modern humans
- Understand the rise of social complexity and the trajectory of economic, political, and legal systems across time and space
- Develop an appreciation for the wide range of cultural perspectives on kinship, domestic life, reproduction, and illness
- Understand how anthropology contributes to the modern world by exploring the development of religions, expressive cultures, and the importance of cross-cultural communication
- Increase their knowledge of the interconnectedness of our world, and how our world is transforming because of globalization and development, migration, and new media
Grading:
Grades will be determined from four tests and four one-page responses. Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to class. Make-up tests and assignments are only granted if arranged prior to the date in this syllabus, or when accompanied by appropriate documentation (i.e. doctor’s note). Your grades will come from the following:
| Three Tests | 60% | (120 possible points) |
| Three response papers | 15% | (30 possible points) |
| Community Action Website | 5% | (10 possible points) |
| Group media projects | 15% | (30 possible points) |
| In-class exercises | 5% | (10 possible points) |
Breakdown of Grading:
Three Tests: Tests will consist of a mix of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer. Each test is worth 40 points and counts for 20% of your final grade. Multiple choice and true/false questions are worth 1 point while short answers are worth 2 points. I will also include one extra credit question worth four points on each test. The tests will be taken during class. Make-ups are allowed for pre-approved reasons or medical emergencies.
[Total Points: 120]
Three Response Papers: Three videos will be shown during the semester. Students will respond to each movie in a one-page paper. These papers will receive grades between 0 and 10. Each paper counts for 5% of your final grade. Specific guidelines and a blank copy of the grading rubric for the response papers are here. Make sure to print off a grading rubric and attach it to each of your response papers. Students will recieve a specific question for each response paper the day a video is shown in class. These papers are for demonstrating your ability
[Total Points: 30]
Community Action Website Project: This project involves each student registering during a 2.5 week period and participating in this online attempt to draw students at various universities together into an intellectual community, the Community Action Website encourages students to consider ethical issues that lie at the interface of anthropology and the contemporary world. Participating in the Community Action Website project helps students improve both their critical thinking and writing skills. By actively addressing important ethical concerns, it provides students with a sense of engagement relating to the broader world as well as an understanding of how students from other universities, with different life-experiences, view the issue being addressed. Because students get involved in the project, it frequently leads to exciting class discussions. By connecting with students' own experiences, the Community Action Website makes anthropology come alive. As part of the project, you will have to pay $10 which includes a free book Why a Public Anthropology. Complete information will be provided during class in early February, for a brief introduction, please look here.
[Total Points: 10]
Group Media Projects: Students will form or be assigned into groups of three to work on a media project. Since this course is a general education requirement, and many students taking it are not anthropology majors or minors, this project seeks to answer the question "how does anthropology intersect with your discipline?" For students who are anthropology majors/minors, the question is "what is your favorite aspect of anthropology?" You will be given class time to work on these projects, and complete instructions and additional resources will be made available prior to the project's due date. Videos will be publicly available online for viewing.
[Total Points: 30]
In-Class Exercises: Five exercises will occur at random intervals throughout the semester. These will take the form of small group conversations after which each student will turn in a short, hand-written paragraph, chart, summary, etc. For instance, when we discuss kinship, each student will create a sample kinship diagram for themselves and turn it in. These exercises are designed to be fun and informative, and will be easy. Once turned in, you will earn full credit automatically. Each exercise will be worth 2 points.
[Total Points: 10]
Total Possible Points: 200
Course Grading Scale: (UF now assigns minus grades!)
A 93-100 A- 90-92.9 B+ 87-89.9 B 84-86.9 B- 80-83.9
C+ 77-79.9 C 74-76.9 C- 70-73.9 D+ 67-69.9 D 64-66.9 D- 60-63.9
E 59.9 and below
Letter Grade |
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
C- |
D+ |
D |
D- |
E |
Total |
186- |
180- |
174- |
168- |
160- |
154- |
148- |
140- |
134- |
128- |
120- |
119.8- |
Attendance and Make-up Policies:
Attendance is not taken in this class, but is highly encouraged. Students not in attendance cannot make up in-class exercises, view videos, or take tests. The only exception to this rule is if you ok an absence with the instructor prior to the absence or produce proper documentation afterwards (e.g. doctor’s note). Other than this stated exception, this policy is non-negotiable.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. As a registered student in this course and at the University of Florida, you have agreed to the following statement:
“I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”
If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating on exams you will receive an automatic zero and will be referred to University administration for disciplinary action. If you have any questions please refer to the University’s Honor Code which is available online at: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/students.html
Student Conduct:
All students must comply with the Student Conduct Code which can found at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/studentguide/studentconductcode.php. Any behavior that interferes with either the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to benefit from the instructional program will not be tolerated. Please turn off cell phones and all other electronic devices before class. Laptops may only be used to take notes. Disruptive students will be asked to leave.
