ANT 101: Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology

Spring 2008, M,W,F 10:30 - 11:20, Chambers 1027

Course Requirements

Class Participation: 10%
The most important work in this course is to be prepared for each class; this means having thoroughly read the material and being prepared to discuss particular points from the reading. Readings are due on the day listed in the class schedule. Films will be shown regularly throughout the course and are an important component of the course; they are a required part of the course material and can be used for review essays. Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question or comment - if you do not understand something that I present in class, do not hesitate to either ask me in class or find me during office hours.

Response Papers: 10%
You will write five (5) response papers throughout the term, no more than two pages and double-spaced. They will be graded (check +, check, check -) and require timely submission for full credit. Response papers will serve as a diagnostic for me to help me see how much you understand the reading and the concepts that we will discuss in class.

Midterm Review: 20%
This will be a one-hour essay exam on 25 February 2008, without the use of notes or class material. One week prior to the exam, I will hand out five possible questions for you to think through; on the day of the exam, I will ask two of those five questions. I will distribute a handout explaining the mechanics for taking this exam later in the semester.

Fieldwork Project: 25%
This project, due 4 April 2008, is designed to familiarize you with the conduct of ethnographic field research, applying the theoretical and methodological considerations we have discussed to a particular social situation. What you choose to study is up to you; if you have questions about what is suitable after reading the handout that I will distribute later in the term, please email or meet with me. The field project consists of two parts: fieldnotes (25% of this project's grade), and an analysis in the form of a short essay (75%).

Final Review: 35%
This will follow the same format as the midterm examination, an essay exam without using any notes or class material. One week prior to the end of the semester, I will hand out five possible questions for you to think through. When you take the exam, I will ask three of those five questions. I will distribute a handout explaining the mechanics for taking this exam later in the semester.

Submission of Writing Assignments:
All assignments (except for your peer comments) must be submitted to me electronically. You can do this in two ways: as an email attachment; or through the digital drop box in Blackboard. If you are not using Microsoft Word, please save the file as in "rich text format." If you have any questions about how to submit assignments, please see me individually.

Grading System:
Grades will follow the college system using the 4.0 scale (i.e., A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, etc. - see the college catalog) and weighted for each assignment as described above.

While students working with each other outside of class is highly encouraged, all graded, written work must be your own and pledged accordingly. All work is subject to the Davidson College Honor Code as stated in the student handbook. If there are individual accommodations for special needs, please let me know and authorize the Dean of Students to contact me so that we can work something out.