Download Midterm study guide The midterm will be worth 100 points. As stated

ANTH 445/Seminar in Anthropology
Fall 2012/Applied Anthropology
Dr. Roberts
Midterm study guide
The midterm will be worth 100 points. As stated on the syllabus it will be comprised of a combination of objective
questions (e.g., multiple choice, true-false), short answers and essays. Although the balance will probably be about half
objective questions and half short answer/essay questions I cannot yet say for sure. I’ll say it again: this is the capstone
course for the major and I’m struggling with the thought of even giving you any multiple-choice or true-false questions.
A word to the wise: if you have not kept up with the readings then I strongly advise that you immerse yourself in them
now. That is where I’ll derive the “meat” of the “objective” questions and where you’ll find substance you’ll need to
incorporate into your short answers and essays. Vacuous and fatuous exam responses will be met swiftly with
overwhelming force and copious amounts of red ink – so much that you will undoubtedly be shocked and awed, dude.
Here are some things to think about as you study.
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Be able to give a cogent definition of applied anthropology.
Based upon readings, class discussion, and the AAA video “Anthropology: Real Careers, Real People” you should
be able to describe in some detail applied examples from all 4 anthropological subfields.
Based upon readings and class discussion you should be able to discuss the history of applied anthropology in
the United States and how it varies from the history of applied anthropology in other countries. You should then
be able to suggest some reasons why these differences exist.
o Hint: look closely at Baba & Hill’s article on Global Encounters and Chamber’s Post Vietnam Era article.
Based upon readings and class discussion you should be able to identify and discuss the settings in which
applied anthropology is likely to be found as well as the roles that applied anthropologists perform and some of
the strategies they pursue in executing these roles.
You should be very familiar with the American Anthropological Association code of ethics.
Be aware of the special ethical challenges presented by field research or applied work in conflict zones.
o You have two examples of that in Elisabeth Wood’s article on El Salvador and Omidian’s book on
Afghanistan.
You should be able to explain what policy is and how/why anthropologists have/have not been involved in policy
formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
What are some of the theoretical and methodological challenges of studying public policy?
Familiarize yourself with the concepts “studying up” and “studying through”, which are both discussed in the
policy readings. How does Janine Wedel’s concept of shadow elites illustrate the notion of studying up?
What role(s) did colonialism play in the development of applied anthropology?
What are some of the problems created by anthropology’s association with colonialism?
o Hint: Forget Pels. Concentrate instead on Lewis’ article (and the comments) as well as the additional one
by Kathleen Gough – Anthropology and Imperialism—I put on the online syllabus. Once again think
about the historical context of when they were written.
What can we learn from anthropology’s involvement with the military through time?
o Hint: Look VERY closely at David Price’s articles.
o Think about the distinction between anthropologists participating in war efforts as citizens or military
personnel versus participating as professional anthropologists. There is a big difference.
Be familiar with the brief but significant history of the Human Terrain System.
Does Montgomery McFate present a convincing argument for the involvement of sociocultural anthropologists
in the Human Terrain Teams? Why/why not?