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. You must attend all lectures, study all the assigned materials before the class for which they are listed, complete required assignments, actively participate in lecture, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of readings, videos, in-class activities and quiz/exam questions. Optional extra credit activities will be made available throughout the term. I expect that you complete 6-8