Mr. Eisenman

Email: reisenman@rutlandhs.k12.vt.us  

web site:  http://rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/eisenman

Phone: 770-1262

            Welcome to Anthropology.  Anthropology is a very eclectic and diverse subject.  We will study human beings from many perspectives.  Occasionally, we will examine science, including human biology and genetics.  We will also examine many wonderful cultural creations by people who have lived throughout history from many parts of the world.  I believe it is absolutely fascinating to learn about human diversity.  The only requirements are an open mind, a willingness to look at things from unfamiliar perspectives, a suspension of judgment, and a willingness to read, listen, think, and write. 

This class will be academically challenging and offer you many opportunities for intellectual and personal growth.  You can expect a reading assignment practically every night and several writing assignments of various length each week.  Since many anthropology articles are geared toward college students, you will frequently be required to difficult, but interesting, readings.  You will have periodic tests on reading assignments, class notes, and class activities.  There will be many hands-on projects throughout the course.  You will be required to analyze your own culture throughout the course.  Each quarter, you will have a major research and writing assignment.  As much as possible, you will be doing independent and group research with the opportunity to tailor your own learning to your personal interests.

  COURSE CONTENT

I.        Introduction to the study of Anthropology.

a.       What is Anthropology?

b.      How do Anthropologists study man?

II.     Creation Myths

a.       Read, Perform and compare creation myths

b.      Analyze the Old Testament

c.       Science and Evolution

III.   Humans and Primates

IV.  Early Man

a.       Origins, developments, and migration

b.      Cave Paintings

c.       Development of agriculture

d.      Guns Germs and Steel

V.     Human Biology, genetics, and race

VI.  Archeology

a.       Mock Dig

VII.            Culture, Ethnocentrism and Geography

a.       Rites of Passage

b.      Material culture- shoes, Feng Shui

c.       Language-Ebonics

d.      Religion and Belief-Cargo cults, Cannibalism, sports superstitions

e.       Food customs-Chinese banquet

f.        Economy-gift giving

g.       Marriage, family, kinship, descent, social organization

h.       Health and wellness-Chinese medicine

i.         Aesthetics- Japanese Wabi-Sabi

j.        Sports and games-Compare Japanese and American baseball

VIII.         Ethnomusicology

a.       Music of the 60’s

b.      Modern protest music

c.       World Music

IX.  Application

a.       Cultural change and survival

b.      State of the world

c.       Global culture

 OBJECTIVES

·        To develop effective study and research skills for independent and collaborative learning

·        To write effectively in various formats.

·        To read critically and interpret a range of documents

·        To effectively use the skills and techniques practiced by anthropologists.

·        To learn basic facts and trends in the discipline of Anthropology

·        To gain an appreciation of human diversity

·         

GRADING

·        Participation-20%;

·        Quizzes, homework 20%;

·        Tests, essays, Projects 60%

POLICY FOR LATE WORK

            Late assignments will get 10 points taken off per day late.  After 1 week, you may not submit it for credit.  If you are absent and miss a test or quiz, you must make it up within one week. Also, check with me to see if you need to submit any homework.