Mar 28, 2024  
Official Course Syllabi 2020-2021 
    
Official Course Syllabi 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ANTH 1000 - Introduction to Anthropology

Credit Hours: 4.00


Prerequisites: None

An introduction to man’s biological evolution and cultural origins. Prehistoric man, biological/genetic differences, and the growth of language and culture will be considered. A cross-cultural study of social institutions, beliefs, and values will be included as well as a discussion of contemporary anthropological problems.

Contact Hours: 4
Billable Contact Hours: 4
OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to define the science of anthropology.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Identify the four primary subfields of anthropology and recognize essential methodology for each.
  2. Discuss the concept of culture and be able to identify and interpret varied global cultural behaviors.
  3. Recognize and utilize anthropological vocabulary to explain cultural behavior. This may include kinship terminology, status markers, gender markers, etc.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of human genetics and describe the processes involved in human biological diversity.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Using Punnet squares or a parallel methodology, determine the possibility of various genetic outcomes for individuals.
  2. Illustrate the biological makeup of genetic material within a human cell.
  3. Describe and discuss the various methods by which genetic changes can affect whole populations.
  4. Identify the social concerns arising from contemporary advances in genetic science.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to interpret the theory of human evolution within the context of current archaeological material.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Describe historical world views of the position of humankind within a natural environment.
  2. Explain the theory of evolution and natural selection.
  3. Identify and discuss the paleontological evidence for human evolution and the ancestry of humankind.
  4. Compare and contrast human behavior with that of the living primates.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to employ knowledge of cultural relativism to explain cultural diversity among peoples.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Identify and discuss cultural and logistical aspects of several contemporary non-Western cultures.
  2. Discuss contemporary issues for these cultures - the effects of globalization, contact with other cultures, and political and social homogenization.
  3. Discuss and interpret cultural behaviors which may conflict with their own cultural moral code.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an ability to examine contemporary issues from an anthropological perspective.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Interpret data and formulate an informed opinion through research and report production on contemporary cultural issues such as marriage practices, child rearing, euthanasia, drug use, etc.
  2. Compare and contrast opposing theories of the validity of evolutionary science.
  3. Discuss and analyze controversial issues arising from scientific and social changes in society.

Outcome 6: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills as applied to anthropology.

Objectives: The student will:

  1. Compare and contrast current cultural practices, both western and non-western, with each other and with past cultures.
  2. Analyze inter-cultural behaviors such as, for example, artifact typologies, religious practices, marriage customs, burial practices, etc. to gain a more complete picture of the people and their belief systems.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

  • 1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.
  • 2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.
  • 3. The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.
  • 4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.
  • 5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
  1. The Nature of Anthropology
    1. Development of anthropology
    2. The uniqueness of anthropology
    3. Uses of anthropology as applied science.
    4. The “four fields”
    5. Methods of studying the human past; Ethnography
  2. Human Evolution
    1. Evolutionary theory
    2. Evolutionary mechanisms; Human variation
    3. Primate evolution
  3. Evolution of Homo and the Development of Culture
    1. The earliest hominids
    2. Early Homo and cultural origins
    3. Homo erectus and hunting-gathering
    4. Archaic Homo sapiens and the Middle Paleolithic
    5. Homo sapiens and the Later Paleolithic
    6. The Neolithic Revolution
    7. The Urban Revolution and the rise of the State
  4. The Nature of Culture
    1. The cultural concept
    2. Characteristics of culture
    3. Functions of culture
    4. Personality and cultural
    5. Cultural change and survival
  5. Cultural Variation
    1. Marriage and family
    2. Kinship and descent
    3. Gender
    4. Religion and the supernatural; The modern world system

Primary Faculty
Meier, Mary
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Williams-Chehmani, Angie
Dean
Pritchett, Marie



Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088



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