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Anthropology 045 - Section 002
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Penn State University – Abington College
Fall Semester 2011
Jeffrey Ratcliffe
Class Schedule: T Th 3:00 – 4:15
Class Location: 204 Sutherland
Course Web Site: http://web.mac.com/jay.are
Office Hours: T Th 2:00 – 3:15
Office Location: 310B Sutherland
E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description: This course presents an introductory look at the study of culture and society. Throughout
the semester, we will explore the intellectual tools used in anthropology in order to better understand the link
between local level events and the global community in which these events play out. From a holistic perspective, we
will examine key facets of society cross-culturally. An introductory text exposes the student to key anthropological
areas of inquiry. We also use a variety of anthropological readings that engage these themes as they play out in
various parts of the world among many different societies. Specifically, this course addresses anthropological
fieldwork, the ‘culture’ concept, language, social structure, economics, politics, gender, race, religion, modernity
and globalization. We will also look at the subdisciplines of medical anthropology, the anthropology of food and
nutrition, and urban anthropology. The goals of this course include: 1) Providing the student with an understanding
of the key concepts and theories in cultural anthropology. 2) Encouraging the student to look critically at the study
of world cultures while examining social issues cross culturally. 3) Developing the student’s critical reading and
writing skills.
Required Books:
1. Spradly, James and David W. McCurdy. 2011. Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology.
Allyn and Bacon.
2. Lavenda, Robert H. and Emily A. Schultz. 2007. Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology. McGraw-Hill.
You will also have additional readings that can be accessed using the “Cultural” page of the course website. On the
bottom left side of the page, click the link for “Course Readings.” You will then need to enter username
“anthropology” and the password “boas” – and please note that these are both case sensitive.
Expectations: Students must regularly attend class, and actively participate in class. Active participation requires
the student to be current on his or her reading assignments. Furthermore, the student should be able to apply this
knowledge in the classroom setting.
Grades: The grading criterion for the semester breaks down in the following:
70% - Exams
20% - In-class
10% Reading Quizzes
Students can find their grades beginning after the first exam on the course website. A pdf grade book will be posted
for this section that displays all class grades and an overall course average. Note: because this is an uploaded pdf
file, this is not a constantly updated total. Updated grade books will be uploaded periodically throughout the
semester. When final grades are calculated, the instructor will use the following grade scale:
100–94 =
93–90 =
89–87 =
A
AB+
86–84
83–80
79–77
=
=
=
B
BC+
76–70
69–60
59–0
=
=
=
C
D
F
What is an A? An A grade is not the default grade for this course. Students who receive an A have produced high
quality work and have excelled on exams. To achieve this grade level, students will need to complete all of the
assigned readings, put ample time into studying, and attend class regularly. An A- grade is still an above average
grade that will require diligent work from the student.
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What is a B? At the college level, the B grade is the average grade and should be where all students shoot to be at or
above. This grade indicates that the student performed average on assignments and exams, and is very much
reflective of the work the student put into the class. A grade of B+ is a little above average, and a grade of B- is a
little below average.
What is a C? The C grade is the official pass/fail line in college grading systems. Though many believe the C to be
the average grade, this thinking is incorrect. If a student receives below a 2.0 they likely won’t get credit for the
course, and a GPA of below 2.0 will land a student on academic probation. To receive a C grade, the student will
likely not complete their readings, will miss several classes, and will do the bare minimum in studying for exams (ie.
cramming).
What is a D? The D is a very rare grade at the college level. This grade reflects very poor attendance and little or no
work (reading and studying) done by the student outside of class.
What is an F? An F is obviously a failing grade, but what does it mean to fail? Well, the student will miss a majority
of classes, will not prepare for class at all, and will not study for exams. You want to avoid these grades at all cost,
as the have a hugely negative impact on your cumulative GPA.
