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Program Type: 
Thesis
Course Code: 
ANT 502
Semester: 
Spring
Course Type: 
Core
P: 
3
Lab: 
0
Credits: 
3
ECTS: 
8
Course Language: 
English
Course Objectives: 

This course enables students to identify and evaluate the role of key symbols, metaphors, icons & indexes in defining gender relations, economic production & ecological adaptation in several societies.

Course Content: 

Examines how key symbols justify a) relations of reproduction (gender roles, ecological adaptation) & b) relations of production in Lakota, Iroquois, Trobriand, Huichol, Ilongot, Papago, & Iban societies.

Teaching Methods: 
1: Lecture, 2: Question-Answer, 3: Discussion 4: Simulation 5: Case Study
Assessment Methods: 
A: Testing, B: Multiple Choice C: Homework D: Fill in the blanks E: True or false F: Oral exam G: Portfolio

Vertical Tabs

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes Program Learning Outcomes Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1) Explains basics of language, culture & meaning 1,2,3,5 1, 2, 3 A
2) Evaluates Sherry Ortner’s criteria for identifying key symbols, elaborating symbols & scenarios 1,2,3 1, 2, 3 A
3) Compares native & anthropological meaning & purpose of economic, social, ecological & religious institutions in specific societies 1,2,3,4,5 1, 2, 3 A
4) Compares discourses about cultural relativism & human rights 1,2,5 1, 2, 3 A
5) Discusses psychological, medical & ecological criteria used to judge harmful practices, e.g., female genital mutiliation, in specific societies 1,2,3,4,5 1, 2, 3 A

Course Flow

COURSE CONTENT
Week Topics Study Materials
1 What words connote or denote, the role of metaphor in culture Basso, Hayakawa
2 How to identify key symbols, elaborating symbols & scenarios Ortner
3 Discussion of Lakota use of sacred pipes & trees in various rituals Brown, Powers
4 Discussion of Lakota female initiation & Sun Dance rituals Brown, Walker
5 Understanding role of wampum  & Longhouse as key symbols in creating the Iroquois confederacy Grinde, Johansen
6 Examines reasons & justification of female dominance in Iroquois society Grinde, Johansen
7 Examines role of key symbols in perpetuating the Kula confederacy Malinowski
8 Compares Trobriand non-linear thinking with modern view of history Malinowski, Lee
9 Discussion of Huichol sacred indexes, pilgrimages & ecological adaptation Fikes
10 Discussion of female genital mutilation as violation of human rights Fluehr-Lobban
11 Examines antecedents & consequences of Ilongot headhunting Jensen, Freeman
12 Examines antecedents & consequenes of Iban headhunting Rosaldo, Spiro
13 Examines meaning & purpose of Papago pilgrimages & warfare Underhill
14 Comprehensive review of key topics All of the above
15 Final  

Recommended Sources

RECOMMENDED SOURCES
Textbook Argonauts of the Western Pacific by B. Malinowski. The Sacred Pipe by J.E. Brown. Exemplar of Liberty by D. Grinde & B. Johansen
Additional Resources Unknown Huichol: Shamans & Immortals, Allies against Chaos by Jay Fikes.  Singing for Power by Ruth Underhill. Culture & Truth by Renato Rosaldo. The Iban and Their Religion by E. Jensen.

Material Sharing

MATERIAL SHARING
Documents  
Assignments  
Exams  

Assessment

ASSESSMENT
IN-TERM STUDIES NUMBER PERCENTAGE
Mid-terms 1 25
Homework 1 25
Final 1 50
Total   100
CONTRIBUTION OF FINAL EXAMINATION TO OVERALL GRADE   50
CONTRIBUTION OF IN-TERM STUDIES TO OVERALL GRADE   50
Total   100

Course’s Contribution to Program

COURSE'S CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAM
No Program Learning Outcomes Contribution
1 2 3 4 5  
1 Trains reputable academics who know the place of anthropology in the broader field of social sciences and its conceptual structure, who have absorbed the theoretical foundations and who can adopt the theoretical approaches to their original research,         X  
2 Equips students with the technical and cultural knowledge, methods, ethical concerns to be able to bring together the theory and practice to express in written and oral format; with a tendency to inquire, examine and improve themselves,       X    
3 Trains anthropologists who follow up both national and international publications related to their areas of interest in anthropology and other social sciences, who are able to interpret and analyze the current events from an anthropological perspective,       X    
4 Trains anthropologists who can apply the anthropological approach both in their professional – media and advertisement, research, strategy, NGOs etc.- and their personal lives.         X  
5 Trains anthropologists who can apply the anthropological approach both in their professional – media and advertisement, research, strategy, NGOs etc.- and their personal lives.       X    

ECTS

ECTS ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD BY THE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Activities Quantity Duration
(Hour)
Total
Workload
(Hour)
Course Duration (Including the exam week) 15 3 45
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 15 3 45
Mid-terms 1 21 21
Homework 1 90 90
Final examination 1 45 45
Total Work Load     243
Total Work Load / 25 (h)     9.72
ECTS Credit of the Course     10