Malcolm X College

One of the City Colleges of Chicago

1900 West Jackson Blvd
Spring 2016
COURSE SYLLABUS

ANTHROPOLOGY 202
IAI Course # S1 901N

Course Title and Section:

Cultural Anthropology 202 Credit Hours:3
65760-C

16 Weeks Contact Hours: 3

Lengths of Course:

Class Meeting Times: Monday & Wednesday Room: 3416

10:00 am- 11:15 am
Instructor:
Mr. Edward C. Davis IV, M.A., M.Phil (cantab)
Email: edavis112@ccc.edu

Phone:
312-850-7345
Office: 2401-P

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday : 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday: By Appointment
Course Website: ccc.blackboard.edu

Catalog Course Description

Comparative study of human societies and cultures of the world; cross-cultural investigation of social
organization and political, economic, religious and family systems. Writing assignments, as appropriate to
the discipline, are part of the course.

Instructor’s Extended Course Description

In this course, students will investigate and analyze numerous human societies and cultural groups
throughout the world using methods and terminology specific to anthropology. Issues related to economic
subsistence, consumption, marriage, kinship, language, religion, politics, gender, diaspora, migration,
globalization, and multiculturalism will be discussed in thematic units throughout the semester.

Prerequisites
The prerequisites of this course are: Eligibility for English 101.

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 Course Objectives
This course is expected to:
1. introduce students to fundamental concepts and theories within cultural anthropology.
2. provide students with the tools to analyze key issues affecting individuals and members of
sociocultural groups in various geographic locations around the world.
3. explore various aspects of culture affecting human societies, such as marriage, kinship, language,
economics, religion, politics, globalization and migration.
4. use numerous ethnographies to portray key issues in societies in a manner that is mindful of cultural
relativism, social stratification, and global inequalities.
5. teach new, politically correct vocabulary, specific to anthropology, to be used when describing peoples
and institutions in human societies.
6. foster a learning environment where both individual and group activities facility learning in an
interactive environment.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students with passing competency will be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in cultural anthropology.
2. discuss social issues affecting cultural groups and individuals around the world.
3. distinguish key concepts in anthropology, such as human production and reproduction, systems
of power-knowledge, and migration and diaspora using theoretical language specific to
anthropology.
4. identify and analyze key issues in ethnographies and case studies, using anthropological
terminology.
5. accurately employ key terms and appropriate vocabulary to analyze peoples and institutions in
human societies.
6. work effectively alone and in groups within an interactive learning environment of diverse
individuals.

Required Texts
Textbook #1: Cultural Anthropology: Global Forces, Local Lives 2nd Edition by Jack David Eller
ISBN# 978-0-415-50877-3
Required Materials
 Students must bring required readings, pen, paper, notebooks and folders to class.
Required Access
 Students will be required to access Blackboard and CCC email.
Recommended Text
The instructor highly recommends students read Luke Lassiter’s Invitation to Anthropology.
ISBN# 978-0-7591-1152-3 (Library of Congress—GN25.L37 2009)
Methods of Instruction
This course consists of lectures, interactive discussions, group projects, guest lectures,
documentary films, and multimedia resources to facilitate Student-Centered Learning. Students
are required to take notes in class and read at home. Students should ask questions, and inform
the professor when they do not understand essential material, assignments, and readings.

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 Philosophy of Teaching
The instructor intends for this course to foster critical thinking and meta-cognitive skills in
students. Students may find that they are asked to deeply read texts, and to explore ideas and key
concepts beyond the surface level. Additionally, this course is intended to challenge students, as
they explore global cultures and human diversity.