Exams: The semester is divided into three sections that each culminate in an exam. Exams will be Scantron and
will consist of a variety of questions (multiple choice, true/false, matching, etc.). A review for each exam can be
found on the course website. Exams will be graded within one week of the exam date. Please do not contact the
instructor regarding exam grades before this time span. The exam schedule is as follows:
Exam #1 – Tuesday September 20th
Exam #2 – Thursday October 13th
Exam #3 – TBA
In-Class: For in-class points, attendance will be regularly taken. Each class where attendance is taken will be
worth 3 points. The student will have other opportunities to accumulate points. These include, but are not limited to:
1) Bonus points for engaging discussions, 2) Participate in activities that involve concepts covered in class lectures,
3) Short written responses to class lectures, reading materials, and/or films, or 4) Quizzes. These exercises can only
be handed in/completed in class and cannot be made up in case of an unexcused absence.
Reading Quizzes: Each student will be required to take six short quizzes on Angel. The quizzes will be based
on the assigned readings from Conformity and Conflict for that week (each quiz states exactly which readings).
Quizzes will be available to be taken immediately after the class previous to when the reading assignment is due,
and must be completed before the class when the assignment is due. After that point, the quiz expires and will not be
available. If you miss a quiz, you cannot make it up. The instructor will throw out the one lowest grade out of the six
quizzes.
**There are no schedule in-class quizzes, but the instructor reserves the right to give unannounced quizzes. These
pop-quizzes will be based on reading assignments.
Extra Credit: IF YOU PLAN TO DO EXTRA CREDIT PAPERS, PLEASE CLOSELY READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
The student has the opportunity to raise his/her grade through extra credit papers. To receive extra credit the student
must submit a research paper that meets the following criteria:
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Papers must be at least 2 full pages (not including heading) and no more than 8 full pages
All papers must be double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman
All margins must remain standard and no spacing in between paragraphs
Papers must cite all sources both in the body of the paper and on a works cited page. Use APA format.
Papers cannot use www.wikipedia.org as a source.
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!!
Papers that do not meet these criteria will be returned with no credit.
The instructor awards extra credit in percentage form, and grades each paper for its own merit. For example, you
write a 2 ½ page paper on a holiday and receive a + .3%. That .3% is then added to your final grade for the course.
Please note that not all papers will receive the same grade.
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The instructor establishes grades based on the quality of the material. So you will be rewarded if you write an
insightful, thoroughly researched paper. On the other hand, you will not receive much extra credit if you simply
splice together a few paragraphs of disjointed sentences from various links you found on the Internet. The moral is
that you get out of this exercise what you put into it.
You can do up to 15%, and you can submit up papers during any class period up until the final exam period. Extra
credit will not be accepted after the final exam. Papers can be on the following topics:
1) The student may research any of the holidays listed in the syllabus, and write an informational report on
the history and cultural significance of the holiday. In your paper, you should also link the holiday to topics
covered in class and in the course readings. Only holidays listed in the syllabus are eligible for this
assignment. You can choose any of the holidays regardless of the date you submit the paper.
2) Students attending cultural events or anything else that pertain to anthropology may write papers that
both describe the event and connect it to our course work using our text books. This is a field-based project
– meaning that you must attend, observe, and/or participate. Please submit a 1-paragraph proposal to verify
your topic with the instructor previous to submitting the paper.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism: From the Penn State Abington web site:
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. Academic
integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at the Pennsylvania State University, and all
members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this
expectation, the University's Code of conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect
other student's dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can
succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or
deception. Such acts of dishonest violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and
compromise the worth of work completed by others.
The following practices constitute, for the purposes of this policy, violations of Academic Integrity.
Cheating - Using a crib sheet; preprogramming a calculator; using books or notes during a closed book
exam, etc.
Copying on a Test - Looking at another unsuspecting student's exam and copying; copying in a complicit
manner with another student; exchanging color-coded exams for the purpose of copying; passing answers
via notes; discussing answers in exam, etc.
