Practice Quiz
 
General  Anthropology
Spring  2006
INSTRUCTOR: 
  Matthew Westra 
 OFFICE: 
  LA 202-C 
     OFFICE  PHONE: 
  672-2374 (with voice mail) 
   E-MAIL: 
  matthew.westra@mcckc.edu
 OFFICE  HOURS: 
Mon/Wed/Fri 11-12 a.m.
Tues/Thurs 2-3 p.m.
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"No culture has a monopoly on truth, grasp of reality, or accurate world view."

TEXTBOOK COVERREQUIRED TEXT:
Haviland, Prins, Walrath, & McBride. (2005) Anthropology: The Human Challenge. 11th Ed. Wadsworth
    Haviland et. al. Companion Web Site
RECOMMENDED TEXT:
Harris, Marvin. Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches: The Riddles of Culture.

  GRADING & ASSIGNMENTS
  • As we agreed in class on Friday, March 3, there are changes to the syllabus.
  • 200 point total for the course, instead of 250.
  • 50 point exam for the first test.
  • Quizzes for the rest of the 100 points of exam assessment.
  • I have divided the remainder of the class into 8 quizzes. There will be 15 questions per quiz, which totals 120 points.
    • This builds in extra credit for students who take all quizzes, and allows students who miss one quiz to still get full credit, therefore no make-up quizzes will be allowed.
    • Quizzes will begin at the start of class time on the days they are given.
  • Papers remain the same, for 50 points, but are now 25% of the semester grade, rather than 20%.
  •   Link to original Syllabus 

GRADING SCALE:  I use a standard 10% scale as presented below.

Exams & Quizzes: 
150  A = 180 - 200
Written Assignments: 
  50 B =  160 - 179
      Total: 
200 C =  140 - 159


D =  120 - 139

  F =      0 - 119

EXAMS:
 Each test may consist of any combination of Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill-in, and/or Essay. Test items may be drawn from all readings, class activities, assigned films, guest speakers, required outside sources, etc. Essentially, if it is part of the class, it could be on the exams.
    We may be using the Blackboard system for exams. We may have some exams in class. I will notify you well in advance of which option/s will be used.
 Link: How to prepare for, and pass, my exams.

MAKE-UP EXAMS
 At my discretion, I will provide a method of assessment for missed exams. NOTIFY ME BEFORE A MISSED EXAM! I consider myself free to require that you take the same exam as the one missed, create a new exam for you, or require a written project - at my discretion. Further, do not expect that I will give you the same type of make-up exam as I gave another student who missed an exam.
 Only one exam may be made up.
 Online, BlackBoard exams may not be made up. You will have adequate time to take them.
  The Final Exam may not be missed, in accordance with college policy.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: 1/4 of the semester grade.
   You will select between a review of a book or a collection of 5 shorter activities.
    There are 2 types of book reviews to choose from, an Ethnography or a Topical Exploration.   See below for details.

QUALITY of WRITTEN WORK
 It is expected that all written works produced outside of class will be completed in a fashion which reflects professional competence. This means, specifically, that Semester Projects, Extra Credit, and any other written assignments (other than exam essays) will be typed (or done on a word processor), double spaced, 1 inch margins, preferably using 12 point Times New Roman font, be presented on white paper with black ink which is dark enough to read easily, use standard capital and small letters, cite sources and quotations in APA  (click here for a web source about APA format) or MLA form, use paragraphs properly, demonstrate thoughtful consideration of your topic and sources, be clean and aligned with a single staple (no paper clips) in the upper left corner. Papers will be free from spelling errors and grammatical errors. Pages are to be numbered, preferably in the bottom center or top right corner. Any typo's which escape your watchful eye while typing will be corrected in pencil or pen prior to being turned in. There may be no more than 3 corrected typos, and no uncorrected typos per page. If you discover too many typos, re-type the page or fix them on your word processor and re-print.
  Quality and Appearance will be counted in the grade. Don't embarrass yourself with shoddy work. Part of professional competence lies in the conveyance of a message, as well as in the message itself.
 Deviations from requirements will prevent papers from being accepted.

