...I. Human Adaptability Anthropology is the exploration of human diversity in time and space. Anthropology studies the whole of the human condition: past, present, and future; biology, society, language, and culture. Of particular interest is the diversity that comes through human adaptability. A. Adaptation, Variation, and Change 1. Adaptation refers to the processes by which organisms cope with environmental forces and stresses. 2. Humans use both biological and cultural means of adaptation. For example, human bodies can adapt biologically in three ways to high altitude: genetic adaptation, long-term physiological adaptation, and short-term physiological adaptation. Culturally, humans have developed technologies, such as pressurized airplane cabins equipped with oxygen masks, to deal with extreme environments. 3. As human history has unfolded, the social and cultural means of adaptation have become increasingly important. Much more recently, the spread of industrial production has profoundly affected human life. II. General Anthropology B. The academic discipline of anthropology, also known as general anthropology or "four-field" anthropology, includes four main subdisciplines or subfields. They are sociocultural, archaeological, biological, and linguistic anthropology. This four-field approach is distinctly American. 4. There are historical reasons for the inclusion of four subfields in a single disciple, with origins...
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...‘DISCUSS THE EXTENT TO WHICH ANTHROPOLOGY IS A SCIENCE.’ The study of anthropology concerns itself with the understanding of various societies and cultures within our world. It focuses on revealing the spectrum of connections and relationships that serve as the foundation to society and culture. Ethnography, which involves one immersing themselves in a foreign culture serves as the main form of research for anthropologists’. However the interpersonal and subjective nature of this form of study undermines the scientific nature of Anthropology in regards to the natural sciences. In order to understand the extent to which anthropology is a science, I will explore arguments which reiterate the validity and academic value of anthropological import, this will be achieved through the analysis of the ‘modified sociological realism’, intersubjective pattern recognition’ as well as ‘human patterns’. Science considers itself totally absent from interpersonal subjectiveness however this notion should be scrutinized and evaluated in order to ensure that the study of Anthropology is not made to be redundant In contrast to the natural sciences. This form of scientific understanding can be referred to as the ‘modified sociological realism and is supported by the commentaries of Ziman (1978), Hacking (1982,1983), Taylor (1982) and Harre (1986). Science is a human activity and human nature should be considered as an element in producing empirical import. The work of scientists within the natural...
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...KOTTAK Department of Anthropology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109 The New Ecological Anthropology Older ecologies have been remiss in the narrowness of their spatial and temporal horizons, their functionalist assumptions, and their apolitical character. Suspending functionalist assumptions and an emphasis upon (homeo)stasis, "the new ecological anthropology" is located at the intersection of global, national, regional, and local systems, studying the outcome of the interaction of multiple levels and multiple factors. It blends theoretical and empirical research with applied, policy-directed, and critical work in what Rappaport called an "engaged" anthropology; and it is otherwise attuned to the political aspects and implications of ecological processes. Carefully laying out a critique of previous ecologies by way of announcing newer approaches, the article insists on the need to recognize the importance of culture mediations in ecological processes rather than treating culture as epiphenomenal and as a mere adaptive tool. It closes with a discussion of the methodologies appropriate to the new ecological anthropology. / "the new ecology, " political ecology, applied or engaged anthropology, linkages methodology] cological anthropology was named as such during the 1960s, but it has many ancestors, including Daryll Forde, Alfred Kroeber, and, especially, Julian Steward. Steward's cultural ecology influenced the ecological anthropology of Roy Rappaport and Andrew...
