Human Evolution



Professor M. Leonor Monreal

Fullerton College, Department of Anthropology

Website: stafffullcoll.edu/mmonreal, email:mmonreal@fullcoll.edu

Office Hours: M & W: 10:30-12pm, T & Th.: 12-1pm. Office: 1423-02(C.O.B.)

Voice Mail (714) 992-7496

Spring 2011- Honors

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the field of Cultural Anthropology. It is intended to give the student an overview of the various aspects of culture and how it makes up people’s core identity and ethnic differences. This course explores the various theoretical aspects of the anthropological study of cultures, while providing specific examples of various cultures in the world through the use of texts, films and lectures.

Note: Due to the vast number of cultural groups we cannot cover all cultures during the course, but if you have any particular culture you would like to learn about please let me know so I can make an effort to incorporate it to the course schedule.

Course Objectives: upon completion of this course:

• Identify and apply the key terminology, theoretical orientations, principles and methods used in cultural anthropology.

• Describe the general characteristics used in the cross cultural study of human; politics, economics, family/kinship, marriage, gender, sex, religion, race and colonialism.

• Apply cultural relativism to an analysis of globalization and its affects on the general characteristics of culture in the modern world.

Course Requirements

• Required Text: Monreal’s customized version of Cultural Anthropology,

edition, by Nanda, & Monreal. Edition 1, year 9 Cengage Learning ISBN 111520844.

Note: This customized textbook includes two texts which will be used throughout the course. You can also purchase just the Nanda book which is our main text, see the title below:

i. Culture Counts, A Concise Introduction to Cultural Anthropology by Nanda/Warms

ii. The Maya, Yesterday and Today, M. Leonor Monreal (Optional)

• 3 (886-E) Scantron sheets & 5 Quizzstrips

• Possible attendance fee for a fieldtrip ($15 approx. e/a)

Class assignments

A. Weekly reading assignments are listed under the schedule section of this syllabus. The student is required to read the assigned chapters, this will aid in understanding the concepts and terms addressed, as well as to attain a passing score in the exams/quizzes. Additional articles may be assigned through the semester.

B. Participation: Each week, you are required to read the assigned chapter(s). Your participation grade (60 points) will be based on a combination of the following three components in addition to your participation in class discussions:

a. Nanda’s Text- In your class journal/notebook, answer the Bringing It Back Home Questions found at the end of each chapter and bring them to class for discussion. These are always due on Monday and will be randomly checked throughout the semester.

b. Nanda’s Text Chapter Analysis- Each student will be assigned a chapter to present a response paper to the class. Your chapter analysis response paper will be a critical analysis of the chapter’s key concepts and should be between 3-5 pages long (not just a summary). Each student presenting will also be in charge of leading the discussion for the day. (One analysis per student is required).

C. Exams & Quizzes will cover material from lectures, class discussions, films, and assigned readings. The exams will have objective questions (such as multiple-choice, matching, true and false). There will be five quizzes (dropping the lowest score), and three exams (see schedule for dates and grading breakdown for points).

D. Make-up Policy: no make-up quizzes will be permitted under any circumstances. If you missed an exam due to a verifiable emergency, be sure to contact me within 24 hours. You must make up the exam with a week . Please do not ask for special consideration. If you are unable to complete an exam or assignment by the respective due dates, deductions will be applied to your overall course grade. Extra credit may be allowed to make-up any points missed due to an emergency, a request in writing must be submitted as soon as the student returns to class.

E. Term Paper- (5 options to choose from):

There are five different assignment options to select from. You will be required to one (worth 50 points). Each assignment will be due on the date outlined on the class schedule. No late assignment will be accepted, if you missed the deadline you can do the next assignment option. Please be aware of the deadlines and follow the requirements outlined for each of the assignments as your grade will depend on how thoroughly you complete each assignment (each paragraph should have at least 5 complete sentences and you must include material from the text, not opinion-based). Grammar is evaluated as part of your grade, proof-read your assignment and include page numbers, must be double spaced.

1- Culture- Using the material from chapters 1, 2 & 3 from Nanda’s textbook and the films and material discussed in class. Answer the following concepts in detail:

a) Give the definition of culture and its various aspects, then explain in your own words what culture is. (2-3 paragraphs min.)

b) Discuss your views on The Nacirema, (p.2) how have the Nacirema changed today? Include modern day examples of this culture.

c) B.I.B. H. Discuss the Anthropologists and Human Rights “You Decide” questions on page 65. (1 paragraph min. each)

2- Language- after reading the material from Chapter 4- Nanda’s text, and the films from class discuss the following:

a) Define Language

b) Discuss the structure of language -Explain the complexity and interaction between language and culture (including the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis)

c) Explain the complexity and importance of non-verbal communication, as well as the various subfields of study.

d) Read and discuss the communication exchange among the Western Apache and what you think about it (p.78-79).

e) Then answer the English Only “You Decide” questions on p. 90-91.