READINGS
 You will be held responsible for all readings assigned, both from the text and from outside sources. It is also expected that you will have read the material prior to class so that we can have informed and meaningful discussions of pertinent topics.
 Class lecture, discussion, and activities are designed to augment, rather than duplicate, information in the text.
  You should be reading the Marvin Harris book throughout the time spent in a unit, not just prior to the exam. This way, it can help inform our discussions. Otherwise, it is busywork and won't contribute to learning.

ATTENDANCE
 Students are expected to attend class. In accordance with college policy, students missing 2 weeks' worth of classes (consecutive or not) risk being dropped from the class. This does NOT relieve you of the responsibility of dropping. If you disappear and do not officially withdraw, and I don't notice and don't drop you, this will result in an F on your report card and transcripts.

DISCLAIMER - LANGUAGE, IDEAS, & NUDITY
 We will be examining some culturally taboo issues such as sexuality, sex roles, religion, evolution, and various social norms, and we will be using some frank language. The goal is to be able to communicate rather than to offend. If you are easily upset or offended by these things, or intolerant of ideas and ways of living in the world, I recommend that you see me for greater detail, and consider withdrawing from the class if you deem necessary.

TAPE RECORDERS
Tape recorders are not allowed in class. Don't bring or use them. If you have a documented special need that requires their use, please bring me certification from the Special Needs Office.


Academic Integrity

    Each student is obligated to operate with utmost academic integrity, on their own honor, and with the realization that the college district has explicit policies which address academic dishonesty and repercussions for participating in such acts. The guiding principle for all questions of academic integrity is as follows: "Assume the most restrictive set of conditions, unless some exception is explicitly made by the instructor."  Should you have any question about a particular academic strategy or behavior, ASK the instructor of the course - do NOT rely on other instructors, agencies, friends, or members of the academic community, as there is great inconsistency in individual policies.
    Forms of Behavior which Violate Academic Integrity
    Consequences.
       Students should assume that the harshest consequences allowed under district policy, as outlined in the Student Handbook, will be provided. Violation of Academic Integrity on any single part of a course will result in the Failing grade for the entire course and may result in further academic consequences, according to the discretion of the instructor. It is incumbent on the part of the student to abide by any and all codes, traditions, rules, and guidelines for Academic Integrity.

    Agreement.
       Attendance in the course constitutes agreement and subjection to the policies on Academic Integrity presented above and in the Student Handbook and Policies of this college and district.


SEQUENCE*

Part V: CULTURE AND SURVIVAL: THE CHALLENGE OF COMMUNICATING, RAISING CHILDREN, AND STAYING ALIVE.  
14. The Characteristics of Culture. Class Notes   
15. Language and Communication. Class Notes 
16. Social Identity, Personality, and Gender. No Online Notes 
17. Patterns of Subsistence.  Class Notes  
18. Economic Systems.   Class Notes  
Part VI: FORMATION OF GROUPS: THE CHALLENGE OF COOPERATION.  
19. Sex and Marriage. Class Notes  
20. Family and Household. Class Notes  
21. Kinship and Descent.  No Online Notes  
22. Grouping by Gender, Age, Common Interest and Class.  No Online Notes 
EXAM 1

Part VII: SEARCH FOR ORDER: THE CHALLENGE OF DISORDER.
23. Politics, Power, and Violence.   
24. Spirituality, Religion, and the Supernatural.    Class Notes  
25. The Arts.       Class Notes  
 QUIZ 1

Part VIII: CHANGE AND THE FUTURE: THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBALIZATION.
26. Processes of Change.     Class Notes - Discussion Questions  
27. Global Challenges, Local Responses, & the Role of Anthropology.  Class Notes  

QUIZ 2

Part I: ANTHROPOLOGY: THE CHALLENGE OF KNOWING HUMANITY 
1. The Essence of Anthropology.    No Online Notes    
2. Biology and Evolution.    Class Notes   
QUIZ 3
3. Living Primates.      (Skip this chapter)
Part II: EVOLUTION: THE CHALLENGE OF UNDERSTANDING HUMAN ORIGINS
4. Field Methods in Archaeology & Paleoanthropology.   Class Notes  
QUIZ  4

