Introduction to Anthropology

ANTH 100  -  Spring 2000

Welcome to "Introduction to Anthropology."  I am your instructor, Rodney Frey.  My office is in Phinney Hall, Rm. 116, with office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 to 12:00, Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:30, or by appointment. You can contact me at:

Our Teaching Assistant is Ben Colombi. You can contact Ben at:

Our textbooks are:

Go to:

Course Description: This course will introduce you to the anthropological discipline and perspective, its four divisions (cultural, physical, archaeology and linguistic anthropology), and its subject content. Anthropology endeavors to describe and interpret the meaning of what it means to be "human," taking into consideration the widest possible breadth of the human experience -- cultural, social, linguistic, historical, and biological.

The human experience has always been characterized by its rich diversity of expression. Various peoples have sought in their own unique yet differing ways to bring meaning to their lives and define their relationship with each other and the world about them. This course will explore some of the ways peoples have spun their particular stories of themselves. This course will explore some of the ways peoples have spun their particular stories of themselves. Among the experiential domains we will consider are: 1. culture and epistemology; 2. scientific knowing, biological evolution and variation, and "race;" 3. mythic, ritual, and aesthetic knowing and expressions; 4. family, kinship and associational groupings; 5. child rearing, rites of passage and the integration of the individual into the larger social fabric; 6. landscape, subsistence patterns, economic exchange networks, plant and animal domestication, rise of cities, and the culture of consumption; and 7. the interplay of individual creativity and culture and the nature of inter-cultural contact. Throughout our discussion we will be contrasting the similarities and differences between "Tribal-Traditional" and "Euro-American" cultures and ways of knowing the world.

With an anthropological perspective, we can more effectively explore and interpret the diverse cultural orientations which make up our world. In turn, with this knowledge and appreciation of the rich diversity of human expressions, anthropology can facilitate better communications and cooperation among varied cultural communities, and thwart the seeds of intolerance and prejudice. By juxtaposing that which may seem overtly distinct along side that which is immediate but often veiled and elusive, our own cultural orientation becomes that much clearer. We can more fully understand our own cultural, historic and biological foundations. With such knowledge we become owners of our values and not blindly owned by them. We can better celebrate or critically re-evaluate who we are and become accountable for our actions. And finally, anthropology seeks to apply its perspective and knowledge base in the service of human aspirations and struggles. Such applications can include improving the quality and delivery of health care and education, and addressing and resolving environmental, ethnic, political and sectarian conflicts.

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Course Requirements: Your grade will be based upon successfully completing the following learning endeavors. A total of 200 points can be obtained through these activities.

  1. You will take three (3) examinations. These exams are short answer and essay, covering class lectures, films and textbook readings. The second and final exams are not comprehensive. Exams must be taken at their assigned times and dates. In the event of a documented emergency, a make-up essay exam must be take within one week of returning to class. You must notify the instructor prior to an absence from an exam date (by phone or e-mail, or in person). To review materials prior to exams, see the individual "lecture outlines" on the web (see URL addresses below) and the Study Guide. Each exam is worth 40 points, for a total of 120 points. The dates for the exams are listed in the "Topic, Dates and Assignments" section below.

    Grading criteria:

  2. You will take a series of "reflective writes." Typically given at the end of a class session and lasting no more than five minutes, the "reflective write" question will ask the student to rephrase in his or her own words and reflect upon the significance of a key concept presented during that session. Upon completing at least 80% of all "reflective writes," you will receive 20 points. If less than 80% but more than 60% are completed, 14 points will be awarded. If less than 60% but more than 40% are completed, 10 points will be awarded. No points will be awarded if less than 40% of the "reflective writes" are completed. The reflective writes are worth a total of 20 points.
  3. You will write an interpretative research paper. You are asked to explore the culture of another society, distinct from your own. The paper should address a given "topic" as identified in the syllabus, e.g., "kinship" and "what is a rich man?" The perspective and parameters for each "topic" are based on a specific set of anthropological materials and concerns as elaborated during the appropriate class sessions.

    Having selected a "topic," you should then research a specific cultural tradition, e.g., Nuer of East Africa, Yoruba of Nigeria, Navajo of the American Southwest, or Basque of Spain, (a tradition other than your own). This will entail extensive library research. Begin early.