3- Marriage & Gender- using the material from chapters 7 and 8 from Nanda’s text, the films assigned, as well as the articles How to be a Good Wife… discuss the following information (one paragraph for each aspect):

a. Marriage (worth 30pts.)

-Marriage Practices (including types and rules of marriage) explain what marriage is and the universality of marriage across cultures.

- Discuss how is marriage changing in the U.S., include statistics from the textbooks and the information from How to be a Good Wife handouts.

- Explain the functions of marriage as an institution and the challenges.

- Reflect on the effects of globalization in global marriage practices.

- Read and answer the questions from Polygamy in the United States “You Decide” (pp.164-165).

- Discuss concepts (both marriage and gender) from one the following films: Monsoon Wedding, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, License to Wed. (minimum one paragraph, not a summary of the film but an analysis as it pertains to our class).

b. Gender (worth 20 pts.)

- Define gender is and explain what alternative genders are, provide specific examples from the textbook.

- Describe how culture shapes and predisposes gender roles.

- Read and answer the Female Genital Operations and International Human Rights “You Decide” questions (p.191)

-Complete the gender activity (at end of PowerPoint).

4- Stratification: Classism & Racism- analyze the complexity of social stratification and human inequalities, by including material from the text (Nanda) as well as films and concepts from class.

a. Nanda- give an overview of social stratification, do you think it is a human universal to have social inequalities? Why or why not? Discuss the reasons and effects of social inequalities, racism, & prejudice (1-2 pages) by including information from at least one of these films: Skidrow, Crash, & American History X. Answer the Bringing it Back Home: Government, Responsibility vs. The Gospel of Wealth and Class, Ethnicity, Race, and Educational Achievement “You Decide” questions (pp. 235-236, and 260-261).

b. Explain the complexity of immigration and ethnicity in the U.S. from the text & one of these films: The Visitor, Under the Same Moon, El Norte, Born in East L.A., The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, In Good Hands, Voces Inocentes (1-2 paragraphs)

Grading Breakdown for Option 4:

1) Define Social Stratification and discuss if this is a human universal (something we'll always have), why or why not? 10pts.

2) Reasons and effects of social and human inequalities, racism, and prejudice.7pts.

3) Film analysis (from the list) 5pts.

4) B.I.B.H. for each chapter (2) Gov. vs. Gospel of Wealth & Class, Ethnicity, Race & Education.10 pts. (5 ea.)

5) Immigration int he U.S. & Ethnicity (Use Nanda's book, Hogan's book, and the Race film we watched).8 pts.

6) Film on immigration (from the list) 10 pts.

5- Globalization- Case Study Analysis- The Maya Yesterday & Today and Globalization

a) Case Study- The Maya, Yesterday and Today

-Answer 3 questions per chapter (six chapters total) of your choice by writing the question and answer. You should have a total of 18 questions (2pts. each plus 2 points for overall presentation) total worth 20 pts.

b) Globalization Essay (worth 30 pts.)

-Define Globalization 5pts.

-Discuss the negative as well as positive effects of globalization ( use films and book as sources, not opinion based) 10pts.

- Analyze at least two of the films on globalization (one you must watch on your own)  Bordertown, Walmart, the high cost of low prices, The Corporation, God Grew Tired of Us, Slumdog Millionaire. 10 pts.

-B.I.B.H. 'You Decide' questions How Flat is your World? (pp.334-335) 5 pts.

Grading Breakdown & Policy Points Earned:

5 Quizzes- 10 points each (drop lowest score) 40 points _______

3 Exams (100 pts. each) 300 points _______

1 Assignment (from 5 Options) 50 points _______

Group Presentation on Indigenous group 50 points _______

Participation in weekly activities & discussions 60 points ________

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 500 points

GRADE BREAKDOWN:

500 – 448 = A

447 – 398 = B

397 – 348 = C

347 – 298 = D

297 or less = F

Presentation Directions

Select a cultural group of indigenous people (see list of suggested cultures below) and investigate the following cultural aspects. Use a theoretical framework to analyze the following aspects or general principles of the culture you selected. Be sure to apply a cultural relativistic approach when describing the cultural group, and to address both emic and etic perspectives (as applicable). In your conclusion, explain the effects of globalization and reasons why this culture is vanishing or threatened today.

