Introduction to Anthropology

Anth 104.02 – Spring 2002

Lecture:         MWF:  11:00-11:50am                        Instructor:     Monty Roper

Goodnow Hall  Rm 105                                   305 Goodnow Hall

Office phone: 269-3017

e-mail: roperjm@grinnell.edu

Office Hours: 9-11 M-F.  During office hours, you are welcome to stop by without an appointment.  I will also be happy to schedule appointments during non-office hours.  If you are having problems with course materials for any reason, I strongly encourage you to come see me. If you need to get in touch with me and are unable to do so by phone (or prefer not to), you can e-mail me.  I check my e-mail regularly, though you should not assume that I have received your message until you receive a confirmation from me.

Course Description and Goals: This course is a general introduction to anthropology.  It will be taught using a combination of lectures, readings, class discussion, special projects, and films (when time and pace permit).  The purpose of the course is to introduce you to the diverse field of anthropology – the study of humans – through a consideration of the four fields of anthropology.  These include biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and social/cultural anthropology.  One of our goals will be to gain a general understanding of the nature of the discipline.  As such, throughout the course we will explore what anthropologists do, how they gather their data, and how this helps to understand the human condition.  Our other main goal is to examine how anthropological study has broadened our understanding of the species.  Some of the underlying questions that we will address include:  How did humans evolve as a species and what makes us unique?  What kinds of similarities and differences have been found between societies and cultures, and how can we explain these?  How and why are cultures changing today as interactions and communication between diverse groups increase?

            Please understand that this is an introductory course to a field of study with an enormous breadth of inquiry.  I am certain that there will be times when we cover only very briefly materials that you would like to explore in more depth.  I encourage you to ask questions whenever you have them, but understand that the pace of the course will often be rapid.

Required Texts:

1. Lewin, R.  1999  Human Evolution: An Illustrated Introduction.
2. Bates, D.  2000  Human Adaptive Strategies: Ecology, Culture, and Politics.
3. Kamp, K.  1998  Life in the Pueblo: Understanding the Past through Archaeology.
4. Whitten, P (ed.).  2001  Anthropology: Contemporary Perspectives.
5. Reed, R.  1996  Forest Dwellers, Forest Protectors.

Course Requirements

1.     Examinations: (65% of grade) You will have three exams respectively worth 20%, 20%, and 25% of your final grade.  Exams will include multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions.

2.     Fieldwork and Hands-on Projects (30% of grade)  Over the course of the semester I will assign several projects that will be equally weighted and collectively count as 30% of your final grade.  We will discuss these projects as I assign them.           

3.     Participation and Attendance (5% of grade) You should keep up with the reading and come to class prepared to answer questions, ask questions, and/or engage in discussion of materials with the class.  In the course of lecturing, I will regularly ask questions related to the reading and to materials that we have covered in past classes.  We will also devote a small number of classes primarily to discussion.  Everyone's participation is expected. 

      Attendance is required and I will take roll.  Any exam or in-class assignment that is missed because of an unexcused absence will receive a zero.  An excused absence is given only in the case of medical emergencies (a visit to the health center does not suffice) or a death in the family.  Notice must be provided through academic affairs.  The class begins at 11:00am, based on the clock in the classroom.  Please do not make a habit of coming to class late, as this is disruptive to the class.  Anyone that misses more than 3 classes or is habitually late to class will receive a zero for their participation grade.

COURSE SCHEDULE