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...Anthropology: A Definition Learning Objectives 1 1. Define anthropology as a discipline. 2. Enumerate and define the subdivisions of anthropology. 3. Outline the history of anthropology. 4. Discuss the research methods of anthropological research. 5. Explain the causes of culture shock. 6. Analyze the values of cultural relativism. 7. Identify the uses of cross-cultural comparison. After reading this chapter, you should be able to: iStockphoto/Thinkstock iStockphoto 8. Explain the basic ethical questions of anthropological research. 9. Explain the different concepts used in an anthropological analysis of culture. 10. Explain the difference between humanistic and scientific approaches to culture. Chapter Outline 1.1 The Breadth of Anthropology • • • • • The Four Traditional Subfields Anthropology as Science and Humanity Etic Versus Emic Perspectives The Holistic Perspective Breadth in Time and Space 1.3 Methods of Anthropological Research • • • • Participant Observation The Fieldwork: A Case Study Cross-Cultural Comparison Ethics in Anthropological Research 1.2 The History of Cultural Anthropology • • • • • The Evolutionary Period The Empiricist Period The Functionalist Period The Contemporary Period The Period of Specialization 1.4 Cultural Differences • Culture Shock • Ethnocentrism • Cultural Relativism 1.5 Employment in Anthropology 1 cra80793_01_c01_001-032.indd 1 5/23/13 2:23 PM Section 1.1 The Breadth of Anthropology CHAPTER...
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...ANTHROPOLOGY 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Queens College / CUNY, Spring 2015 TuTh 12:15-1:30PM, Kiely 150 Professor: Ramona Lee Pérez, PhD Email: ramona.perez@qc.cuny.edu Office hours: Th 2-3 PM, PH 315H COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an introduction to the range of human diversity through an exploration of the peoples of the world. We will cover the basic concepts, theories, and methods that anthropologists use to study variations in cultural norms and social practices, economic systems and rules of law, social organization and patterns of inequality, identity and worldview, and patterns of social and cultural change. Focusing on the culture concept and the method of ethnography, we begin with the historical foundations of anthropology and then follow its attempts to understand contemporary human cultures. Comparative analysis of multiple ethnographic case studies and major theoretical approaches illuminates the range of human diversity, the forces that shape cultures, and how people adapt to a rapidly changing modern world. The central objectives of this course are to develop your intellectual skills, your cross-cultural fluency, and your sense of civic and moral engagement in global society. I hope that this course inspires many of you to become anthropology majors or minors, and grants each of you an anthropological perspective on your own life. REQUIREMENTS This is an intensive course that requires full participation from every student...
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...beings, and that along with phenotypic makers of this difference, these populations manifest different capacities for various phenomena such as cultural aptitude, intelligence, moral character and aesthetic beauty. Classical racialism dominated race- thinking for much of the modern period. A great deal of past and present scholarship on race has been aimed at defeating various accounts of the biological reality of race. Thus it is the main focus on how race isn’t biological, meaning there is no defined component that indicates who is a certain “race”. Meaning there is no such thing as race. The argument over race being non-existent has taken place for generations, (George Mason, 1960; Ashley Montagu, 1964; Margaret Mead et al., 1968; Anthropology Newsletter...
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...aspect of the recent interest in second-hand and reuse concerns the meaningfulness of circulation in social life. Using classic anthropological theory on how the circulation of material culture generates sociality, it focuses on how second-hand things are transformed by their circulation. Rather than merely having cultural biographies, second-hand things are reconfigured through their shifts between different social contexts in a process that here is understood as a form of growing. Similar to that of an organism, this growth is continuous, irreversible and dependent on forces both internal and external to it. What emerges is a category of things that combine elements of both commodities and gifts, as these have been theorized within anthropology. While first cycle commodities are purified of their sociality, the hybrid second-hand thing derives its ontological status as well as social and commercial value precisely from retaining ‘gift qualities’, produced by its circulation. Keywords: Second-hand, circulation, material culture, retro, vintage, growing, gifts, commodities Appelgren, Staffan & Anna Bohlin: “Growing in Motion” Culture Unbound, Volume 7, 2015: 143-168. Published by Linköping University Electronic Press: http://www.cultureunbound.ep.liu.se Thus, one of the most important and unusual features of the Kula is the existence of the Kula vaygu’a, the incessantly circulating and ever exchangeable valuables, owing their value to this very circulation...
