ANT 102 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Survey of human societal structure, utilizing case studies globally, and in the U.S. Includes sub-fields of anthropology, sub-disciplines and topics, historical origins, and past and present influences, key figures, theory, and methods. Also includes an introduction to the comparative study of cultures in a global context.

Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SBS and G; Meets CTE - SBS and G.

1. Name the major sub-fields of anthropology.
2. Examine and describe the primary sub-disciplines and topics of cultural anthropology and linguistics, utilizing case studies from the U. S. and from studies occurring geographically outside of the United States/Western framework.
3. Explain historical origins and contemporary major influences and key figures.
4. Identify and explain theories, methods, and ethics of cultural anthropology, including responsibility towards society at local, national, and global levels related to ethical perspectives and how power relations permeate communities.

1. Sub-Fields of Anthropology
   1. Cultural
   2. Linguistics
   3. Biological and physical
   4. Archaeology
2. Sub-Disciplines and Topics
   1. Cultural anthropology
      1. Social organization
      2. Political systems
      3. Economic structures
      4. Sex and gender
      5. Religion, spirituality, and the supernatural
      6. Kinship and family
      7. Expressive forms
   2. Linguistics
      1. Culture and communication
      2. Language
      3. Expressive forms
3. Historical Origins, Influences, and Key Figures
   1. Historical origins of anthropology as a discipline
   2. Major figures, founders, and current practitioners
   3. Case studies focusing on responsibility towards society at local, national and global levels related to ethical perspectives and how power relations permeate communities
4. Theory and Methods
   1. Contemporary theories, perspectives, and analytic models
   2. Concept of “culture”
      1. Definitions of culture
      2. Perspectives, approaches, and schools of thought
      3. Culture change
   3. Methods of cultural anthropology and linguistics
   4. Ethnographic method and writing (ethnographies)
   5. Politics and ethics
   6. Case studies focusing on responsibility towards society at local, national and global levels related to ethical perspectives and how power relations permeate communities