Methods of Assessment
In this class, we will utilize various methods of assessment. Assessments will count towards
participation points. Some forms of in-class assessments may include:
• Goal Ranking & Matching-Students assess their own goals and match their own outcomes.
• Background Knowledge Probes- The professor will ascertain students’ background
knowledge before presenting the day’s lesson.
• Write Now- Students will write a response to a question immediately upon entering class.
• Pro/Con Grid- Students will outline the pros and cons of the day’s lesson.
• Group Activities- In groups, students will collectively brainstorm a designated topic and
present their findings in class.
• Muddiest Point- Students will be asked to write about the most difficult point raised in
class.
• Lost and Found-Students will write about what they have learned, including where they
are lost and what they found interesting about the class readings and discussions.
• Fish Bowl-Students ask/answer each others’ questions in a large group session.
• Parking Lot- Students write/park their questions and concerns in a designated location on
the white board.
• Study Groups- Study groups will be formed during the first week of the semester. Projects
and assignments will be given to individual groups who may break down a portion of a
reading, or present a summary of a particular theme. Study groups will perform short
presentations during the semester.
• One Sentence Summaries-Students write a concise one-sentence synopsis of a key issue.
• Classroom Opinion Polls- The opinion of students will be asked on a particular issue or
concern.
• Focused Listing- Students recall and list key points from readings, films, discussions, etc.
• Minute Paper- Students will handwrite a short paper about the class discussion.
• Concept Maps- Students will illustrate key themes and content addressed in class.
• Designated Driver-Two students will search the web, upon the instructor’s request.
• Literature Circles/Study Groups- Study groups are created around a common
theme/reading which everyone in the self-selected group will read.

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 Methods of Evaluation

Students will be evaluated using a variety of methods including:

• Response Papers- Each student will write 2 response papers during the semester based on
a reading the professor provides. Each typed essay should be 5 paragraphs in length
(minimum), clearly organized, free of grammatical/mechanical errors, and reflect the
student’s own analyses of course readings, discussions, and materials.*
• Quizzes- On occasion, quizzes will be given in class, take home, or online.
• Midterm Exam- One on-line mid-term exam will be given during the semester.
• In-class presentations- Students will present on their research paper.
• Final Research Paper- Each student must research a topic in an original final research
paper (7-10 pages).
• At Home Questions- Students arrive on time with 3 questions concerning something they
did not understand from the readings, which will be discussed that day in class. Questions
reveal that students read, but have deep, specific questions.
• Participation and Attendance- If students do not turn in the at home reading
comprehension questions on time at the beginning of class, they will not receive points.
They must also participate, ask questions, and add productively appropriate comments.
• Journal- Students will write journal entries based on topics given by the professor.

Statement of Active Pursuit

District and College attendance policies are listed in the college catalog and the Student Policy
Manual: http://ccc.edu/Student/files/Student_Policy_Manual_8.25.09.pdf.

For this class, students will be considered as Actively Pursing this course should they adhere to the
following guidelines:
1. Attend class regularly
2. Arrive on-time.
3. Actively participate in class discussions and group activities.
4. Submit all assignments in-class, on the date they are due.

If by midterm, a student has not submitted at least 70% of coursework, and has been absent more
than twice, the student may receive an Administrative Withdrawal (ADW) due to a failure to
actively pursue the course.

No Show Policy
If a student registered for the course before the start time of the first class period, but 1) did not
attend the first 2 classes, or 2) attended only 1 of the first 3 classes and failed to notify the
instructor of his or her intentions to continue the class, the Registrar’s Office will remove the
student from the course.

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 Academic Integrity
Malcolm X College, One of the City Colleges of Chicago, is committed to the ideals of truth and
honesty. In view of this, students are expected to adhere to high standards of honesty in their
academic endeavors.

Plagiarism*
Plagiarism occurs when you take credit for someone else’s ideas and/or work. This is considered a
serious breach of academic integrity and students may face severe sanctions as the college
deems appropriate. All the work you submit for this course must be your own, written in your
own words. Do not use someone else’s ideas or language in your assignments without giving the
source credit. If you are unsure about whether or not you are plagiarizing, please consult the
instructor.

The instructor accepts proper AAA Chicago style citation format. These will be thoroughly explained in
class. Please consult http://www.aaanet.org/publications/style_guide.pdf for proper citation format.

Cheating*
Cheating of any kind is also a serious breach of academic integrity.

Penalties for Plagiarism and Cheating

Plagiarism and cheating of any kind are serious violations of these standards and will result,
minimally, in a grade of “F’ for the first assignment. Students who plagiarize a second time will
receive a grade of F for the semester, and the Dean and Department Chairperson will be notified.
Therefore, students must use proper bibliographic citation format when quoting the work of other
authors on all assignments.

