INSTITUTION: |
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COURSE TITLE: |
Introduction to Anthropology |
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COURSE NUMBER: |
ANT 101 |
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NUMBER OF CREDITS: |
3 semester |
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INSTRUCTOR: |
Deborah Newton |
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CONTACT INFORMATION: |
Phone: 406-771-4391 (leave message) e-mail: dnewton@msugf.edu |
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introductory survey of the basic theory and practice of the four classic fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. The focus of the course is on the evolution of the human species, theories of early culture, reconstruction of the past through archaeological analysis and structure, and use of language and its relationship to culture. The student will become familiar with the basic concepts of anthropology, its sub-disciplines, methods used to study and understand other cultures, and the general theories of culture.
II. COURSE MATERIALS:
Text: Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity, 10th edition.Conrad Kottak. McGraw-Hill Publishers. ISBN: 0-07-283705-5
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate an understanding of the following concepts:
1. Anthropology in general and specifically the characteristics of the major sub-disciplines of anthropology.
2. Evolutionary theory as it applies to all forms of life, including natural selection and the principles of heredity and variability.
3. Theories of primate evolution and the emergence of Homo Sapiens.
4. The concept and characteristics of culture, including cultural relativism.
5. Social organization and structure, including economics, gender issues, marriage and the family, kinship, and politics.
6. Communication and language and how they have contributed to culture change.
7. Current applications of anthropology.
IV. COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Chapter 1: What is Anthropology
2. Chapter 2: Applied Anthropology
3. Chapter 3: Ethics and Methods in Physical Anthropology and Archaeology
4. Chapter 4: Evolution and Genetics
5. Chapter 5: The Primates
6. Chapter 6: Primate Evolution
7. Chapter 7: Early Hominids
8. Chapter 8: Modern Humans
9. Chapter 9: Human Diversity and “Race”
Midterm examination – chapter 1-9
10. Chapter 12: Ethics and Methods in Cultural Anthropology
11. Chapter 13: Culture
12. Chapter 14: Ethnicity
13. Chapter 15: Language and Communications
14. Chapter 16: Making a Living
15. Chapter 17: Political Systems
16. Chapter 18: Families, Kinship and Descent
17. Chapter 19: Marriage
18: Chapter 20: Gender
19. Chapter 21: Religion
Final
examination – Chapters 12-21
V. COURSE EVALUATION
Participation/Discussions: Participation is mandatory. You will begin by posting an autobiography in the Discussion area so that you have the opportunity to get to know other students in the class. See Course Logistics for the first assignment.
There will also be discussion topics posted – you should post your response to each discussion question(s) by the due date on the schedule. These responses should be written in complete sentences using correct grammar and punctuation. The discussion responses should add something to the current discussion – either in responding to the initial question or in responding to another student’s comments. The discussion responses will be worth 10 points. No points will be given for responses posted after the due date. Please post your responses to the appropriate topic in the discussion area.
Homework Assignments: There will be homework assignments for most
of the chapters. Homework assignments
will be posted in the assignment drop box.
To receive full credit, post your responses in the assignment drop box
by the scheduled due date. In general,
assignments are due by
Presentation/Field Trip: Each student will take a field trip to an
anthropological museum or site. A presentation will be prepared on the field
trip and posted in the discussion area for the entire class to view. A list of
appropriate sites will be provided (including some virtual museums) but it will
not be an all-inclusive list. The field trip location must be approved by
the instructor so that you all do not visit the same site. Your field trip
presentation should include pictures, the name and a description of the site,
and a short summary of what you learned from the visit. The field trip
presentation will be worth 50 points. Your text should be in paragraph
form using correct grammar and punctuation. Pictures should include captions. Presentations
will not be graded if they are submitted after the due date.
Exams: There will be two take home exams – a midterm and a final. These will consist of short answer/essay questions.
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
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A |
92 – 100% |
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B |
82 – 91% |
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C |
72 – 81% |
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D |
62 – 71% |
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F |
61% and below |
VI. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR ONLINE COURSES
Special Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in their classes. If you would like to use accommodations for this class, please contact Jill Davis, Disability Services Coordinator, in Academic Resources to make arrangements.
E-mail. The instructor’s e-mail will be checked regularly every day during the semester. Students who have questions regarding course content, procedures or problems should send questions to me via the mail area.
Class Liability. Please keep all messages sent to the whole class related to course content. When e-mailing the class, do not e-mail phone numbers or addresses unless it is being e-mailed directly to a specific individual or the instructor. This maintains student privacy. Please realize that the College and/or this instructor cannot and will not be held responsible for the content of any personal messages sent from one student directly to another student using this e-mail delivery system. It is expected that all students will adhere to accepted codes of ethical, personal and civil conduct when communicating online, using e-mail, or engaging in any real time online chat sessions. Failure to abide by such codes of conduct and etiquette will result in expulsion from the course with a failing grade.
Technical problems, assignment delivery, etc. Each student is encouraged to make hard copies of assignments. Technical problems, computer crashes and disasters are bound to happen. Please notify the instructor as soon as possible if you are having technical problems so that arrangements can be made for you to keep up with the course. It is the responsibility of the student to access the course on another computer in the event of hardware or software problems. If you cannot get to a computer to contact the instructor about computer problems, please contact the Business Department Administrative Assistant on campus, and leave a message for the instructor.
Miscellaneous information about online courses. Students often have the misconception that taking an online course is easier since you don’t have to "be in class." What is true is that online classes are more convenient, not easier. These courses require more personal involvement, and more work on the part of the student. Don’t put off assignments – it is important that you treat this as a regular class and set aside time to devote to it on a daily basis, just as you would if you were going to a classroom. If you find yourself getting behind, please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that we can work together to get you back on track. Do not wait until the end of the semester and then expect you will be able to make up 10 chapters - it just doesn't work.