Module Title: SOCS 121 Cultural Anthropology

Credit Value: 12

General Objectives

Cultural anthropology is the branch of anthropology that deals with human culture and society. Cultural variation among humans and the influence of globalization on local culture are studied within this discipline. This module will introduce central ideas, theoretical perspectives of cultural anthropology and look at cultural processes and institutions.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Trace the history of the discipline and current issues.
• Assess the relevance of Anthropology in contemporary Bhutan.
• Compare and Contrast the discipline of Anthropology and Sociology
• Survey different  Theoretical approaches in Cultural Anthropology 
• Recognize different ethnographic field techniques and methods used by Cultural Anthropologist
• Examine the role of culture in Language and the Arts.
• Assess the role of religion in culture

Learning and Teaching Approach Used:

Lecture will be the main approach used to teach this module. There will be 4 hours of lecture each week will adopt developmental learning approach and encourage students to become independent learners who are responsible for their learning. Critical thinking approach will be used during the lecture periods.  There will be one hour of tutorial each week where cooperative learning approach will be used in order to promote individual accountability, use of collaborative skills, and face to face interaction between students as well as between student and instructor. Students are encouraged to use video clips, internet, news papers etc for presentations and class discussions.  

Assessment:

Continuous Assessment:                   40%

            Class Test (2):             20%

            Assignment:               20%

End of Session Assessment:               60%

            Presentation:              10%

            Final Exam:                50%

Subject Matter:

• Introduction to Anthropology: Early Anthropology, Ideas of Progress, Social Darwinism, New Perspective; Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativism, Sub-fields of Anthropology,
• Current Theories in Anthropology: Four approaches – Historical, Functional, Materialist (scientific) and Symbolic (interpretive) will be covered
• Doing Anthropology – A survey of Ethnographic field techniques and methods will be covered in the module.
• What is Culture? – Defining culture, Concept of  Culture, Enculturation and Socialization & Diffusion of Culture
• Culture and Communication – Language and the Arts: Language and Culture, Characteristics of Language, Socio-linguistic, Code-Switching, Non-verbal Communication, Art, Purpose of Art, Types of Art, Art in context of Culture
• Culture and Religion: Components of Religion -  Cosmology and Mythology, The Supernatural, Belief, Types of Cult Institutions – individualistic, shamanic, communal, formal (ecclesiastical), Olympian & Monotheistic. Folk Belief (superstitions), Mana, The Evil Eye, Syncretism, Rite, Ritual & Festivals.
• Social Organization & Kinship: groups, statuses, roles, division of labour, and rank. Functions of Kinship, Descent Group, Types of Descent, Linage,
• Environment, Adaptation and Subsistence: -
• The Life Cycle:
• Culture and Politics
• Cultural Evolution and the Contemporary World

Reading List:

Textbook:

Schultz, E. A., & Lavenda, R. H. (2005). Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition,  7^th Ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

Reference:

Havilland, W. A., & etl.  (2008). Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge

Lavenda, R. H., & Schultz, E. A. (2008). Anthropoplogy: What Does It Mean to Be Human. New York: Oxford University Press.

Textbook Website: http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780195338508/?view=usa

Date: August 15, 2008