• Region, geographical distribution, population (approximately), brief history.

• Language(s) spoken by the cultural group and its effects on culture.

• Economic system(s) (base of their economy, foods eaten, etc.) and Political organization, social control systems, social stratification etc.

• Family systems, marriage practices, gender roles, children roles, ideas of the elderly and family ties, etc.

• Supernatural beliefs, religious practices, rituals, rites of passages, taboos, etc.

• Artistic practices, dances, entertainment practices, etc.

• Effects of globalization, media, internet, deforestation, etc.

Group presentations must be objective and concise as there is a 20 minute limit, you must have visual aids (Maximum 10 slides if using PowerPoint) please email me or yourself a copy of your presentation in case the drive does not work. You must submit an outline of your presentation, your works cited/bibliography (minimum 5 academic sources, APA style), to the class and three objective questions (T & F and M.C.) to the instructor the day of the presentation. Presentation dates will be listed on the syllabus and a sign up sheet will be available after the third week of the semester, once you sign up you cannot make changes.

Suggested Cultures:

Inuit Quechua Herero Balti Padaung

Yanomamo Maasai Turkana Ladakhi Toraja

Maya Tarahumara Samburu Bhutanese Khampa

Native Americans Himba Berber Lisu Aborigine

Grading Criteria:

Peer Evaluation 5 Bibliography/References 5

Content 25 TOTAL 50

Visual Aids/Organization 5

Outline/Requirements 10

Suggested Theoretical Frameworks:

Functionalism:

• Cultural Materialism

• Culture & Personality

• American Historical Particularism

• Symbolic & Interpretive Anthropology

• Postmodernism

Extra Credit- extra credit may be granted to students who had an emergency during the semester. The student must submit a request in writing with documentation of emergency as soon as she/he misses the assignment and the instructor will notify the student whether the request will be granted.

Extra Credit Options (5 points each, up to 10 pts. max.)

Write a (1 to 3 page) essay where you address a summary of the event, how it relates to class and your honest opinion. You must attach a ticket stub or receipt for any museum or event you attend.

• Film Review (instructor’s approval required)

• Museum Visit (instructor’s approval required)

• Cultural Event Report (instructor’s approval required)

• Article Review

• Class Field Trip (possible class fieldtrip, date to be announced)

• Monreal’s Maya Case Study (included in textbook) chapter questions.

Attendance & Punctuality:

Attending class is key to your success in this class, part of your grade will be based on your participation in class activities, film questions and other. You are required to be on time for attaining and understanding the material discussed in class. Students who are late will lose participation points for the day. Excessive tardiness will severely impact your grade and may result in being dropped from the class. Three tardies will constitute one absence, and over 20% may result in being dropped from the course. It is your responsibility to drop through admission and records. If you are absent be sure to get notes from other students in class in order to find out what you missed (DO NOT ask me). Please see me if you have any situations which may result in excessive tardiness or absences. If an emergency of situation occurs causing a delay (parking, alarm clocks, children, pets, life, etc.), please be respectful to others and quietly find a seat in the back of the classroom. YOU MUST NOTIFY ME at the end of class to avoid being marked absent for the day. Attendance is recorded daily.

Late Assignments & Make up exams

All assignments must be turned in on time, late assignments are not accepted. All assignments must be turned into me IN PERSON, there will be no assignments accepted via email or dropped off at the mail box. Make-up exams may be granted on documented emergency situations only. You must contact me within 24hrs. but all make up exams must be made up within a week. Quizzes cannot be made up.

Classroom Behavior

In any anthropology course, the key elements to effective learning are based on the freedom to express ideas without feeling threatened of being ridiculed. Additionally, many topics covered may arise questions that might challenge other people’s (or your own) beliefs. The following guidelines will ensure that the class provides a comfortable and respectful environment for all:

1. Be courteous to others by waiting your turn to speak

2. During lecture, do not interrupt by talking to others.

3. Cell phones must be turned off or on silent mode at all times, text messaging is not permitted during class time.

4. You must be awake during class or will be asked to leave.

5. There is no such a thing as a “dumb questions”

6. If you need to leave the class, please do so quietly, without disturbing other students.

7. Please arrive early to class.

8. Under Fullerton College policy, no children nor visitors are allowed in class.

Academic Honesty

As a college student, you are expected to follow these rules:

• DO NOT COPY ANY WORK, plagiarism is highly penalized, please see catalog for policy pertaining to plagiarism.

• Any talking, or other form of distraction during an exam may result in a failing grade and asking the student to leave for the remainder of the exam.

