Introduction to Anthropology - IIEI-270

Course Description: This six-week course provides an introduction to anthropology, which is the study of people and cultures. Students learn about anthropology as a science, the different branches of anthropology, evolution and physical anthropology, the concepts of culture, ethnicity, race and social construction, and how it relates to their lives.

Prerequisite: None

Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours

Major Course Topics & Course Outcomes

As a result of the group and individual activities included in this course, the student will acquire the following knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace:  

What is Anthropology and How it is Applied

• To know the definition of anthropology and its applications

Ethics and Methods in Anthropology and Archaeology

• To understand how ethics impacts Physical Anthropology and Archaeology

Evolution and Genetics

• To understand how evolution and genetics are viewed by an anthropologist

Human Adaptation and Primate Evolution

• To have a basic understanding of adaptation the evolution of primates 

Hominids, The Genus Homo and Human Evolution

• To define human evolution, including early hominids and the genus homo and to understand the development of agriculture and cities and states 

Culture and Cultural Anthropology

• To define culture and understand the subject areas anthropologists use to explore culture, including ethical practices  

Ethnicity and Race

• To know how to differentiate between the concepts of ethnicity and race  

Language and Communication

• To understand the anthropological aspect of language and communication

Economic and Political Systems

• To differentiate between different economic and political systems 

Families, Kinship and Descent; Marriage; Gender

• To know the terminology and concepts related to familial relationships, kinship and descent, as well as marriage. To survey the major topics associated with the anthropology of gender

Religion

• To be able to define the major terminology and concepts related to the study of religion in an anthropological context

The Arts

• To understand the anthropological interest in human creative endeavors 

The Modern World System

• To know anthropological concepts
• To understand the exchange of information and culture in the modern era from an anthropological viewpoint

Course Materials:

There is one textbook for this course. You can obtain it through your favorite bookstore or order through the IIEI Store Online. 

Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity  Conrad Phillip Kottak 11th Edition McGraw Hill, NY,NY  ISBN: 0-07-3134747-2