CCC Policy on Student Conduct

City Colleges of Chicago students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is
considerate of the rights of others and which will not impair the educational mission of the
College. Misconduct for which students are subject to College Discipline (e.g. expulsion) may
include the following: (1) all forms of dishonesty such as stealing, forgery, (2) obstruction or
disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceeding, (3) physical or verbal
abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the
health or safety of any person, and (4) carrying or possession of weapons, ammunition or other
explosives.

Disability Access Center

Any student with a disability, including a temporary disability, who is eligible for reasonable
accommodations should contact the Disability Access Center as soon as possible: (312) 850-7128.
The DAC is located in room 1509, and is open Monday – Friday from 9AM to 6PM.

Free Tutoring on Campus

Academic Support Center – Room
Wordshop: Center for Excellence in Reading and Writing – Room

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 Classroom Etiquette
Students MUST make note of the following:
 Rule 1: Students are expected to dress for success! All students must remove hats and/or
head coverings, unless they are associated with religious beliefs. Students should also dress
appropriately for class. This means that undergarments and sensitive body parts should not
be visible. Therefore, sagging or overexposed students will be asked to leave the class. 
Rule 2: All cellular phones and electronic devices not associated with instruction must be
TURNED OFF upon entering the classroom. Students are not allowed to leave class to make
phone calls. ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE OFF DURING TESTS/QUIZZES.
 Rule 3: There is absolutely no eating in the classroom.
 Rule 4: Inappropriate or derogatory language should not be used in the classroom, during
class discussions, or on assignments.
 Rule 5: Students are not allowed to surf the web during class, unless they are the
designated driver. Students must request permission in writing if they need to use
electronic devices to take notes.
 Rule 6: Students are always expected to come to class with pen/pencil, paper, required
texts, and course folder. Students enter the room ready to learn.

Late Work & Make-Up Work Policy

The late work policy for this class is as follows:

Students MUST submit assignments on the date they are due in the format required. Late work
will not be accepted, unless the student has requested an extension with sufficient time and valid
reason. The instructor will NEVER accept assignments by personal email. All essays will be
submitted via Turn-it-in on Blackboard. Students’ Questions must be typed, printed, and turned in
during class-time on the day of the corresponding lecture. Students who plan to be absent MUST
make arrangements with the Instructor to make up missed assignments before the assignment is
given. Otherwise, students may not be able to make up exams and quizzes.

Themes to be discussed in this course:

1) Theoretical Perspectives in Cultural Anthropology

2) The Cultural Functions of Language & Communication in Society
3) Economic Production (food foragers to post-industrial workers)
4) Gender/Sex and Individual Identity
5) Marriage, Family, Kinship & Descent
6) Systems of Power, Knowledge, Politics, Religion & Ritual
7) Colonialism, Globalization, Migration and Diaspora

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 Required Coursework & Grading Policy

Final grades will be calculated based on a total of 1000 points. Please make note of the following:

• Response Papers- 2 response papers at 50 points each. (100 points)

1- Response Paper #1
2- Response Paper #2

• Research Paper- 1 research paper, 7-10 pages in length (200 points)

Students will also give a presentation/power point about their paper.

• Quizzes—5 quizzes at 40 points each (200 points)

• Midterm Exam- (200 points)

• Research Paper Topic Presentation- (100 points)

• Student-Generated Reading Comprehension Questions/Attendance/Participation –

(100 points)

• 5 Journal Entries—(100 points)

• Museum Visits (Up to 50 points Extra Credit/Preapproval required)

Grade Scale

900 - 1000 points A The student has mastered course material, terminology,
and key concepts with excellence.
800 – 899 points B The student demonstrates an above average mastery of
concepts and terms.
700 - 799 points C The student shows an average ability to employ key
terms and discuss issues relevant to the discipline.
600 - 699 points D The student demonstrates a below average
understanding of key course concepts.
599 points or less F The student has failed to apply terms and concepts key to
the discipline in class assessments and assignments.

Syllabus Note
This syllabus can be considered an agreement between the instructor, the students, and the
college. Please note, however, that the instructor (not the student) reserves the right to modify
the syllabus. The instructor may also provide additional readings and films in class, which may be
covered on exams and quizzes. Students are responsible for attending class to make note of any
changes to the syllabus. Students are also required to read at home and use Blackboard.

