Anthropology 100
Winter 2017-2018 DCPE
Summary: In this course, we have briefly explored what makes us different and what makes us the same through the discipline of anthropology and its four subfields.
One topic we have explored, but I want you to investigate further is social change. Social change is constant. Cultures are not on an “upward” or “downward” trajectory but are always changing, and this change is not always value-neutral. Furthermore, culture is more than a system of collective beliefs and traditions. Culture is not divorced from history and power, and is always being negotiated and contested.
In light of these points, in your final paper, please respond to the following question:
Question: What makes us human?/What defines “human nature?”
This question is essentially asking you to describe culture plus biology to define what it means to be human. You will want your response to be a sophisticated one that is clearly informed by having taken this course. Aim to accomplish the following:
* go beyond the initial thoughts about culture and human nature that you had at the start of the course
* show how human nature is defined through culture and related through power, politics, kinship and/or any of the aspects of culture we have covered
* illustrate the points above with examples from the course readings/videos
* use key concepts precisely
Genre and Format: This is a brief essay that you are free to organize as you see best. But you will need to remain very focused. Be careful not to slide into generalities—support each point you make concretely. You are free to incorporate as many of the readings/videos as you like, but please include at least three.
Because you will only be using course materials, there is no need to provide a bibliography for your essay but you do need to cite your sources using in-text parenthetical citations. This applies to direct quotes and paraphrasing equally. You may use any style you are comfortable with, but in general, they should look something like this example:
- (Sahlins 2008: 116) (Last Name YR: PG)
- You may use the powerpoint slides and cite them like this: (Bartusewich Year: Lecture #)
The Nitty-Gritty: Final papers should be about 1000 words (about 4 double-spaced pages) in length. Save your paper as either a .doc(x) or .pdf file. Either single- or double-spaced documents are fine; 12pt font and 1 inch margins. I will penalize for the paper being too few words, but I may not for being too many words as long as you are not repeating yourself.
Grading Rubric
| Core Content and Understanding
40 pts |
Does the author demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the concept of culture?
Does the author discuss how different features of culture/biology are related to help define what it means to be human? |
| Content Evidence and Support
40 pts |
Are claims supported with the integration of specific evidence/supporting details throughout the essay?
Are at least three course readings/videos insightfully referenced?
Are key concepts used precisely?
|
| Writing and Mechanics
20pts |
Is the writing clear and concise?
Is the organization of the essay logical? Are punctuation, spelling, and grammar correct? Are words well chosen? Are sources appropriately cited? Is the paper the correct length?
|