Personal texting during class is not allowed.
Disability Accommodations:
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation. The Disability Resource office is located in 001 Reid Hall. Further information can be found at
www.dso.ufl.edu/drp.
UF Counseling Services: Resources are available on campus for students having personal or goal oriented problems
1. University Counseling Center, 301 Peabody Hall, 392-1575
2. Student Mental Health, Student Health Care Center, 391-1171 (personal counseling)
3. Sexual Assault Recovery Services (SARS), Student Health Care Center, 392-1161
4. Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 392-1601
Semester Calendar:
Week 01 – Class Intro and the Essence of Anthropology
T 08-24 Class Introduction
R 08-26 The Essence of Anthropology – Chapter 01(Lecture 02 Notes)
Week 02 – Evolution and Non-Human Primates
T 08-31 Biology and Evolution – Chapter 02 (Lecture 03 Notes)
R 09-02 Living Primates – Chapter 03 (Lecture 04 Notes)
Week 03 – Evolution of Modern Humans
T 09-07 Human Evolution – Chapter 04 (Lecture 05 Notes)
R 09-09 Movie 01 – [Response Paper 01]
Week 04 – Neolithic Revolution and Emergence of States
T 09-14 Neolithic Revolution – Chapter 05 [Response Paper Due] (Lecture 06 & 07Notes)
R 09-16 The Emergence of Cities and States – Chapter 06 World Culture Timelines
Week 05 – Test 01 and Movie 02
T 09-21 Test 01 – Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
R
09-23 Movie 02 – [Response Paper 02] (Lecture 08 Notes)
Week 06 - Culture: Anthropology's Central Subject
T 09-28 The Characteristics of Culture – Chapter 08 (Lecture 09 Notes)
R 09-30 The Characteristics of Culture – Chapter 08 (Lecture 10 Notes)[Response Paper 02 Due in Class]
Week 07 – Human Diversity: Race & Racism
T 10-05 Modern Human Diversity: Race and Racism – Chapter 07 (Lecture 11 Notes)
R 10-07 The Social Construction of Race – AAA Website of Race (Lecture 12 Notes)
Week 08 – Economic Systems and Identity[Community Action Period Begins]
T 10-12 Subsistence and Exchange – Chapter 11 (Lecture 13 Notes)
R 10-14 Social Identity, Personality, and Gender – Chapter 10 (Lecture 14 Notes)
Week 09 – Identity and Social Organization
T 10-19 Social Identity, Personality, and Gender – Chapter 10 (Lecture 15 Notes)
R 10-21 Kinship and Other Methods of Grouping – Chapter 13 (Lecture 16 Notes)
Week 10 – Sex, Marriage, and Family[Community Action Period Ends]
T 10-26 Sex, Marriage, and Family – Chapter 12 (Lecture 17 Notes)
R 10-28 Movie 03 – [Response Paper 03]
Week 11 – Test 01 and Power
T 11-02 Test 02 - Chapters 8, 7, 11, 10, 13 [Response Paper 03 Due in Class]
R 11-04 No Class
Week 12 – Language, Communication, and Storytelling
T
11-09 Language and Communication – Chapter 9 [Projects Tips] (Lecture 18 Notes)
R
11-11 No Class (Veterans Day)
Week 13 – NO CLASS!
T 11-16 No Class – Work on Group Media Projects
R 11-18 No Class – Work on Group Media Projects
Week 14 – Anthropological Approaches to Religion
T 11-23 Sprituality, Religion, and the Supernatural – Chapter 15 (Lecture 19 Notes)
R 11-25 No Class – Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 15 – Religion and Anthropology in the 21st Century
T 11-30 Sprituality, Religion, and the Supernatural – Chapter 15(Lecture 20 Notes)
R 12-02 Power and Violence & Global Changes & Anthropology – Chapters 14 & 16 (Lecture 21 Notes | Lecture 22 Notes)
Week 16 - Test 03
T 12-07 Test 03 – Chapters 12, 14, 9, 15, 16