    Having thoroughly researched your culture, isolate a specific behavioral setting or event, e.g., a segment of a marriage ceremony. Then descriptively write it up. This description is known as the "text." In selecting a text try to isolate a specific event in time and space that is representative and significant of the larger cultural context. Then with as much detail as possible, describe the rich texture of that setting, e.g., who, what, where, when, etc. Pay attention to the "little things," as well as the "big picture." But don't attempt to a too board and general. The detail of a cultural text often reveals what is most meaningful. The text can be presented in a neutral, "objective" style, passively describing the events as they unfolded or in first person prose, chronicling the event or scene as if you were a participant in that setting.

    Your project should also include a concise discussion of the historical and cultural context of the text when the event typically takes place, who are the primary actors, under what circumstances does the event occur, a brief history, etc. In order to conduct good interpretative research, the context of a text must be fully appreciated.

    You will then interpret the cultural meaning and significance of the behavioral setting, providing a short interpretative narrative, e.g., discussing the ritual symbolism and stages of the rite of passage identified in the marriage ceremony. To interpret is not to summarize, but to seriously contemplate and consider the cultural assumptions of a particular text. To interpret is also to successfully utilize the appropriate anthropological perspective, method and language as reflected in the textbooks and lecture materials. The interpretation should focus on the meaning and significance, and/or the role and function of the text. An interpretation should always seek to represent the perspective of the participants being described and avoid being ethnocentric. There can be no "correct" or "incorrect" interpretation of a text. But a landscape (text) can be thoroughly traveled (interpreted) by a properly outfitted explorer (utilizing the techniques of anthropology) or it may be tersely traveled by a poorly equipped adventurer. See Interpreting a Text for additional discussion.

    Your paper should be a minimum of ten (10), double-spaced, 12 font-sized, typed pages, but no longer than fifteen (15) pages, and must conform to proper APA (American Psychological Association) or AAA (American Anthropological Association) style of parenthetical documentation. Keep a copy of the submitted paper. The paper is worth 60 points and is due on the date listed in the "Topics, Dates and Assignments" section below.

    You must obtain "an okay" on your "proposed topic" from the instructor prior to doing your research. The one-page prospectus includes a statement of intent, "topic" focus, and at least three (3) non-Internet, key bibliographical sources. The prospectus is due by mid-term.

    Grading criteria:

  4. Class attendance.With the exception of the first week, class attendance will be not be formally taken, though attendance is expected. Repeated absences will lower your grade. The materials presented during class lectures and through the films are essential for successful completion of this course, and its exams and papers. During the first week, non-attending students will be automatically dropped from the course. Students can not enroll in the course after the normal add period (after the first week) is over.

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Grading: Your final grade will be based upon the total points earned from the three exams (40 points each), "reflective writes" (20 points), and research project (60 points). In cases of boarder-line decisions, class attendance will be taken into consideration. The following scale will determine your grade: 180-200 (90%-100%) = A, 160-179 (80%-89%) = B, 140-159 (70%-79%) = C, 120-139 (60%-69%) = D

Note on textbook application and use. The methodology and theoretical perspective, the framework, upon which this course is based is primarily disseminated through the class lectures. The textbooks are to be used as supplemental extensions of and applications for the anthropological pedagogy and theory developed in class. As you venture into the cultural world of the Balinese or Mardu, for example, apply the perspectives garnered from the lectures as the basis for your interpretation and appreciation of these peoples. It will be during the course examinations and as you go forth from this course that you will be asked to apply the anthropological perspectives gained. The textbooks reveal worlds within which you can explore and discover for yourself.

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Topics, Assignments and Session Dates: Please note that the following topics and session dates are tentative, subject to change and re-scheduling.

