Peoples and Cultures of the World

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Surveys human cultures around the world using case studies of customs and cultural organization. Explores how anthropology is a holistic discipline focused on all of humanity, which integrates knowledge from diverse fields like history, economics, psychology, sociology and traditional sciences. Explores global interconnectedness alongside cultural diversity, addressing questions of "us and them". Develops a greater understanding of the breadth of variation in the human condition and the power of culture to shape individual experience. Recognizes the trade-offs between cultural relativist and universalist perspectives. Gains cultural awareness to inform future evaluations of domestic and global issues. Practices communicating opinions in a culturally respectful manner. Relates outcomes of cultural study to one’s understanding of one’s own culture. This course may incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues relevant to anthropology. Course content may include complex or sensitive topics and is designed to foster respectful, evidence-based discussion and critical engagement with multiple perspectives, skills essential for navigating a diverse and changing world. TOPICS AND THEMES. Analyzes key anthropological concepts, including fieldwork, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, holism and ethnography. Considers human universals and cultural uniqueness. Studies cultural expressions related to basic perceptions (color, space, distance) and the body (beauty standards, adornment, modification). Explores systems of social organization, including gender, sports, games, communication, gestures and greetings. Investigates cultural practices concerning food, eating, reciprocity, trade, etiquette, folklore and magic. Examines cultural approaches to death, dying, medicine, illness and health.