Courses
Fall 2006, Introductory Cultural Anthropology
Homework #1
Write about an experience you have had of culture shock.
Homework #2
Write about how you use verbal or nonverbal language differently in different social contexts. For example, describe differences in language use (verbal, non-verbal...or even the way you dress) at home, at school, with friends, with parents, at work, at church, etc. Think about how you communicate identity through language.
Homework #3
One key debate that threads through much of anthropological theory is whether "materialism" or "idealism" play a greater role in explaining human motivations and behavior. Which do you feel is most important? Remember that materialism refers to environmental resources, economics, and our other material needs...and idealism refers to philosophy, religion, and other ideologies. If you have trouble thinking of a topic, one suggestion is to address whether, in your view, the war in Iraq is more about materialism (access to oil, for example), or idealism (spread of democratic values, for example).
Homework #4
Next week, we will begin discussing marriage and the family. One current controversy in the news is "gay marriage." Please discuss your views on gay marriage and/or why you believe it has stirred such recent debate.
Homework #5
Look through a newspaper or magazine (or on-line) and discuss a contemporary example of how environmental change can lead to culture change.
Homework #6
Draw your kinship system using the symbols used in our text and in class. Include three generations, at least one marriage, at least one sibling relationship, and yourself labelled as "ego."
Homework #7 and #8
Look through a magazine (or other media) and find a picture of a man and a picture of a woman to use to discuss gender stereotypes in advertising. Write about what the images convey about the expectations about masculinity and feminitiy in our society.
Homework #9
School prayer has been a controversial issue over the last few years. Please discuss your views as to whether or not prayer should be allowed in school.
Homework #10
Describe the five biggest problems that you see facing the world today. For each problem, describe one thing that you can do to help resolve the problems you identified (note: you may opt to discuss fewer problems than five if you go into greater depth with the problems you identify).