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 Topical Outline / Course Calendar

Week Theme Reading Key Issues In-Class Learning

Discussion & Outcomes &
Assessments Assignment
Week 1 Introduction Eller Race & Eugenics The Branches of Students should
to the Biological, Anthropology be able to
January 20th Discipline Chapter 1: Linguistic, distinguish the
“Understanding Cultural/Social “What is race?” four branches of
anthropology.
Anthropology” Anthropology
Archaeology “How did
Theoretical anthropology
Perspectives begin?”
Ethnography
Ethnology
Method

Week 2 Film The Human Evolution Where and how Syllabus Quiz
Family Tree Genetics did the human
January 25th race begin?

&

January 27th

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Week 3 Culture Eller Culture Define Culture Students should
Holism begin to
February Enculturation What is art? distinguish the
Chapter 2: Ethnocentrism four elements of
1st & 3rd “Understanding Cultural Relativism Begin Key culture, as a
Theory web of
and Studying Anthropologists/
significance.
Culture” Functionalism, Theories
Structuralism, Chart We will also
Chapter 3: “The have a brief
Origins of Structural- overview of
Cultural Functionalism, Distinguish Biological
Anthropology” Cultures and Anthropology,
Post- Subcultures and methods in
structuralism, Cultural
Anthropology
Feminism, (interviews,
Marxism participant
Symbolic observation, and
Anthropology fieldwork.)

Kinship
Economics
Religion
Politics

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Week Theme Reading Key Issues In-Class Learning
Discussion & Outcomes &
Assessments Assignment
Week 4 Language Eller Linguistics
Sociolinguistics The connections Students will
February Chapter 4: Sapir –Whorf between explore
8th Hypothesis language, Linguistic
“Language and Gendered Speech thought and Anthropology
& Social Syntax culture will be and
Performatives Sociolinguistics.
Relations” explored.
Proxemics
10th
Pidgin
Creole

Week 5 Eller Self

Personality, Cultural Ontology What are the Students should
February Identity, Chapter 5: Biological Sex differences begin analyzing
Race and “Cultural Gender between gender, the connections
17th Gender Construction of Intersex sex, and between gender,
Persons: Third Gender sexuality? class and social
Personality and Alternate Gender stratification.
Gender” LGBT How do
Sexual Division different Students will
and of Labor Gender societies view also begin to
Roles gender, sex and explore the
Feminist sexuality? global dynamics
Chapter 6:
of race, gender,
“Individuals Anthropology
What is race? and class.
and Identities: Cognitive
Race and Anthropology
Ethnicity” Race & Ethnicity What is
Eugenics ethnicity?
Endogamy
Assimilation
Pluralism
Genocide
Apartheid
Black Cherokees

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Week 6 Economic Agriculture Chart Patterns of Students should
Production Eller Subsistence Subsistence identify the
Foraging various forms of
February Chapter 7: Horticulture Identify economic
22nd & 24th “Economics: Pastoralism economic parity production in
Humans, Market-Exchange and inequalities human societies
Nature, and Industrialism based on means over time, and
Social Capitalism of production in our
Organization” Production presentday,
Distribution The Global noting the
Consumption Marketplace significance of
consumption.

Friday Response
February Essay # 1
26th

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Week 7 Incest Taboo What functions
Eller Exogamy do marriage and Students should
February Kinship Endogamy families serve in begin to see the
29th Chapter 8 Cross-Cousin vs. human societies? links between
“Kinship and Parallel-Cousin cultural and
& Non-Kin Marriage What is the economic
Organization: Same-Sex relationship production,
Creating between power-
March 2nd Marriage
Corporate worldview, knowledge, and
Divorce economic reproduction in
Groups” Polygamy production, and human societies.
Polygyny human
Polyandry reproduction?
Bride Service
Bride Wealth
Dowry What is the
Sororate importance of
Levirate kinship in
Matrilineal society?
Patrilineal
Bilateral
Matrilocal How do kinship
Patrilocal networks and
Affine voluntary
associations
Consanguine
function
Ego
differently in
preindustrial,
industrial, and
post-industrial
societies?

How do your
own kinship and
social networks
operate?

