[lorend]

This course is the easiest of the first year anthros. I found a lot of what was learned was simple common sense.

The prof who taught me is no longer at Mac, as she has moved on to chair a program at U Ottawa. The prof who replaced her (Rodman) I think has since now retired.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE OUTLINE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE OUTLINES FOR ANTHRO

Specific Course Objectives

1. To introduce you to the subject matter of sociocultural anthropology. This course is designed to allow you to discover your own areas of interest within the broad sub-fields of sociocultural anthropology. It will help you make an informed decision regarding which other courses in anthropology to take at McMaster and, in some cases, whether to pursue a major in anthropology.

2. To provide you with an understanding of some of the basic concepts in anthropology, such as “culture”. We also will explore some fundamental issues in anthropology today, such as the social and cultural construction of reality, the changing nature of marriage and the family, the cultural and biological origins of human aggression, and the fate of indigenous peoples in the 21st century.

3. To foster greater understanding of ways of thought and lifestyles different from our own. By learning about other societies, we learn about ourselves. You will be exposed to a frame of reference that can lead to greater insight into your own way of life and a deeper appreciation of ways of life in other societies

DESCRIPTION
An introduction to the cross-cultural study of existing peoples, their ways of life, and the ways in which they interpret and experience the world. The course discusses a broad range of societies in order to explore some fundamental issues involving human knowledge and behaviour.


Two hours (lecture), one hour (tutorial); one term

[batman]

Had it this summer with Professor Arratia. Good course in terms of interest, but it was fairly easy in terms of the material, most of it seemed to be common sense. The ethnography was given just as an essay question on the exam which was so much easier than having to write a report.

The problem I had with this course was that Professor never really gave us an idea of what we were to be tested on. Personally, this wasn't too problematic since I typed everything she said in class, but I can easily see how it could be a problem for anyone.

[feonateresa]

I'm looking forward to this class more than I originally thought. It seems really interesting and right up my alley. <3

[feonateresa]

So I just finished this course this semester. Wasn't as great as I thought it would be to say the least. While some of the material was interesting, it wasn't presented well enough in the textbook or in lecture which made the course dry.

We had two midterms, worth 10% and 20% respectively, a book review essay on an ethnography worth 25%, and a final exam worth 30%. The other 15% came from tutorial which included a small group project (10%) and attendance/participation (5%).

The best part of the course was tutorial, probably because my TA was easy to listen to, and was interesting.

I can say with much certainty that this course has put me off the path of any interest in cultural anthropology. However, I am taking Anthro 1Z03 next semester, and hopefully that'll be more interesting.

[Hazel]

im taking life science...and is thinking of taking anthro as one of my electives but im not sure. inorder to take anthro, do u need to be good in english and writing?

[feonateresa]

Originally Posted by Hazel

im taking life science...and is thinking of taking anthro as one of my electives but im not sure. inorder to take anthro, do u need to be good in english and writing?

Hmm. I would say yes, you have to do readings every week and write two essays. And a lot of it is based on how you clearly and eloquently form your arguments.

[jujumiste]

Are there any required material?

[jhan523]

Originally Posted by jujumiste

Are there any required material?

In summer school the required texts were:

ANGELONI - ANTHROPOLOGY 2009/2010
HAVILAND - CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2ND CDN ED

[twitterbird]

For Dr. Cummins class does anyone know the two books we have to read for the critical book reviews?

[Raeann89]

I think Cummins changes the books he uses every semester or year, but just in case, the books we used in 07/08 were "Neither Man Nor Woman: The Hijras of India" by Serena Nanda, and a book on mail order brides/romance which I can't recall atm. It's unlikely that you'd use these books next year, but he will definitely use something along these lines - exotic and very interesting. I believe he chose a book on the Inuit for last year as well.
Also, the critical reports are super easy to get an A in. Just try to explore unconventional areas of the subject he assigns (you can pretty much do anything you want within that realm).
If you are registered with Cummins you'll have an awesome time! He's a fantastic lecturer. It's clear that he's passionate about his field and shares many stories about his experiences living with different tribes. Also, only half the class is lecture as for the remainder he plays different videos and documentaries.

Hope this helps!

[jc24]

I'm in life sci and i just finished a brutal term 1 and i'm looking for a bit more relaxed term 2. i took anthro 1A03 and from the description, it seems like its an interesting course however i'm just wondering about the workload...how did u guys find it?

[mcmastergcdb]

im thinking of taking it as an elective too, but i was never one of those great writers. I used to barely get 80s in English and I am in life sciences I. Do you guys know any other good electives? Chill courses.

[jc24]

apparantly enviro sci 1a03 is not too bad...

[shay]

Originally Posted by feonateresa

Hmm. I would say yes, you have to do readings every week and write two essays. And a lot of it is based on how you clearly and eloquently form your arguments.

I was looking over the course review and it said that there was only one essay worth 25% to write for this course, not 2?

[jhan523]

Originally Posted by shay

I was looking over the course review and it said that there was only one essay worth 25% to write for this course, not 2?

http://www.socsci.mcmaster.c a/anth...brary/1A03.pdf

Two short essays, 15% and 25%