ANTH 1100 - Introduction to Anthropology

3 sem hrs cr

This course is a study of selected topics in General Anthropology with a focus on the ways this knowledge can be applied to everyday life. Subject matters include race, human evolution, language, religion, economics, kinship, and globalism. Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of ENGL 0810  and READ 0810  

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.

Formerly/Same As (Formerly ANT 2010, ANTH 2010)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

Students will…

• explore the breadth of the study of anthropology, understanding its interest in global diversity and cross-cultural comparison.
• be able to present a clear explanation of the anthropological perspective (cultural relativism, comparative, and holism) and how it can be applied in everyday life.
• be able to give a clear definition of the anthropological concept of culture.
• understand the four-fold approach of American anthropology (archeology, socio-cultural, biological, and linguistics) and the historical circumstances that led to this approach.
• understand the anthropological concepts of biological and cultural evolution and some of the more important scientific models of these concepts.
• recognize the key methodological concerns of each of the four sub-disciplines of American anthropology, particularly participant observation.

Course Objectives

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to…

• critically examine scientific theories of human culture, biology, and evolution.
• explore human diversity, both cultural and biological, from a global perspective.
• practice locating, evaluating and citing scientific literature.
• practice holistic thinking about contemporary social problems.
• consider the historical forces that have shaped anthropology as a discipline.