“Anthropology demands the open-mindedness with which one must look and listen, record in astonishment and wonder that which one would not have been able to guess” (Margaret Mead).
Anthropology aims to use a broad approach to gain an understanding of our past, present, and future and address the problems humans face in biological, social, and cultural life. This course will explore the evolution, similarity, and diversity of humankind through time. It will look at how we have evolved from a biologically and culturally weak species to one that can cause catastrophic change. Exciting online video journeys to different areas of the world will also be presented in the course.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of anthropology by examining and explaining what an anthropologist does and the variety of subfields of anthropology.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theory of human evolution by explaining the theory of evolution, the evolution process and describing the traits of our current species known as Homo Sapiens.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of a variety of societies studied by anthropologists by examining the defining characteristics of a variety of societies, such as hunter-gathers, nomads, pastorals, urban societies, industrial societies, and post-industrial societies.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between language, environment, and culture by comparing cultural similarities in language and describing ways the environment can affect culture.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the process of archaeology by explaining the purpose of an archaeological record, the steps to discovering archaeological records at sites, and the variety of techniques used to analyze archaeological records.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of religion and family in culture by explaining the similarities and differences of a variety of religions and family practices in various cultures.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how people are formed through enculturation by explaining how family, mainstream media and history have affected culture throughout the years.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how cultures change as the world develops by explaining the role that genocide, human rights, and democracy played in developing today’s world.