OFFICE HOURS: T and R: 11:30-12:00

M and W: 1:15-3:15

OR BY APPOINTMENT

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

My goal this semester is to provide an introduction to the discipline of anthropology and to the vast body of knowledge which has been generated by anthropologists. An anthropological perspective is a tool useful to individuals regardless of their field of specialty. This course should: provide you with a more holistic perspective on humans; help you develop greater understanding of both past and present human diversity; and lead you to insights concerning contemporary human problems. You should also have a clear idea of what biological anthropology, archaeology and cultural anthropology are and how scholars in these areas contribute to our understanding of Homo sapiens sapiens.

There will be 2 hourly exams and one final exam, each worth 100 points. These will be objective computer graded exams, with the exception of several short answer essay questions related to your outside reading. Make-ups require a written medical excuse or other documentation. There will also be a series of unannounced in class quizzes and exercises worth a total of 100 points. There will be no makeup’s for quizzes and exercises, but your grade will be based upon the 10 best exercises/quizzes.

You are responsible for attending every class. Although I will not take role or mark absences, the no make up policy for quizzes and exercises will require you to attend. If you have to miss class for an extended period of time, please come and see me and we will work something out.

GRADING SUMMARY POINTS POSSIBLE

Exam 1 100 pts.

Exam 2 100 pts.

Final Exam 100 pts.

Quizzes and Exercises 100 pts.

Total 400 pts.

400-360 pts. = A

359-320 pts. = B

319-280 pts. = C

279-260 pts. = D

259 and below = F

READING MATERIALS:

"Anthropology: A Global Perspective" (1998) 3rd edition by Scupin and DeCorse.

"Shadowed Lives: Undocumented Immigrants in American Society" (1992) by Leo R. Chavez

The monograph by Chavez is a case study of a culture in Mexico. You will be required to read this on your own, but there will be a series of short answer essay questions on each exam. The portions of the monograph to be covered in each exam are listed on the syllabus.

UNIT ONE: WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY

1/20 The Discipline of Anthropology

Scupin: Chapter 1, pps.1-12

1/22-27 The Anthropological Perspective

Scupin: Chapter 1, pps.12-18,

Chapter 10, pps.199-215

1/29-2/3 The Role of Fieldwork

Scupin: Chapter 14, pps.283-289,

Anthropologists At Work pps.6, 8, 9, 11,84

2/5-10 Biology vs Culture

Scupin: Chapter 11, pps.216-241

2/12-17 Differences of Opinion: Theories in Anthropology

Scupin: Chapter 16, pps.268-282

2/19 EXAM 1: Chavez pps.vii-20

UNIT 2 HUMAN ORIGINS AND DIVERSITY

2/24 The Scientific Method and Evolution

Scupin: Chapter 2, pps.19-25, 39-42

2/26 Archaeology: Doing It In The Dirt

Scupin: Chapter 3, pps.43-63

3/3 Humans as Primates

Scupin: Chapter 4, pps.64-89

3/5 Hominid Evolution

Scupin: Chapter 5, pps.90-115

Spring Break

3/17 Human Variation

Scupin: Chapter 6, pps.116-134

3/19 Prehistoric Cultures

Scupin: chapter 7, pps.135-154

3/24 Humans Settle Down and Start a Garden

Scupin: Chapter 8, pps.155-177

3/26 Things Get Pretty Complex

Scupin: Chapter 9, pps.178-198

3/31 EXAM 2: Chavez, pps.21-82

UNIT 3 CULTURES TODAY

4/2 Analyzing Sociocultural Systems

Scupin: Chapter 14, pps.283-310

4/7 Band Level Societies

Scupin: Chapter 15, pps.311-333

4/9 Tribal Level Societies

Scupin: Chapter 16, pps.334-361

4/14 Chiefs are not native to Indiana

Scupin: Chapter 17, pps.362-381

4/16 Agricultural States

Scupin: Chapter 18, pps.382-402

4/21 Industrialized Societies

Scupin: Chapter 19, pps.403-429

4/23-30 Global Perspectives and the Role of Anthropology

Scupin: Chapters 20-23, pps.430-527

FINAL EXAM: Chavez pps.83-198