  1. Topics: Review of the course and assignments, and the Anthropological Perspective - the four sub-fields, field work and methodology, anthropological theories, and the concept of culture - How do we come to understand others and ourselves? What is "culture"?
    Readings: Ember and Ember - Preface, 1, 8 and 17; Lansing - Foreword, 1 and 2 (pp. 17-23 and skim pp. 23-46); and Tonkinson - Foreword and "Introduction" (pp. 1-18)
    Lecture Outline: Introduction and Culture and Theory
    Dates: January 11, 13 and 18
  2. Topics: Epistemology and Cultural Themes:  Literal, metaphoric and anagogic ways of knowing; Tribal-Traditional and Euro-American cultural foundations and themes; and relation between language and culture - How have various peoples come to know and define their worlds, and are we a part of the world or live apart from it?
    Video: Three Worlds of Bali
    Readings: Ember and Ember - 9; Lansing - 2 (pp. 23-31); Tonkinson - 1
    Lecture Outline
    Date: January 20 and 25
  3. Topics: A Question of Origin and Place - Evolution and Scientific Knowing: the scientific method, biological evolution, the fossil record, "race," nature and nurture - As a species, what is our origins, and, as individuals, are we what we are taught or what we are born with? Our origin and place as subscribed by the "evolutionary" account.
    Video: Lucy and the First Family, and Ice Man
    Readings: Ember and Ember - 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; and the American Anthropological Association Statement on "Race" Lecture Outline
    Dates: January 27 and February 1 and 3
  4. Exam
    Date: February 8
  5. Topics:  A Question of Origin and Place - Creation, Aesthetic, Mythologic and Religious Knowing: orality and literacy; ritual and ceremonialism; oral literature and creation narratives; and art - How have people related to the transcendent and spiritual worlds, what is "creation," what is "beauty," and who is "God"? Our origin and place as subscribed by the "creation" account.
    Video: Touching the Timeless
    Readings: Ember and Ember - 16; Lansing - 3, 4 and Appendix; Tonkinson - 5; and Dreamtime and Plato's Cave
    Lecture Outline
    Dates: February 10, 15, 17 and 22
  6. Topics: The Life Cycle and Rites of Passage: initiation rites and the "individual" - What is the process by which the "individual" is integrated within the larger fabric of his or her society and ecology? What is a "healthy person"?
    Video: Mistaken Identity
    Readings: Lansing - 2 (pp. 31-42); Tonkinson - 4 and 6; and Rites of Passage
    Lecture Outline
    Dates: February 24 and 29
  7. Topics: The Ecological Fabric: gatherer/hunter and the "Original Affluent Society," the objectification of the landscape, domestication and horticultural, agriculture and "civilization," industrial and informational societies, the "culture of consumption," and environmental stasis - What are the various ways peoples have defined and related to the natural world and their "landscape." Why did we domesticate plants and animals, and what are the implications of doing so? Why do some cultures seek mightily to live within their landscape as a part of it, while others, with equal commitment, attempt to live apart from it, controlling and dominating it? What is a "healthy environment"?
    Video: Ecology of Mind
    Readings: Ember and Ember - 7, 10 and 11; Lansing - 4; Tonkinson - 2; and The Original Affluent Society, The Culture of Consumption, and Inclusivity
    Lecture Outline
    Dates: March 2, 7, 9, 21 and 23
  8. Prospectus Due
    Date: Thursday March 9
  9. Spring Break - No Classes
    Dates: March 14 and 16
  10. Exam
    Date: March 28
  11. Topic: The Social Fabric: family, marriage, kinship, gender, leadership, power, "indiviudualism," and the objectification of the species - Why are we such a gregarious species, with a tremendous capacity for "love" and compassion, yet with equal passion also able to "hate" other humans? Why are we the only species that can systematically kill and go to war with its own kind? Why are there so many differing ways to define and relate to other humans? Why do some individuals have greater "power" over others and more access to the "goodies"? What defines a "rich man"?
    Video: Strange Relations and Poor Man Shames Us All
    Readings: Ember and Ember - 11, 12, 13, 14,15 and 17; Lansing 2 (pp. 42-46), Tonkinson - 3, 4 (pp. 98-101), 5 (pp. 138-142) and 6
    Lecture Outline
    Dates: March 30, and April 4, 6, 11 and 13
  12. Topics: The Dynamic Fabric: innovation, diffusion, assimilation, modernity and traditionalism, and technological change - Are we the masters of our own fate or pawns of society? How have peoples initiated and/or responded to continuity and change through time? What is "utopia"? The future and the Internet?
    Video: Inventing Reality
    Readings: Lansing - 5; Tonkinson - 5 (pp. 133-138) and 7
    Lecture Outline
    Dates: April 18, 20, 25 and 27
  13. Research Paper Due
    Date: Thursday April 27
  14. Final Exam
    Date: Tuesday May 8 from 10:00 to 12:00.

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