• Cheating during any exam or quiz may result in additional disciplinary actions by the college administrator. Please refer to the Academic Honesty section in the Fullerton College catalog for more information.

Emergency Response Information: Please take note of the safety features in and close to your classroom, as well as study the posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of the existence of roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions. Similarly, running out of the building can also be dangerous during severe earthquakes. During strong earthquakes, the recommended response is to duck-cove and –hold until the shaking stops. Follow the guidance of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and to others.

ADA Statement:

Fullerton College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. Verification of the disability must also be provided. The Adaptive Services Center functions as a resource for students and faculty in the determination and provision of the accommodations.

Academic/College Policies

Please refer to the course catalog for a list of policies affecting students, including grievance procedures, attendance, change of address and name, course repetition, matriculation appeals procedures, etc.

• Important Dates:

January 30 Last day to drop classes (for refund)

January 24 Parking Permits Required

February 2 Option 1 Due

February 2 Last day to add & drop classes w/o a “W”

February 21 President’s day Holiday

February 16 Option 2 Due

March 16 Option 3 Due

April 18-24 Spring Recess

April 13 Option 4 Due

May 1 Last day to withdraw from classes

May 12 Option 5 Due

May 19- 27 Final Exams, last day of term 5/27/11

May 25 Final Exam at 11am

Tentative Class Schedule

| Date |Assigned Chapters |Participation |Exam/Assignment & Film |

|1 |Nanda: 1-Anthropology and Human Diversity?|Introductions |Everyone’s Ethnic |

|1/19 | |Ethnography of Classmates | |

|Anthro. | | | |

|2 |Nanda: 2- Culture Counts |Discuss- Body Ritual Among the Nacirema |Quiz 1 |

|1/24 & 26 | | |Bugs for Breakfast |

|Culture | | | |

|3 |Nanda: 3- Doing Cultural Anthropology |Ethnography issues |A Place called Chiapas |

|1/31 & 2/2 |Monreal-intro | |Option 1 Due |

|Theory | | | |

|4 |Nanda: 4-Communication |Worksheet 11-Barriers |Quiz 2 |

|2/7 &9 | | |Non-Verbal Communication |

|Communication | | | |

|5 |Nanda: 5- Making a Living |B.I.B.H.- English Only. |CNN clips on Language |

|2/14& 16 | | |In Good Hands |

|Subst. | | |Option 2 Due |

|6 |No Class 2/21 | |EXAM I- Nanda 1-5 on 2/23 |

|2/21 & | | | |

|23 | | | |

|7 |Nanda: 6- Economics |The Pennies Game |Story of Stuff |

|2/28 & 3/2 | | | |

|Economics | | | |

|8 |Nanda: 7-Marriage, Family, and Domestic |How to be a good wife handout & Class |Quiz 3 |

|3/7 & 9 |Groups |activity. |Strange Relations |

|Family | | |Clips on the Hadza & CNN Gay Marriages |

|9 |Nanda: 8- Gender |Gender differences Class Activity & |Masai Women |

|3/14 & 16 | |discussion |Gender, the Enduring Paradox |

|Gender | | |Option 3 Due |

|10 |Nanda: 9- Political Organization | |Quiz 4 |

|3/21 & 23 | | |Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised land |

|Politics | | | |

|11 |Nanda: 10- Inequalities, Class and Caste |Worksheet 12, “Green Haired People” |Guns, Germs & Steel |

|3/28-30 | | | |

|12 |Nanda: 11- Inequalities, Race and | |Race#3 |

|4/4 & 6 |Ethnicity | | |

|Inequalities: | | | |

|Class & Caste | | | |

|13 |Nanda: 12- Religion |Theoretical Application |EXAM II-Nanda 6-11 |

|4/11 & | | |Guardians of the Flutes. |

|13Inequalities:R| | |Option 4 Due |

|ace Ethnicity | | | |

|14 |Spring Break | | |

|4/18 & 20 No | | | |

|Class | | | |

|15 |Nanda: 13- Power, Conquest, and a World |Student Presentations |Quiz 5 |

|4/25 & 27 |System | |Understanding Race |

|Religion | | | |

|16 |Nanda: 14-Globalization and Change |Student Presentations |No Logo |

|5/2 & 4 | | |Mardi Gras Made in China |

|Colonization | | | |

|17 |Effects of Globalization |Student Presentations |Quiz 6 |

|5/9, 11 & 16 | | |Digital Nation |

| | | |Option 5 Due |

|18 – |FINAL EXAM |-Chapters 12-14, Monreal’s book, student | |

|Wed. |11am to 12:50pm |presentations, and films. | |

|5/25 | | | |

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