Plagiarism - The fabrication of information and citations; submitting others' work from professional
journals, books articles papers, and the Internet; submission of other students' papers or lab results or
project reports and representing the work as one's own; fabricating in part or total, submissions and citing
them falsely, etc.
Acts of Aiding or Abetting - Facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others; unauthorized collaboration
of work; permitting another to copy from one's exam; writing a per for another; inappropriately
collaborating on a home assignment or exam without permission or when prohibited, etc.
Unauthorized Possession - Of examinations, through purchase or supply; stealing exams; failing to return
exams on file; selling exams; photocopying exams; buying exams; any possession of an exam without the
custodian's permission, etc.
Submitting Previous Work - Submitting a paper, case study, lab report or any assignment that had been
submitted for credit in a prior or concurrent course without the knowledge and permission of the instructor.
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Tampering With Work - Changing one's own or another student's work product such as lab results, papers,
or test answers; tampering with work either as a prank or to sabotage another's work.
Ghosting - Taking a quiz, an exam, performing a laboratory exercise or similar evaluation in place of
another; having another take a quiz, an exam, or perform an exercise or similar evaluation in place of
oneself, etc.
Altering Exams - Changing incorrect answers on graded exams or other forms of evaluation when they are
passed back to students for in-class review; changing the letter and/or numerical grade on a test, etc.
Computer Program Theft - Electronic theft of computer programs, data or text belonging to another, etc.
A student caught committing any of these violations will be subject to a sanction ranging from a documented
official warning to failure of the course. In extreme cases, or in the case of more than two previous violations,
students may be subject to formal university disciplinary action.
A student has the right to contest an instructor's accusation and/or sanction and may seek a hearing before the
College Academic Integrity Committee.
Classroom Culture: Certain topics may touch on sensitive areas for some students. However, the classroom is
a setting for both exchanging and critiquing ideas. Keep in mind that a “critique” is an analysis of an argument, and
not a criticism or personal attack on an individual. It is important to be respectful, and to avoid emotionally driven
outbursts.
Visuals: In order to provide another dimension to the course, the films God Grew Tired of Us, Roger and Me,
Journey of Man, and Super Size Me will be shown. These films represent a visual form of text that can be critically
analyzed.
Policy on Absences: Absences will be excused only if the instructor is presented with legitimate
documentation. All other absences will be deemed unexcused, and the student will not be able to make up any inclass/other points from that particular class. Please note that work is not an excusable absence.
Make-up Exams and Late Assignments: Make-up quizzes and/or exams will only be given to students
who have an excused absence (family death, extreme illness, or other unforeseen events). The excuse must be
presented to the instructor no more than 48 hours after the exam in written form in order to be granted a make-up
exam or assignment extension. Assignments are considered late starting at the end of the class period that they are
due. Late assignments will be penalized.
Drop/Adds: In congruence with University Registrar policy, regardless of when students add the class, they are
responsible for all material and responsibilities as mandated by the course syllabus. Students who would like to drop
the class must do so before the designated drop period ends.
Incompletes and Withdrawals: No incomplete grades will be given to students without a written medical
excuse. Students must withdrawal before the withdrawal deadline.
Communicating with Instructor: When sending emails please indicate the topic of the email in the subject
line. For example, if you are writing regarding your first exam grade, the subject line should read something like
“Exam 1 Grade.” After the body of the email, please indicate your name, school, course, and section like so:
Jim Smith, PSU Abington
ANTH 101, section 002
Emails sent Tuesday morning through 3 pm Thursday will be responded to within 24 hours. Emails sent Thursday
evening through Sunday evening will be responded to on Tuesday. Any verbal communications with the professor
about absences, problems, etc. should be followed up with email for documentation purposes.
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Ground Rules:
1. Always be sure to finish all assigned readings before class. Being familiar with the material will greatly
increase your ability to actively participate in class.
2. Let me know if you have any disabilities that interfere with your learning experience. I will be more than
happy to assist in meeting your needs.