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...Marquette and Jolliet’s expedition may have been to find a route to the Pacific Ocean, but not everyone knows what accomplishments they made. On their expedition, they met two groups of Indians, one of them almost killing them if it weren’t for the calumet, peace pipe, that was given to them by the other group of Indians. They also made very impressive accomplishments. One of these accomplishments includes Marquette’s death. Marquette and Jolliet had a pretty interesting early life, including their jobs before their mission on the Mississippi. Jacques Marquette was born in Laon, France in 1637. Louis Jolliet, however, has an unknown exact birthday, but he was baptized on September 21, 1645. Marquette became a Jesuit missionary and Jolliet became a fur trader before their expedition. Governor Frontenac of New France, now Canada, sent Marquette and Jolliet to see if the Mississippi was a route to the Pacific Ocean in 1673. Marquette and Jolliet had quite an impressive expedition, given that they were trying to find a route to the Pacific Ocean. They went across the Fox River, through the Wisconsin River, down the Mississippi River, and on the Michigan River back home. They also explored Illinois and Arkansas during their expedition. While on their expedition, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet ran into two new species. They discovered the bison and a large catfish species, which Marquette described as, “...a monster with the head of a tiger, the nose of a wildcat, and whisker...
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...Young 1 Virginia Young Dr. Lawrence Wheeler Honors 101 13 November 2013 Informal Fictive Kinship in Japan: A Summary of Argument This essay will review the use of informal kinship within Japanese culture, as explored by Edward Norbeck and Harumi Befu. Through careful examination I shall analyze the central arguments as presented by Norbeck and Befu, the evidence used to support these arguments, how the evidence and argument complement one another, and the previous training and experience had by the authors that allows them to write a successful article. Together Norbeck and Befu examine how the Japanese use of kinships terms can often give non-relatives the status of relatives. Their process of exploration on this topic of the range for the usage of kinship terms are examined throughout four distinct sections in the article, with subsequent sections found within each. This use of division helps to frame the argument of Norbeck and Befu in a manner that allows the reader to clearly understand the cultural usage of the varying forms of kinship and how it helps to define relationships among people. The first section, “Background Consideration” describes the methods in which Norbeck and Befu gathered information - personal experiences, fieldwork, and thirty informants. Further reading introduces the general rules of kinships and how the method of kinships has been obtained from other cultures. Based on the research conducted by Spier, the Japanese system of classification is similar...
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...I have been asked to describe four different types of expeditions, I am going to start my assignment by explaining what expedition means, expedition means a journey organized for a particular purpose. A military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in foreign country can be referred to expedition. Expedition is personal development, it is about pushing yourself, and it encourages life and social skills. Expeditions combine adventure, cultural and educational activities for people who want to experience everything the nature has to offer. The first expedition am going to describe is an individual expedition. These expeditions are set up and planned by the individual. The motivation for carrying out an expedition is to achieve something different individually, The general age range for the people who take part in this form of expedition are between 18-45 and provide learning in different aspects as well as allowing the person to gain experience. The time for an expedition of this type is usually around a couple of days up to a week in length. An individual expedition can take many forms in their activity such as climbing, trekking and caving. This involves going to an appropriate place where such an activity can be completed, for example mountaineering would need you to go to a place such as the Alps or the Himalayas. If you are going mountaineering then you are expected to be within a mountainous region with the possible inclusion of snow and low cloud covering. The...
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...Unit 9: Outdoors & Adventurous Expeditions Workbook |Name | | |Group | | This completed workbook is to be submitted for assessment on the following date: ORIGINALITY STATEMENT: The contents of this workbook have been produced by me individually or with team members & is a true reflection of the activities undertaken as part of this unit. Name: Signed: INTRODUCTION Outdoor and adventurous expeditions are used by most of the Uniformed Public Services; particularly the Armed Forces, to develop the skills and values essential for effective teamwork. They provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to understand how they perform in difficult and arduous conditions. This workbook serves as a record of activities, development of skills, reflection, future plans and also includes witness statements to be completed by tutors or lecturers. Careful completion of this workbook in relation to the activities carried out will provide evidence to support the learning outcomes for the module. It should be completed with your own work and you may include photos and diagrams as you feel appropriate. You should complete the workbook electronically and will need to ask staff and tutors to complete witness statements...
