Note: This course outline is prepared in html. Useful information on UMBC may be reached through theUMBC home page.

PROFESSOR

• Dr. Kevin Eckert
• Office: Academic IV, Rm. 359
• Office telephone #: 455-2960
• E-mail: Eckert@UMBC.EDU
• Office hours: Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:30 p.m.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

• Maria Phillips
• Same extension as above

COURSE DESCRIPTION

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Basso, Keith The Cibecue Apache
• Kottak, Conrad Mirror for Humanity
• Myerhoff, Barbara Number Our Days
• Spradley, J.P. & D.W. McCurdy Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 9th Edition

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES

1.  There will be a mid-term and final examination. The exams will be based on lectures and class discussions, assigned readings, and audiovisual presentations. The format will be multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay. The final comprehensive exam will be cumulative and given at the assigned time during final exam week.

2.  Students will learn how to use the World Wide Web to search for anthropologically related material and write a brief report (3-5 pages).

3.  Students will also write a reaction essay (3-5 pages, double-spaced, and typewritten).

4.  Students are expected to attend classes and participate in class discussion. If you plan to be absent from class, please inform me before class (via telephone, e-mail, or face-to-face) and arrange for another student to get class notes. Video/film presentations are integral to the class and should be treated accordingly. Also, students should attend class on time; arriving habitually late to class is disruptive and inconsiderate.

5.  During the second half of the class, students will conduct a small field project and report on their results (3-5 page typewritten report and 5 minute class presentation).

6.Make-up exams will be given in cases of illness or unavoidable circumstances. Students must have my prior permission for makeup exams or late papers.

7.To the extent possible, we will attempt to discuss materials in an informal atmosphere. The basic ground rules are respect and consideration for each others' views and perspectives along with an opportunity for each of you to be heard. In order for our class to become a learning community, you must be informed, therefore, you will be expected to complete assigned readings before each session.

The syllabus may change subject to the needs of the class.

GRADING

• Mid-term Exam = 100 points
• Final Exam = 100 points
• Field Project = 100 points
• Reation Essay = 50 points
• Web Project = 50 points

Attendance and participation in class discussion will be considered, especially if a student's final grade is 'borderline' between two letter grades. 

• Week 1:9/2-9/4 The Scope of Anthropology

Kottak, Chapter 1

Spradley and McCurdy, Preface; Chapter 1

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 2

Myerhoff, Chapter 1, 2

Spradley and McCurdy, Part II: Culture and Ethnography

Film/Video: First Contact

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 3,4

Myerhoff, Chapters 3-5

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 5

Myerhoff, Finish book

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 3: Language and Communication

Film/Video: Number Our Days

Reaction Essay Due Thursday 9/25

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 6

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 9: Religion, Magic, and Worldview

Film/Video: The Holy Ghost People

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 9

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 6: Kinship and Family

Film/Video:Everything is Relative

Readings:

Shostak, Chapters 1-3

Readings:

Kottak, Pp. 118-131

Shostak, Chapters 4-7

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 5: Economic Systems

Readings:

Kottak, Pp. 108-117

Shostak, Chapters 8-11

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 4: Ecology and Subsistence

Film/Video: N!AI

Web Project Due 11/11

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 8

Shostak, Chapters 12-15

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 8: Law and Politics

Readings:

Kottak, Chapter 10

Spradley and McCurdy, Part 7: Roles and Inequality Film/Video: Still Kiling Us Softly/Tight Buns