3. Be sure to be on time to class. Please do not walk into class late.
4. Plan to be in class for the duration of the designated time schedule. Students who leave early will be counted
as absent for the class period.
5. No electronic devices in class. Electronic devices include cellular phones, laptops, iPods/MP3 players, or
portable video gaming devices. Any time a cellular phone rings during class time, the entire class will be given
a pop quiz.
6. Save your handouts.
7. Always submit hard copies of papers, as I DO NOT accept papers via email.
8. If you have any problems regarding the class, communicate them to me. Student input is greatly appreciated.
9. Students who miss class are responsible for the material covered in that class. The instructor will not provide
notes on lectures to students who have missed class. Get telephone numbers or e-mail addresses of classmates
so you can get the notes for the missed class(es).
10. Set aside 2-3 hours of study time for every hour spent in class.
Course Schedule:
WEEK I
Tuesday August 23, 2011
Black Ribbon Day – Lithuania
By Way of an Introduction
 Introductions; Go over syllabus
Thursday August 25, 2011
Dia do Soldado – Brazil
What’s Anthropology?
 Overview of the discipline
 Power points – Lesson 1
Reading:
 Chapter 1 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
WEEK II
Tuesday August 30, 2011
Agou – Voudon
So What Exactly do Anthropologists do?
 Discuss the role of the anthropologist and the process of fieldwork
 Power points – Lesson 2
Reading:
 Readings 2 and 5 in Conformity and Conflict
 READING QUIZ #1
Thursday September 1, 2011
Foundation Day – Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
The Lost Boys
 Watch God Grew Tired of Us
WEEK III
Tuesday September 6, 2011
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Bonaire Day – Bonaire
The Lost Boys
 Finish watching and discuss God Grew Tired of Us
Thursday September 8, 2011
Dia de Asturias – Spain
WEEK IV
Tuesday September 13, 2011
International Chocolate Day
The Overarching Concept of Culture
 Discuss and debate the culture concept
 Power points – Lesson 3
Reading:
 Chapter 2 and pp. 56-59 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
 Readings 3 and 33 in Conformity and Conflict
 READING QUIZ #2
Thursday September 15, 2011
Cochabamba Local Festival – Bolivia
Talking about Talking (and other elements of language)
 Discussion of the physical characteristics of language; discuss forms of communication
 Power points – Lesson 4
Reading:
 Chapter 3 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
WEEK V
Tuesday September 20, 2011
Liberation Day – East Timor
EXAM #1
Thursday September 22, 2011
Birthday of Princess Martha Louise – Norway
What does Subsistence Mean?
 Explore the concept of subsistence
 Power point – Lesson 5
Reading:
 Chapter 8 (only pp 131-139) in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
 Readings 10 and 11 in Conformity and Conflict
 READING QUIZ #3
WEEK VI
Tuesday September 27, 2011
St. Vincent de Paul Day – Madagascar
Show me the Money!