5. Macroevolution and the Early Primates.   No Online Notes  
6. The Earliest Bipeds.   No Online Notes  
QUIZ 5 - Friday, April 14

Part III: THE GENUS HOMO: BIOCULTURAL CHALLENGES.  
7. Homo habilis and Cultural Origins.   No Online Notes  
8. Homo erectus and the Emergence of Hunting & Gathering.    No Online Notes  
QUIZ 6 - Friday, April 21
9. Archaic Homo sapiens and the Middle Paleolithic.   No Online Notes
10. Homo sapiens and the Upper Paleolithic.  No Online Notes 
QUIZ 7 - Friday, April 28
Part IV: HUMAN BIOCULTURAL EVOLUTION: THE CHALLENGE OF TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN DIVERSITY.  
11. The Neolithic Revolution: Domestication of Plants & Animals.     No Online Notes 
12. The Emergence of Cities & States.     No Online Notes 
13. Modern Human Diversity.     ClassNotes 

QUIZ 8 - The FINAL - Friday, May 12, 10:10 a.m.

* Schedule is Subject to Modification
* No exact dates are provided. When we finish a chapter, we will move on to the next. When we finish a unit, we will have an exam.

SEMESTER  WRITTEN  ASSIGNMENTS
 
Choose either the Book Review or the 5 shorter assignments.

Article & Book Approval Form

Book Review assignments are due no later than Monday April 17.
Shorter Assignments are due no later than Feb 13, March 6, March 27, April 10, April 24.


5  Shorter Assignments
You will review a combination of 4 articles and one museum with anthropological content.
 Each will contain the following: Articles should have the following attributes: Good sources for materials to review include, Scientific American, National Geographic, and various on-line data bases, as available through Longview's Library.
Be sure to have your selections approved by me before submitting them using the form linked here.

MUSEUM - There are several area museums with strong Anthropological content. KU has one, the Nelson-Atkins has offerings, Line Creek has a museum, and there are several others. Look around. If you are travelling, there are many excellent museums in the nation and world that you could tour and use for your report.
    In your museum report, address things such as: what the artifacts were, what they represent in their own culture, what it says about our culture that these are the particular kinds of things we would save, preserve and display; how does the museum try to educate about the artifacts and about the culture they were from?

These are each worth 10 points and will be graded as Excellent (10 points), Competent (8 points), Weak (5 points), or Inadequate (0 points).

BOOK REVIEW: 50 points
   You will read a book in Anthropology and write a paper about it. Book reviews will be along the lines of  8 to 10 pages (according to guidelines set up in the Quality Statement above).
   You may select either an ethnography or a topical book that explores some element of human activity and/or interaction with the environment. The "Suggestions for Further Reading" at the end of each chapter can offer good titles.

   For an Ethnography, you will address the issues studied in the course with regards to :    For a Topical Book, you will address the issues studied in the course with regards to :   Suggested Books for review:
    Excellent Links in Anthropology    
Body Rituals of the Nacirema
The Nacirema, and the Sacred Rac
American Anthropology Association
AAA's Anthropology Resources on the Net (annotated)
Anthropology in the News
E-Museum -  Minnesota State University, Mankato 
U.S. Boomerang Association 
World Atlatl Magazine 
Five Major Misconceptions about Evolution
Esperanto - Lots of info and links about the proposed Global Language
KU's Museum of Anthropology - Info
KU's Department of Anthropology
Nazca Desert Images in Peru
Pipestone Quarry
Cahokia Mounds - Illinois 
ABOtech.com - has resources on how to make "Primitive Technology" Items
primitiveways.com   has resources on how to make "Primitive Technology" Items
Terrorism: An Interdisciplinary Perspective 
Minor Park Wagon Ruts (Swales)  
 
Study Skills Page Citations Machine
Link: Longview Library Research Tools
Link: Longview Library Data Bases


Last Modified:  April 10, 2006