Karachi Campus

Course Syllabus
Course Name: Course Code: Credit Hours: Course Prerequisites: Semester/Year: Instructor: Contact No: Consultation Hours: E-mail:
Cultural Anthropology SS1156
3 Credit hours 3 Class hours (per week)

Fall 2011 Aneeta Pasha Before or after class, by appointment aneeta.pasha@gmail.com

1. Course Description:
Cultural anthropology is the comparative study of humankind in all its diversity. This course will focus on basic introductory anthropological concepts about people and their behaviour and emphasize comparative cultural perspectives. 2. Course Objectives: The objectives of the course are to introduce students to key concepts in cultural anthropology; challenge cultural assumptions and stimulate how students think about human behaviour.

3. Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the common ideas and terminology associated with cultural anthropology 2) Define, explain and describe specific themes in social and cultural organization

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3) Understand the relationship between patterns of behaviour and cultural influences 4) Describe and discuss research methodology used in anthropological research

4. Textbook:
Cultural Anthropology by William Haviland 9th Edition

5. Reference Book(s):
- Social and Cultural Anthropology The Key Concepts by Nigel Rapport & Joanne Overing - What is Anthropology? By Thomas Hylland Erikson Any other book that discusses anthropological concepts and case studies. 6. Grading Policy/Student Assessment: Assessment Instruments Reflection Papers (2) Mid-Term Exam Final Paper Final Exam 7. Assignments: Reflection Papers - Students are expected to submit two short papers during the course of the semester. The first is due in Week 4 and the 2nd is due in Week 8. In this paper, students should pick any one idea/concept covered in class that grabbed their attention and write a 2 page paper discussing their thoughts on this idea/concept. Some of the following questions can be answered in this paper: What do you know now that you didn't know before? What did you feel as you read about this? Did it challenge some assumptions you had? Why or why not? Did you share any of this with someone else? Why did this idea/concept appeal to you? Each Percentage 10% 30% 30% 30%

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Reflection Paper is worth 5%. Please double space your papers and use 1-inch margins, Times New Roman - Font 12. Final Papers - Students are expected to submit one 5-page paper in Week 13. For this assignment, students should research a culture/society/group that is different from their own and describe 1 anthropological concept/topic discussed in class in relation to this group. For example: students can discuss polyandry among Nepali groups, tribal organization in New Guinea, Shamanism in the Caribbean, etc. More details will be provided in class.

8. Weekly Course Outline:

Wee Session Topic k Course Introduction 1 - What is Anthropology?
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Assessments

Concept of Culture Anthropological Theory / Research Methods Big names in Cultural Anthropology Language and Communication Economic Systems - Kinship and Descent Sex and Gender - Marriage & the Family Mid-Term Exam Personality & Human Development Social Stratification Political Systems, Power Relations & Social Control Religion & Supernatural Beliefs Health & Healing Anthropology & Globalization Anthropology & Development Final Paper 30% Reflection Paper 2 5% 30%

Reflection Paper 1

5%

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15 16

Course Review
Final Exam 30%

9. Expected Class Conduct:

Students are expected to adhere to all academic policies and guidelines outlined in the SZABIST Student Handbook. In addition, students are expected to: - Switch off their cell phones before entering class, or they will be confiscated and returned to the student in the following class. - Hand-in all assignments on time or receive a late penalty. - Demonstrate tolerance and open-mindedness to the topics discussed in class. - Check ZABDESK regularly for assigned readings for each week. 10.

Teaching and Learning Methodology:

This course will be taught through lectures, discussions, case studies, and an analytical essay. The basis for this class will be active learning. Active learning means that students will be expected to use theories and concepts learned in class and through readings to understand different cultures and apply their knowledge. During the semester students will be working individually. Students are expected to read the textbooks and course handouts to maximize their level of understanding.

11.

Materials and Supplies:

Reading material will be provided when needed. 12.

Attendance Policy:

Prompt arrival and regular attendance are extremely important. Refer to the SZABIST Student Handbook for policies on late entry, maximum absences allowed, leave application, etc. 13.

Students with Physical or Educational Challenges:

Students with educational and/or physical challenges are entitled to extra attention and time from the instructor. Therefore students are advised to notify the course instructor at the beginning of the course. Special

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arrangement may also be made on prior request based on specific challenges. 14.

Academic Integrity

This course seeks to empower students for independent learning, resourcefulness, clear thinking, and perception. All submitted work and activities should be genuine reflections of individual work. Plagiarism and cheating subvert these goals and will be treated according to the policy stated in the Student Handbook. The instructor reserves the right to utilize electronic means to help prevent plagiarism. 15.

Instructors Course Portfolio:

ICP is a link on ZABDESK where faculty will upload the following course files: Course syllabus, Handouts, Reading materials, and Assignments. Check ZABDESK regularly!

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