 Discuss anthropology and economics; Discuss the concepts of distribution, exchange,
reciprocity, trade, redistribution, and market exchange
 Power point – Lesson 6
Reading:
 Chapter 8 (only pp 139-152) in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
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 Readings 15 and 23 in Conformity and Conflict
Thursday September 29, 2011
Michaelmas – United Kingdom
Political Realities
 Explore the political dimensions of society and how people experience politics
 Power point – Lesson 7
Reading:
 Chapter 7 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
 Readings 27 and 29 in Conformity and Conflict
 READING QUIZ #4
WEEK VII
Tuesday October 4, 2011
St. Petronius Day – Italy
A class about class (and other related issues)
 Discuss social stratification, class, caste, status, and roles; Investigate global economic
inequality
 Power point – Lesson 8
Reading:
 Chapter 6 (only pp. 89-100) in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
Thursday October 6, 2011
October Revolution War - Syria
A Brief History of Neoliberalism
 Examine globalization; Discuss neoliberalism as both an economic and hegemonic
ideology; Begin watching the film Roger and Me
Reading:
 Chapter 11 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
 Reading 17 in Conformity and Conflict
WEEK VIII
Tuesday October 11, 2011
Antifascist Uprising Day – Macedonia
Roger and Me (and Us)
 Finish watching and discuss the film Roger and Me
Thursday October 13, 2011
Rwagasore Day – Burundi
EXAM #2
WEEK IX
Tuesday October 18, 2011
Persons Day – Canada
Let’s Talk about Sex
 Explore the concept of sex
 Power point – Lesson 9
Reading:
 Chapter 6 (only pp. 103-107) in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
Thursday October 20, 2011
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Birth of the Bab – Baha’i
Let’s Talk about Gender
 Explore the concept gender; Discuss gender stratification and patriarchy in society
 Power point – Lesson 9
Reading:
 “Sitting on the ‘Outters’ with the Girls, Watching the Boys Play” by Susan Peake
 “Worthless Women” by K. Anne Pyburn
WEEK X
Tuesday October 25, 2011
Thanksgiving Day - Grenada
Family Matters
 Examine the family as a social institution; Discuss marriage practices; Discuss kinship and
descent
 Power point – Lesson 10
Reading:
 Chapters 9 and 10 in Core Concepts
 Readings 18 and 20 in Conformity and Conflict
 READING QUIZ #5
Thursday October 27, 2011
Evacuation Day – Boston
Out of Africa
 Begin watching Journey of Man
WEEK XI
Tuesday November 1, 2011
Puno Jubilee Week – Peru
At Journey’s End
 Conclude watching Journey of Man
Thursday November 3, 2011
Bunka no Hi – Japan
The Social Construction of Race
 Explore the social construction of the biological ‘race’ concept
 Power point – Lesson 11
Reading:
 Reading 25 in Conformity and Conflict
 Chapter 6 (only pp. 100-101) in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
WEEK XII
Tuesday November 8, 2011
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Shikism
Religion and the Supernatural
 Discuss religion, supernatural beings, religious specialists, and rituals and ceremonies
 Power point – Lesson 12
Readings:
 Chapter 5 in Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
 Readings 31 and 32 in Conformity and Conflict
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 READING QUIZ #6
Thursday November 10, 2011
Potosi Local Festival – Bolivia
World Religions
 Discuss Islam, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism
WEEK XIII
Tuesday November 15, 2011
Shichi Go San – Shinto
I’m Lovin’ it!!
 Begin watching Super Size Me
Thursday November 17, 2011
Malabo Fiesta – Equatorial Guinea
Super Size Me, part II
 Finish watching and discuss Super Size Me
WEEK XIV
Tuesday November 22, 2011
Buss und Bettag - Germany
NO CLASS
Thursday November 24, 2011
New Regime Anniversary – Zaire
NO CLASS
WEEK XV
Tuesday November 29, 2011
Liberation Day – Albania
A Fast History of Fast Food
 Everything you ever wanted to know about the fast food industry
 Power point – Lesson 13
Reading:
 Chapters 1 and 2 in Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
Thursday December 1, 2011
Youth Day – Portugal
What does Transnationalism Mean?
 Everything you ever wanted to know about fast food; Explore the phenomenon of
transnationalism; Discuss fast food as an example of the social process of transnationalism;
Discuss how McDonald’s represents more than just a meal in China
 Power point – Lesson 13
Readings:
 “Transnationalism, Localization, and Fast Foods in East Asia” by James L. Watson
WEEK XVI
Tuesday December 6, 2011
Foundation of Quito – Ecuador
What’s Medical Anthropology?
 Discuss medicine and healing; Discuss the sub-discipline of medical anthropology; Discuss
the anthropological study of food and nutrition
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Reading:
 Readings 32 and 37 in Conformity and Conflict
Thursday December 8, 2011
Blessing of the Waters – Uruguay
Ketchup, no Mustard
 Catch up on anything we still need to cover
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