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Comparative Studies of World Cultures

Anthropology 306

Spring 2000

 

Professor Hsain Ilahiane, 322A Curtiss Hall, 294-6145, Hsain@iastate.edu

Office Hours: Monday and Friday from 3-5 PM, or by appointment.

Class Hours:  Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:45 AM, Room 15, Curtiss Hall

 

This course provides an intensive historical survey of some basic concepts of cultural anthropology over the last century through the consultation of original texts.   As a core concern of this class we will take a comparative anthropological approach to the study of the shifting academic and popular definitions of what constitutes cultural similarities and diversity, and the methodologies and analytical approaches used in examining the domains of the human condition.  Readings include selections from contemporary anthropological studies, offering students an opportunity to discover the influential and enduring strands and themes organized within cultural anthropology.  This survey will enable students to appreciate the distinctive methods, themes, and major areas of concern of cultural anthropology in relations to other subfields of anthropology and the social and human sciences generally.  In addition to surveying diverse anthropological approaches to socioeconomic growth, we will be looking at the relevance of these approaches for analyzing contemporary issues throughout the globe.

 

Class time is devoted to lecture, discussion, and multimedia.  Coming prepared to discuss the assigned readings is essential.  Evaluation is based on participation, attendance and class contribution, performance on assignments, and overall evidence of your engagement with the main concepts and issues.  Attendance, class participation (including office hours), timely completion of written assignments and readings, and video viewing is critical.  Attendance is taken; you are allowed one unexcused absence, beyond which you put your overall evaluation at risk.  Failure to attend class regularly will result in a failing grade.  To register a legitimate absence, inform me in a timely fashion, and meet with me ASAP to discuss missed material. 

 

Questions regarding class material, assignments, or general conduct of the course are best raised during office hours.  I strongly invite students to meet with me individually or in small groups throughout the semester.