Ant-104-02: Introduction to Anthropology

Fall 2001: MWF  8:00-8:50; Goodnow Hall Rm 105

Office:             Goodnow Hall 204                             E-mail: haret@grinnell.edu

Office Hours:  Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9:00-10:00 am

Course Overview:

This course is a general introduction to the field of anthropology: the study of human biology, behavior, and culture in the past and the present. By addressing such a broad subject, anthropology poses the question of what it means to be human.

One of the great beauties of our species is its diversity. We speak different languages, eat different foods, wear different clothing, pray to different gods, etc. The wide-ranging field of anthropology revels in this diversity. In the contemporary world, where people from various cultures are interacting with increasing intimacy, there is a growing need for a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, our species’ cultural and biological diversity. At the same time humanity is represented by one species which shares many biological and behavioral characteristics.  Through the study of biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and ethnology, students will explore the range of diversity within our shared humanity, and seek explanations which account for the differences and similarities.

Through the examination of the four sub-fields of anthropology - biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology - we will explore the evolution of our species, the social, political, economic, and ideological changes that have come about in human history and prehistory, and the implications our anthropological understanding of humanity has for human societies in the present and the future.  Students will also explore the contemporary value of anthropological research.  Anthropology can provide useful information not just about the past, but about who we are today and help humanity direct its own future.

Text:

The course will utilize four texts available from the campus bookstore.

Anthropology, by William A. Haviland (2000 Harcourt Brace College Publishers).  This is an introductory text covering the four sub-fields of anthropology. The text attempts to cover the full range of anthropological inquiry and in this way provides a good summary of the field in all its different forms. This text will provide the general context of the breadth and depth of Anthropological inquiry.

Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Anthropology by Kirk M. Endicott and Robert Welsh (2000 McGraw-Hill/Dushkin).  Nineteen pairs of articles illustrate the range of controversial issues addressed through anthropological research. Each pair includes a contextual discussion of an issue and two opposing views. Despite the title, this volume illustrates the productive rather than contentious scientific process of analyzing competing views and the construction of more accurate and complete explanations. Pay close attention not only to the specific disagreements, but the agreements.

Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History by Sidney W. Mintz, (1995 Penguin Books). Mintz provides an excellent example of how an anthropological perspective serves to illuminate local communities' interactions with regional and global social systems. Note how Mintz uses traditional ethnographic fieldwork and methods of historical analysis to illuminate both the specific societies he addresses, but also the social role and meaning of cuisine among humans universally.

Inalienable Possessions: The Paradox of Keeping-While-Giving by Annette B. Weiner (1992 University of California Press). Weiner tackles several of the most fundamental assumptions in anthropology and provides a new synthesis based on recent developments in economics, gender studies, and material culture studies. While short, this text is dense and probably the most challenging of the course. Persevere and you will be rewarded with an understanding of the contemporary state of anthropological research, analysis, and writing.

Evaluation:

Course grades are based on three exams, two projects, and participation.

The three exams cover all materials from lectures, discussions, and texts.  The exams are composed of multiple choice and short essay questions.  The final exam is cumulative.  Make-up exams are discouraged and instructor approval is required prior to missing exams.

Two projects must be completed during the semester. The first will be assigned in September and due on October 19 in class.  Students may select from projects 1 and 2 listed below. The second project will be assigned in November and due on December 12 in class. Students may select from projects 3 and 4 listed below.

1)Write an annotated bibliography of anthropological articles and/or selected chapters from books. Annotated bibliographies are meant to summarize the main argument(s) of an article or book for quick reference at a later date.  If you choose this project consult with me for more guidance.

2)Write a description of an archaeological site based on data from a 17^th century historical text that describes the burial of a Mississippi chief witnessed by a French explorer.

3)Write a short ethnography based on a brief period of fieldwork. Anthropologists engage in research wherever people are or have been.  The research should be supported by anthropological sources such as articles or books.  If you choose this project consult with me for more guidance.

4)Write a critical analysis of an anthropological research problem based on a presentation by an anthropologist. I will provide a list of possible presentations.

            You should keep up with the reading and come to class prepared to answer questions, ask questions, and engage in general discussion. You will also be expected to come prepared for active debate especially on "special topic" days.

            Hence, attendance and participation is mandatory and constitutes 20% of your grade for the course.  Each student is allowed 3 absences. Subsequently, you will lose ½ of a letter grade per absence. Attendance will be taken regularly. If you arrive late to class, you are responsible for letting me know after class that you were present. Missed exams or assignments resulting from unexcused absences will receive zeros. Excused absences will be granted only when students contact the professor prior to the class. Excused absences will also be granted for illness or family emergency. Excused absences are given only for medical emergencies or deaths in the family. Notice must be provided through academic affairs.

Course Outline: (Readings are required prior to the class they are assigned)