Syllabus for ANT-101

INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY


COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to Anthropology studies culture as the expression of human values, behavior, and social organization in its unique and varied forms throughout the world, past and present. The course attempts to document that diversity and to demonstrate the inherent logic of each culture in the light of the problems people need to solve and the environments to which they must adapt.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

In presenting the concept of culture from the perspective of anthropologists (i.e., as the adaptive mechanism that provides for survival of the human species), the course provides you with the means to recognize and appreciate (1) the underlying similarities as well as the wide range and variability of human cultures and (2) the number of valid "cultural solutions" to living on Earth.

After successfully completing all course assignments, you should be able to:

COURSE MATERIALS

You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.

Required Textbook

  • William A. Haviland et al., Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge, 15th edition (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2016).

    ISBN-13: 978-1305633797

Videos (streamed for you within the course)

COURSE STRUCTURE

Introduction to Anthropology is a three-credit online course, consisting of seven modules. Modules include study materials and activities. Module titles are listed below.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in seven online discussion forums (including an ungraded introductions forum in Module 1), complete seven written assignments, and take a proctored midterm examination and a proctored final exam. See below for more details.

Consult the Course Calendar for assignment due dates.

Promoting Originality

One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in this document.

Discussion Forums

Introduction to Anthropology requires you to participate in six graded discussion forums worth 15 percent of your course grade. There is also an ungraded but required introductions forum in Module 1.

Communication among fellow students and with the mentor is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct assignments: an initial response to a posted question (discussion thread) and subsequent comments on classmates' responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.

Written Assignments

Each module concludes with a written assignment, collectively worth 35 percent of your course grade. The written assignments are based on assigned chapters in the textbook and associated videos. They consist of from one to three essay questions.

Examinations

For a list of key concepts that may appear on your exam(s), refer to the study guide(s) available in the Examinations section of the course Web site.

You are required to take two proctored online examinations: a midterm exam and a final exam. Both exams require that you use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS). Please refer to the "Examinations and Proctors" section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course Web site) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exam within the first week of the semester.

Online exams are administered through the course Web site. Consult the course Calendar for the official dates of exam weeks.

Midterm Examination

The midterm exam is a closed-book exam, worth 25 percent of your course grade. It is two hours long and covers all topics and material from Modules 1–3 of the course. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and short essay questions based on the assigned reading and associated videos.

Final Examination

The final exam is a closed-book exam, worth 25 percent of your course grade. It is two hours long and covers all topics and material from Modules 4–7 of the course. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and short essay questions based on the assigned reading and associated videos.

Statement about Cheating

You are on your honor not to cheat during an exam. Cheating means:

If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in an exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.

GRADING AND EVALUATION

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:

A

=

93–100

C+

=

78–79

A–

=

90–92

C

=

73–77

B+

=

88–89

C–

=

70–72

B

=

83–87

D

=

60–69

B–

=

80–82

F

=

Below 60

To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings, etc.).

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:

ACADEMIC POLICIES

To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.

For more, see:

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