ANTH 1110

Cultural Anthropology

Credits: 3

Description: Meets MnTC goal area(s): 2,5. The course is meant to introduce learners both to the diversity of human cultures, to the diversity within each of them, with an emphasis on so-called traditional societies. It looks at the major human institutions: kinship and marriage, economic production and reciprocity, gender and domestic relations, polictical power and forms of stratification, religious and healing beliefs and techniques, rites of passage and the life cycle. It attempts to make sense of cultural relativity: how seemingly very different customs or institutions can actually be so similar, in structure or function; but also how apparently very similar institutions can, in different societies, be in fact so different. Prerequisite(s): None

Credit Breakdown: 3/0/0 (Lecture/Lab/On the job training)

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Outline

This course should help you gain the following abilities and competencies.

Core Abilities

1. Demonstrate effective communication/interaction skills.
2. Demonstrate thinking/active learning skills.
3. Demonstrate global/environmental perspective.
4. Demonstrate self-development skills.

Competencies

1. Describe the unity and cultural uniqueness of man
2. Acquire an understanding of the concepts of culture and society.
3. Grasp the universality of ethnocentrism, and its specifically "Western" forms
4. Outline the traits of traditional societies
5. Explain anthropological field research methods
6. Examine kinship and marriage systems
7. Articulate the basic elements of traditional economics
8. Compare the variety of traditional power structures
9. Contrast the successive stages of the life cycle
10. Study the structures and functions of myth, religion, ritual
11. Comprehend the political and ethical lessons of anthropology

Guidelines for Success

ADA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, learners are encouraged to register with Learning Services Director in Learning Enrichment Center for assistance with accommodations. It is the learner's responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially disclose information regarding the nature and extent of a disability. The college cannot assume responsibility for providing accommodations or services to learners who have not identified themselves as having a qualifying disability.