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ANTHR 101: Introduction to Anthropology University of Alberta
LEC A1 – Spring 2016 MTWRF 9:00-10:10AM, CAB 281
Instructor: Dr. Megan J. Highet
Office: H.M. Tory 14-21
Office Hours: Mondays 10:30-12:30 E-mail: [email protected]
Course Description: A general introduction to anthropology through the study of central concepts and key issues, including culture, human cultural development, biological evolution, social organization, cultural theory, symbolic systems and culture change.
Course Prerequisite: None Course Objectives:
1. To familiarize students with the primary concepts and central tenets of anthropology.
2. To foster an appreciation of human biological and cultural diversity.
3. To explore the relevance of anthropological perspectives within academia and beyond.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course students will have enriched their understanding of both the field of anthropology in general, and the human condition in particular. Students will also have had the opportunity to both practice anthropology and to apply theory and knowledge gained from this course to critically consider complex human issues and problems.
Required Reading:
Lavenda, R.H., Schultz, E.A., and Zutter. C. (2016). Anthropology: What Does it Mean to Be Human? (Canadian Edition). New York: Oxford University Press.
Course Requirements:
1) Three Quizzes: equally weighted with a combined course weight of 70%
Dates: May 19, June 1, and June 14
Description: Three quizzes, each consisting of forty question multiple-choice questions are scheduled during regular class time for this course. These exams are non-cumulative and will cover lecture materials, assigned readings, and films shown during class time. Further details regarding these quizzes will be discussed in class and posted on eClass. Examples of questions representative of those that students might expect to encounter on quizzes for this course can be found on the companion website for the textbook (link posted in eClass).
2) Take-Home Final Exam with a course weight of 30%
Due Date: 9a.m. June 16
Description: The final examination for this course will be a take-home, written exam. This exam is cumulative and will require students to synthesize material from lecture materials, assigned readings, and films throughout the semester to fully answer the questions posed in the exam.
Exams are to be submitted as a .doc(x) or .pdf document via email. Assignments received after 9:01am on June 16th will be considered ‘late’ and may not be accepted. Further details regarding the final examination will be discussed in class and posted on eClass.
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Lecture Schedule:DATE LECTURE TOPIC READING
ASSIGNMENT
May 9 Course Introduction
May 10 What is Anthropology and Why Study it? Chapter 1 May 11 Is There Evolutionary Evidence for the Concept of ‘Race’? Chapters 3 and 4 May 12 Film - The Human Family Tree
May 13 Film - The Human Family Tree
May 16 Is ‘Race’ a Biological Reality or a Social Construction?
May 17 Is ‘Race’ a Biological Reality or a Social Construction?
May 18 What are the Ethical Obligations of Anthropologists?
May 19 QUIZ # 1
(All material up to and including May 18th)
May 20 How Are Humans Related to Other Living Primates? Chapter 5
May 23 NO CLASS – VICTORIA DAY
May 24 Guest Lecturer: How do Anthropologists Study the Past? Chapter 7 and pages 194-200 May 25 What Does the Fossil Record Reveal About Human Ancestry? Chapter 6 May 26 What Does the Fossil Record Reveal About Human Ancestry?
May 27 Film - The Mind’s Big Bang
May 30 What is Culture and Is it Unique to Humans? Chapter 2 May 31 Film - A Conversation with Koko
June 1 QUIZ # 2
(All material from May 20th up to and including May 31)
June 2 How Do We Decide Who We Are Related To? Chapter 13 June 3 How Do We Decide Who We Are Related To?
