Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
KSLG-0023
Organization:
Gateway Education
Location:
Online
Length:
9 weeks (144 hours).
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Introduction to Anthropology
Description

Objective:

In Introduction to Anthropology, we look at the comparative study of humankind. Our emphasis is on the core concepts, methods and components of the four subfields - Biological Anthropology, Anthropological Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology (shortened to Cultural Anthropology). In addition, the course connects anthropology to our everyday life. It focuses on understanding and appreciating the diversity of human beings through examining language, gender, religion and other societal institutions. The course concludes with the role of anthropology in our changing world.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Compare and contrast strategies used by anthropologists to study human development, including the application of the scientific method.
  • Recognize the influence of anthropological theories and methods on ideas in other disciplines related to anthropology.
  • Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between present-day and earlier people regarding their beliefs, religions, customs, languages, marriage practices, family structures, and artistic expression, among other topics.
  • Identify world systems and global issues and recognize how our cultural differences influence the solutions to these problems at both individual and societal levels.
  • Interpret the fundamental principles of the four subfields of anthropology as presented in the text.
  • Recognize the variety of people and cultures that exist today and the influences and processes that contributed to their evolution.
  • Apply concepts of evolution and genetics to the history of human development.

General Topics:

  • What is Anthropology
  • Culture
  • Applying Anthropology
  • Doing Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
  • Evolution and Genetics
  • Human Variation and Adaptation
  • The Primates
  • Early Hominins
  • The Genus Homo
  • Origin and Spread of Modern Humans
  • The First Farmers
  • The First Cities and States
  • Theory in Cultural Anthropology
  • Language and Communication
  • Ethnicity and Race
  • Making a Living
  • Political Systems
  • Gender
  • Families, Kinship, and Descent
  • Marriage
  • Religion
  • Arts, Media, and Sports
  • The World System, Colonialism, and Inequality
  • Anthropology’s Role in a Globalizing World
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Discussion
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials