ANTH 1202

Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology Michelle MacCarthy

Fall 2019 MS219
Mon Wed 11:30 -12:45 pm michelle.maccarthy@smu.ca
Burke Theatre A Office Hours: Mon, Wed 1pm-2pm
Tues 9:30 am-12:30 pm
DESCRIPTION
Sociocultural anthropology takes as its focus a holistic and multi-faceted understanding of what it is to be a
human. Recognizing that culture is learned, not innate, we examine ways in which the human condition is
both highly diverse but also shares cross-cultural commonalities. This course will introduce you to the
methods and concepts anthropologists use to systematically study human cultures and societies. Through
both classic and contemporary examples, we will read accounts of various key themes and concepts that are
of interest to anthropologists, in which they attempt to examine, explain, and translate the cultural worlds of
their fellow-humans. The overall goal of this process is to understand others (and ourselves) better.

EXPECTATIONS
This is a 1000-level course directed at students for whom this may be their first introduction to anthropology; it is
designed to prepare you to continue in further coursework in anthropology and related disciplines. As a large
introductory course, it will be predominantly lecture-based, supplemented by several films. There will also be an
active learning component facilitated by the Top Hat platform (see below). You are expected to keep up with
assigned readings (approximately 50-60 pages per week), having read them before attending each class session.
You should expect to spend three to four hours outside scheduled lectures each week for reading assigned course
material, reviewing notes, and reflecting on key themes. While attendance is not strictly speaking compulsory,
there will be quizzes and tests given in class and missing class will result in lost grades on all in-class marks.
Quizzes and exams will draw from lectures, readings, and films. While questions and participation in class
discussions are welcome and encouraged, please ensure your comments and questions are respectful and
appropriate; our classroom is a welcoming place that celebrates differences in ideas and ways of life but does not
tolerate offensive behaviour.

BE ON TIME. Arriving late is disruptive, and it may also mean you miss quizzes, which are generally done in
the first ten minutes of class. Plan accordingly.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
 Learn to apply an anthropological ‘lens’ to assess the effects of global processes on people’s local
circumstances;
 Develop the ability to question your assumptions and interrogate your “common sense” understandings
about the world around you, recognizing that what we take as “natural” social realities are, in fact,
constructed cultural norms that vary according to sociocultural and historical context;
 Appreciate the relevance of anthropological issues in the contemporary world around you;
 Understand what sociocultural anthropologists do and how they do it.

PLEASE NOTE that this course will utilize the Top Hat platform for discussion questions, quizzes, and some
content. Each student will need to use their smartphone (or alternatively, tablet or laptop) to participate. There is a
$30 fee to Top Hat to make use of this system, which is designed to facilitate your learning. While I am cognizant
that this is an additional cost to your already expensive education, note that the texts for this course are
purposefully chosen for their low cost relative to the quality of information therein (Buying used and/or e-books
will make this even cheaper, as little as $25-30 for both books). Please be advised that your device is to be used
ONLY for course-related activities.

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**If, for any reason, you do not have a suitable electronic device or have compelling reasons for not wanting to
participate in this aspect of the course, it is imperative that you come see me to discuss your options. If not, I
won’t know that there is an issue, and it will affect your grade unless we can sort out an alternative!
***If you drop the course, I have been assured that you WILL be able to get a refund of your subscription fee.

RETAIN THIS SYLLABUS. It contains virtually all of the information you will need to keep up with, and do
well in, this course. If you lose your hard copy, you can find an electronic copy posted to Brightspace. Before
emailing to ask about when a paper is due or what you missed last class, please consult the syllabus!

ACADEMIC PROBLEMS
Please see me if you are having problems with any aspect of this course. I will do my best to help you get back on
track. Come early and come often during office hours, or make an appointment to see me. I am also happy to see
you if you are not having a problem, but just want to ask questions or discuss particular aspects of the course that
you might not have had the opportunity to bring up in class.

Help can also be obtained from the Writing Centre which facilitates the development of effective writing skills
in students and helps those who encounter difficulties in their studies. The Learning Studio offers language
support for International students as well as technology support for on-on-one or small group support to students
who need assistance with technology-based learning resources. If you have trouble expressing yourself clearly
when you write, or have difficulty with things like grammar and punctuation, please avail yourself of these
services! The Writing Centre is located in Room 115 of the Burke Building, and you can check their opening
hours and services at http://www.smu.ca/academics/writing-centre.html. They have drop-in hours or you can
make an appointment online, by calling 902-491-6202 or by email at writing@smu.ca

“EARLY ALERT” PROGRAM

In this course, we will participate in a pilot program designed to identify and provide support to first-year students
who may be struggling to succeed in their courses. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. You can
access information about the program at the following link: www.smu.ca/earlyalert
Essentially, it means that if I see that if there are signs that you are not coping well with the workload or are at
risk of substandard performance, I will log that information such that a team member of the Early Alert Program
can reach out to offer you supports relevant to you that may be able to bring you back on track. A consent form
will be circulated after the add/drop date which will allow you to opt in or out of the program.

READING
Required Texts
Engelke, Matthew. 2018. Think Like an Anthropologist. Pelican Books OR
Engelke, Matthew. 2018. How to Think Like an Anthropologist. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Walsh, Andrew. 2012. Made in Madagascar: Sapphires, Ecotourism, and the Global Bazaar. Toronto: University
of Toronto Press.

These books are available in the University Book Store, other booksellers (such as Amazon.ca), and alternatively
as e-books from the publisher, Google Play, and/or other sources.

**Several additional readings will be required, both scholarly and popular, which address current issues and
debates in anthropology. These will be made available to you and are also required reading for the days/topics as
outlined in this syllabus. All readings with an asterisk are found on Brightspace and/or Top Hat; some may
require your response via Top Hat.

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ASSESSMENT
Six in-class quizzes (using Top Hat) 25% As noted in syllabus
Film Response 10% Due Wed, Oct 9
Mid-term Exam 20% Wed, Oct 16
Research Challenge 20% Due Mon Nov 4
Final Exam 25% Date TBA

Information Regarding Assessment

 In Class Quizzes: On each of the designated days, we will begin or end the class with a short, ten-
question quiz. This will be comprised of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and true/false questions. These
should take about 10 minutes to complete. You MUST attend the given class in order to sit for the quiz. If
you come late, you may miss it. If you leave early, you may miss it. I cannot accommodate for missed
quizzes, but you will only be graded on you five BEST quiz results. This means if you sit all six, your
worst mark will be discarded. If you miss one, you will be graded on all the quizzes you completed. If
you miss more than one, you will receive a zero for any additional missed quiz. The questions will be
drawn from readings, lectures, and films covered since the previous quiz (they are not cumulative).
 Film Response: We will watch a film in Week 3 and another in Week 5. You will choose ONE of these
to respond to several prompts requiring you to reflect on the film and its relationship to broader themes in
the course and in society. Your response should be 500-700 words (2-3 pages) and is due as soon as
possible after the screening and NO LATER THAN Wed., Oct 9. The questions/prompts will be posted to
Brightspace. Though there is no writing assignment relating to our third film (Week 12), expect questions
on quizzes and final exams the address the contents of that film.
o **The Film Response MUST be submitted BOTH to the Dropbox on Brightspace, AND in
hard copy. The time stamp on the Dropbox copy will be used to determine if your paper is in
on time. Failure to submit BOTH may result in a penalty of up to 2 out of the possible 10
marks (1 MARK IF EITHER IS LATE, 2 MARKS IF NOT DONE AT ALL).

 Mid-term Exam: This will take place during our class meeting on Wednesday, October 16. It will cover
all material up to that date, including readings, lectures, and films. It will be a combination of multiple
choice, short answer, and longer answer questions.
 Research Challenge: This assignment requires you to do everything necessary to write a good essay –
without actually writing the essay! The point is to help you learn how to set up a good research essay,
with a focus on developing a good research question and finding the right sources to help you answer that
question. More details will be provided in class.
o You must hand in your assignment by the date given above. Extensions must be requested
before the due date. Late assignments will only be accepted without penalty if an extension has
been granted in advance and the essay is accompanied by an adequate and documented
explanation. Assignments not accompanied by such explanations or for which an extension has
not been granted will be penalized at the rate of one point (i.e. 1% of your final grade) per day.
o **The Research Challenge MUST be submitted BOTH to the Dropbox on Brightspace, AND
in hard copy. The time stamp on the Dropbox copy will be used to determine if your essay is
in on time. Failure to submit BOTH may result in a penalty of up to 5 out of the possible 20
marks (1-3 MARKS FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF EITHER, DEPENDING ON HOW
LATE AND 5 MARKS FOR FAILING TO DO ONE OR THE OTHER AT ALL).

 Final Exam: This will test your comprehension on the material covered during the entire semester, but
with greater focus on the second half of the semester (post-midterm). The format will be similar to the
midterm exam. Please see exam schedule for date and time once this is posted.

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LECTURE PROGRAMME AND READING LIST
*Readings not in the texts will be posted on Brightspace/TopHat. Announcements/changes will be emailed.

WEEK 1 Introduction: What is anthropology all about anyway?

Wed, Sept 4
Course overview and introduction
Required reading: none

WEEK 2 The Culture Concept and the Scope of Anthropology

Mon, Sept 9
What do anthropologists do? Fieldwork, participant observation and ethnography
Required reading: Engelke text: Introduction

Wed, Sept 11
The Concept of Culture
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 1: Culture

WEEK 3 Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

Mon, Sept 16
Ethnocentrism
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 2: Civilization

Wed, Sept 18: IN-CLASS QUIZ 1

Cultural Context and Indigenous Responses
Film: Trobriand Cricket: An Ingenious Response to Colonialism (1975)
Required reading: *Bohannan, Laura (1966) Shakespeare in the Bush. Natural History’s “Pick from the Past.”

WEEK 4 Values and Value

Mon, Sept 23
Values and Society
Required Reading: Engelke text, Chapter 3: Values

Wed, Sept 25
Value and Exchange
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 4: Value

WEEK 5 Kinship and Family

Mon, Sept 30: IN CLASS QUIZ 2
What means family?
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 5: Blood

Wed, Oct 2
Nature and Nurture
Film: Babies (2010)
Required reading: *Howell, Signe (2009) Adoption of the Unrelated Child: Some Challenges to the
Anthropological Study of Kinship. Annual Review of Anthropology 38: 149-166.

WEEK 6 Gender and the Body

Mon, Oct 7
Sex, Gender and Society

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Required reading: *Martin, Emily (1991) The Egg and the Sperm: How Science Has Constructed a Romance
Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles. Signs 16(3): 485-501 AND
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/397872/understanding-the-pacific-s-alternative-
genders?fbclid=IwAR2mKayHJBoO1n9e-YahzwsptTz9ZrIzgpA7Mx5W8fpUKdC7z6FDetRPsaQ

Wed, Oct 9
The Body
Required reading: *Nettleton, Sarah and Jonathan Watson (1998) Chapter 1, The body in everyday life: An
Introduction. In The Body in Everyday Life, edited by Sarah Nettleton and Jonathan Watson. London: Routledge,
pp. 1-24 AND First section in Engelke text, Chapter 6: Identity (pp. 179-188 OR pp.161-168, depending on which
version you have)
***YOUR FILM RESPONSE IS DUE TODAY FOR EITHER Trobriand Cricket OR Babies***

WEEK 7 MID-TERM
Mon, Oct 14: THANKSGIVING: NO CLASS

Wed, Oct 16
MID-TERM EXAM

WEEK 8 Race and Inequality

Mon, Oct 21
Race and Racism
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 6: Identity (pp. 189-210 OR pp.169-188)***SECOND HALF OF THE
CHAPTER*** AND *Glenn, Akiemi (Blog post) Want to explore race in Hawai‘i? Center those most impacted
by it. https://akiemiglenn.net/blog/2019/7/2/2p01kxsurmc9fzkx8jvme7pw0z03bf (July 2019).

Wed, Oct 23
Power and Authority
Required Reading: Engelke text, Chapter 7: Authority

WEEK 9 Ritual and Religion

Mon, Oct 28: IN CLASS QUIZ 3
Reason and Belief
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 8: Reason

Wed, Oct 30
Ritual and Magic
Required Reading: *Gmelch, George (1971) Baseball Magic. In Magic, Witchcraft and Religion: An
Anthropological Study of the Supernatural, 7th ed, edited by Pamela A. Morrow, James E. Myers, and Arthur C.
Lehmann. Boston: McGraw Hill, pp. 302-308.

WEEK 10 Human-Environment Relations

Mon, Nov 4
Nature and Culture
Required reading: Engelke text, Chapter 9: Nature
***Research Challenge DUE TODAY***

Wed, Nov 6: IN CLASS QUIZ 4

Alienating the Inalienable
Required reading: *Jacka, Jerry (2001) Coca-cola and Kolo: Land, ancestors, and development. Anthropology
Today 17(4): 3-8.

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WEEK 11 FALL BREAK
Mon, Nov 11 and Wed, Nov 13: NO CLASSES

WEEK 12 Work, Technology and Consumption

Mon, Nov 18
Production and Consumption
Required reading: *Graeber, David (2013) On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs: A Work Rant. In The Summer
Of…Issue 3. Online at https://strikemag.org/bullshit-jobs AND Walsh text, Introduction (pp. xv-xxx).

Wed, Nov 20
Touristic consumption and development
Required reading: Walsh text, Ch 1 (pp. 1-23)
Film: Gringo Trails (2016)

WEEK 13 The Global Bazaar

Mon, Nov 25: IN CLASS QUIZ 5
Creating Commodities
Required reading: Walsh text, Chapter 2 (pp. 23-48)

Wed, Nov 27
Ecotourism
Required reading: Walsh text, Chapter 3 (pp. 48-73)

WEEK 14 Wrapping Up
Mon, Dec 2
Making sense of the global bazaar
Required Reading: Walsh text, Ch 4 (pp.74-99)

Wed, Dec 4: IN CLASS QUIZ 6

Concluding Comments and Questions
Required Reading: Walsh text, Conclusion (pp. 100-112) AND Engelke text, Conclusion.