June 6 Film - Guns, Germs, Steel
June 7 Are We Really Better Off Now That We Are ‘Civilized’? Chapters 8 & 12 June 8 How Do Societies Distribute Resources? Chapter 11 June 9 Why Do People Have Such Different Beliefs? Chapter 10 June 10 How is Language a Cultural Phenomenon? Chapter 9 June 13 Film –Pidgin the Voice of Hawaii
June 14 QUIZ #3
(All Material From June 2 up to and including June 13) June 15 Review Material & Take-Home Final Exam Distributed
Student Responsibilities: Students are expected to be up-to-date on assigned readings as lectures are intended to complement rather than reiterate material covered in the textbook. Please be aware that films may not available for viewing outside of the class in which they are shown.
Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording of lecture, labs, seminars, or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as part of an approved accommodation plan. Recorded material is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Registration Status and Withdrawing from the Couse: Students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their registration in courses. Students who stop attending class must officially withdraw from the course. This must be done by the official withdrawal deadline for the course. Failure to withdraw properly will result in a grade being assigned that is based on completed course work.
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Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components: Regular attendance is essential for optimal performance in any course. In cases of potentially excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days. Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections 23.3(1) and 23.5.6 of the University Calendar. Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the “attendance and participation” component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result.
Quizzes / Examinations: Student photo identification (OneCard) is required at the time of quizzes and exams. Failure to produce proper identification may result in disqualification for examination and a grade of zero for that portion of the course requirements. At the discretion of the instructor, students may not be permitted to begin a quiz/exam after it has been in progress for 15 minutes.
Students must remain in the exam room for at least 20 minutes from the time that the quiz/exam has commenced. Consumption of food is not permitted during quizzes/exams.
Missed Quizzes: When a student misses a quiz/exam, the instructor should be notified of the reason within 48 hours. Unexcused absences from quizzes/exams will result in a grade of zero for that portion of the course requirements. When a student seeks an excused absence because of illness, a completed Medical Declaration From is required (available on the faculty website). If a request for an excused absence is approved, then the student will write the exam at the earliest possible opportunity.
Deferred Final Exams: Application for a deferred exam must be made within 48 hours of the final exam. The decision to approve a request for a deferred final exam lies beyond the control of the instructor. Personal vacations are not an acceptable reason for msising a final examination. If you know beforehand that you will be unable to attend the final exam at the scheduled time, the instructor must be informed prior to the final exam.
Grading Criteria: Marks for assignments, tests, and/or exams are given in percentages, to which letter grades are also assigned, according to the table below. The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examinations then produces the final letter grade for the course.
* Please note that there are no options for ‘bonus’ or ‘make-up’ assignments in this course.
Letter Grade Approximate Final Mark (%)
A+ 96-100
A 90-95
A- 85-89
B+ 80-84
B 74-79
B- 70-73
C+ 66-69
C 63-65
C- 60-62
D+ 56-59
D 50-55
F 0-49
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Students requiring accommodation due to disability or special needs are encouraged to bring their situation to the attention of the instruction as well as to contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS), 2-800 SUB, ph. 780-492-3381, TTY 780-492-7269, as early in the course as possible.
Syllabus Policy:
“Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.”
Academic Integrity:
“The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at http://www.governance.ualberta.ca/en/CodesofConductandResidenceCommunityStandar ds/CodeofStudentBehaviour.aspx) and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an
offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.”
Plagiarism and Cheating:
All students should consult the “Truth-In-Education” handbook or Website
(http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. Students involved in language courses and translation courses should be aware that on-line
“translation engines” produce very dubious and unreliable “translations.” Students in language courses should be aware that, while seeking the advice of native or expert speakers is often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is considered a form of “cheating” that violates the code of student conduct with dire consequences. An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. Before unpleasantness occurs consult http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE; also discuss this matter with any tutor(s) and with your instructor.
Learning and Working Environment:
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment. The department urges anyone who feels that this policy is being violated to:
• Discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or
• If that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that direct discussion is inappropriate or threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department.
For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy you may contact the student ombudservice:
(http://www.ombudservice.ualberta.ca). Information about the University of Alberta Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures can be found in the GFC Policy Manual, section 44 available at http://gfcpolicymanual.ualberta.ca.