MIDTERM
EXAM

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Week 8 Eller Band, Clan, How do political Students will
Systems of Tribe, Chiefdom systems operate begin to
March Power Chapter 9: Nation, State, around the evaluate the
“Politics: Social Nation-State world? connections
7th & 9th Order and Authority between social
What constitutes organization
Social Control” Space/Place
a political union and social
Social Control
or entity? power/control.
Sanctions
Hegemony
How is power
Governmentality
used and
NGO
distributed
socially?

Week 9
Systems of Eller Religion What is the Students will
March Knowledge Chapter 10 Syncretism function of begin to
& Belief Animatism religion in distinguish the
14th & 16th “Religion: Animism society? underlying
Interacting Belief connections
What is science? between power
With the Knowledge
and knowledge
NonHuman Mythology
What are within cultural
World” Ritual institutions
Reason systems of
knowledge and along with the
Positivism overarching
power in
Empiricism society? purpose they
Theism serve in the
Polytheism Does religion human life
Monotheism create cohesion, cycle.
Magic solidarity,
Witchcraft integration, and
Shaman perpetuation?
Priest
Rites of Passage
Prayer
Place vs. Space

FILM A SON’S
SACRIFICE

SPRING BREAK MARCH 21st Through 25th

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Week Theme Reading Key Issues In-Class Learning
Discussion & Outcomes &
Assessments Assignment
Week 10 Cultural Eller Acculturation What roles have Rough Draft
Continuity Chapter 11 Ethnocide colonization, Outline of
March and Change “Cultural Genocide colonialism, Final Research
28th – 30th Dynamics” Tradition exploitation, and Paper is
Cultural Loss geopolitics Due Today.
Chapter 12 Colonialism played in the
“Colonialism & Settler colony past, the present,
Globalization” Exploitation and the future?
“Discovery”
Geopolitics
Monoculture
Week 11 Post-colonial Eller Independence
Realities New States Explain the Students will
April Chapter 13 Diasporas global begin to
4th & 6th “Political Ethnic Groups phenomena of understand the
Integration and Refugees poverty and concepts of
Political Under-development abundance. global apartheid
Identity in the Microfinance Does there and global
Post-colonial Neoliberalism appear to be a economic
Civil War global structure differences
World”
Identity Politics of inequality at between the
Self-Determination play as a result world’s
State Terrorism of colonialism wealthiest
Chapter 14 “The and exploitation? countries and the
Struggle for Nationalism
world’s poorest
Economic Poverty countries.
Independence: Global Apartheid
Development, Students will
Modernization, Diseases of
conceptualize
and Development
the legacies of
Globalization” colonialism on
Periphery
present-day
Center
global economic
Third World
practices.
World System
Theory

Urbanization
Import Substitution
GNP
Neocolonialism

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Week Theme Reading Key Issues In-Class Learning
Discussion & Outcomes &
Assessments Assignment
Week 12 Retaining Eller Cultural Tourism This week, we
our cultures McDonaldization will review the
April Chapter 15 Fourth World previous
11th and 13th “Cultural Syncretism concepts
survival, Popular Culture explored in
class.
revival, and Modernity
revitalization in Modernism
a globalized Decentered
world” Fundamentalism
Nativism
Revitalization
Movement
Post-modernism
Week 13 Review Review all Response
April previous weeks Essay #2 is Due.
18th & 20th of theory, key
concepts, major
themes in
anthropology,
and global
movements.
Week 14 Computer Visit Computer
April Lab Lab
25th & 27th

Week 15 Presentations Paper In-class Final Papers

Presentations presentations are due this
May 2nd & week.
4th
Week 16 Final Week Final grades In-class Students must
will be presentations attend class on
May 9th & discussed the last day.
11th during
conference
time.

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 Journal Entry Topics

Journal Entry Topic Due Date

1 Why did you sign up for this class? TBA

2 The Four Fields of Anthropology & TBA

Theoretical Perspectives in Cultural
Anthropology

3 Language, Sex/Gender, Race/Ethnicity TBA

4 Economics, Kinship, Politics, and Religion TBA

5 Colonialism, Globalization, Diaspora, and TBA

Migration

6 With Documentation (ticket stub, brochure) TBA

Anthropological write-up on your visit to :
Extra Credit
a) The DuSable Museum
b) The Field Museum
c) The Museum of Mexican Art
d) Art Institute of Chicago

Students can write extra-credit journal

entries about College sponsored
cultural events that they attend with
the consent of the instructor.

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