INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL/CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

ANTH 201 – Fall 2004

9:25-10:40 Tuesdays and Thursdays                                    

Room BL 131                                                                      

Office Hours: 11:00-12:30 Tuesdays & by appointment                  

Aimee Placas (placas@rice.edu)

Brian Riedel (riedelbs@rice.edu)

Offices: Sewell Hall 156 & 156A

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the history, methods, and concepts of social/cultural anthropology, which is devoted to the systematic description and understanding of cultural diversity in human societies.

Assignments: Readings are either in the required textbook, on reserve in the library, or available on the web through the course website.  The syllabus indicates where you can find each item: an O following the citation means it’s available online, and an R indicates it’s on reserve.  Readings must be done before class on the date they’re assigned.  Bring a printed copy of the assigned article, and/or your textbook, to class.  Class attendance is crucial: we will do a number of in-class exercises and writing assignments that will count towards your participation grade.  These are completed and handed in during class; they will not be accepted after class, without exception.

Website: The syllabus, and other links and materials, are on the course website.  The online articles can be connected to through their links in the website syllabus.  For some of them you must be connected to the internet on the Rice University network, because you are connecting to journals available online thanks to Fondren Library.  Print the article and bring it to class.

Grading:  There will be four, non-cumulative written exams.  You must take all four exams, but only the three highest scores will be counted in your final grade.  The exams will count for 75% of your grade.  Participation, indicated by your participation in the in-class exercises and writing assignments, will be 25% of your grade.

Disability Accommodation:  Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with us during the first two weeks of class.  All discussions will remain confidential.  You also need to contact Disability Support Services in the Ley Student Center.  Their email is adarice@rice.edu. 

Required textbook: Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition, Sixth Edition.  Published in 2004 by Emily Schultz and Robert Lavenda. Available in the bookstore.