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...The New World known today as America is a product of the meeting of two worlds, two different social, political and economic environments. America remained hidden for thousands of years and unknown to European explorers. Its discovery consisted of a clash of cultures, languages, traditions and history. Although they bear a similarity as they were both initially sponsored by monarchs in search of the Northwest Passage, the differences between the Spanish (1492 – 1548) and English (1584-1648) explorations are very clear. During the XV century the first marine expeditions that allowed having a better understanding of the world, were made. The major European explorers that were part of the Spanish and English explorations were Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Nunez Balboa, Ferdinand Magellan, Juan Ponce De Leon, Hernan Cortes, Francisco Pizarro, Hernando De Soto, Francisco Coronado, and Sir Francis Drake. An important similarity on the explorations was that they were in search of the Northwest Passage , a route that the Far East could be achieved (India) from Europe traveling to the west. Other similarities included are the first voyages were made by Italian explorers and sponsored by monarchs. Christopher Columbus and John Cabot were from Italy. Columbus’ voyages were approved by Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile of Spain. John Cabot received approval by Henry VII of England. These are the similarities, but now we will see how clear the differences were. ...
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...Military: Military expeditions are used by the military/army; the specialised forced to help them train their personnel in a variety of different skills. An example of this can be they might send a few soldiers in training to Arctic for Cold/Hot weather training to see how they are going to cope and do; The Aim of Expedition like that is to train soldiers to fight in any type of surroundings. Military expeditions also help to promote teamwork, leadership, and teamwork Regardless of the weather Conditions. Educational: This type of Expeditions is recycled to learn or to teach college /University Students in a new or foreign area. How this helps them is to progress and advance their Individuality, Freedom to learn new skills and things about the place where they are going to (The Expedition Location). Students will gain much more experience of doing outdoor activities with the group or on their own this is really helpful in many different ways. It is a good way to grow, Develop different types of abilities and talents which are useful in our every day to day life, Such as Map reading or orienteering events. Example of educational expedition is The Challenge expeditions approved by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award which include training, practice and qualifying ventures for schools, youth groups and uniformed organisations. Individual: A specific expedition is agreed to...
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...One group of major explores was Burke and Wills. Burke and Wills were inexperienced explores, Burke was police investigator and Wills was a meteorologist. They were selected for long journey to find the North-South Route of Australia. The Government wanted to build a telegraph path from Adelaide to the northern coast of Australia. On the expedition Burke and Wills brought with them 26 camels, 22 horses, carried 1 tonne of stores and 2 years of supply food. Burke and Wills started their route on the 20th of August 1860 and got to the Gulf of Carpentaria on the 20th of February 1861. When Burke and Wills got to the Gulf they realised that they did not have enough food supply to make it back, they only had enough for 5 weeks and making it back was nearly impossible. Burke and Wills decided to turn around and try to make it back to the camp, but the person looking after the camp had already left to go back. Wills was weak and did not have much time to live, so Burke left him some food and continued on, but soon after Burke died. John King one of the members on the expedition found Will lying dead. Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth were selected to find a route through Blue Mountains because the population was over growing and needed new land to settle and farm on. Blaxland and the rest of the group left from his farm May 11, 1813, with four packhorses, five dogs, and four other people, three of them convicts. They would cut off bark from each side of the trail so they would know how...
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...The Development of Anthropology * Anthropology (Anthropos = “Man”, Logy = “Study of”) * The study of humankind in all times and places * The discipline of Anthropology is a European invention, but the study of people has a long history… Early Anthropology * Herodotus * Greek Historian (5th century B.C.E.) * The Histories – collections of Herodotus’ encounters with peoples of the Mediterranean world. He often emphasized how he faithfully recorded stories told to him, but would often add embellishments/emphasis to endear his Greek readers to the peoples he met abroad. * Napoleon Bonaparte and Egypt * Self-proclaimed Emperor of France (1769-1821) In Western History… European Exploration/Colonialism Columbus, Napoleon, and… Western Society’s past attempts at getting to know other cultures * Modernism: Began with the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. * A reaction to the superstition and hysteria of Europe’s “Dark Ages” (The Witch hunt era that we will get into later). Rationality, objectivity, reason can discover knowledge and truth and lead to progress We can understand everybody/thing everywhere if we adhere to these principles of logic. * Empirical knowledge: Based on observations of the world rather than on intuition or faith. * Hypothesis: A tentative explanation of the relation between certain phenomena Theory: In science, an explanation of natural phenomena, supported by a reliable...
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