SS 214D: Cultural Anthropology (3 hrs)

Instructor:           Jon Hood

                                jhood@graceu.edu 

Helpdesk:            pchelp@graceu.edu

                                (402) 449-2904

Course Description

This course presents a study of the basic principles of cultural anthropology and its application for successful interpersonal relationships, and ministry in a multicultural environment. The course provides a basis for understanding and appreciating other peoples and their cultures so that one can identify more closely with them, adjust more readily and serve more effectively in our ever-increasing multicultural world.

Textbooks

A significant amount of course content is based on the required textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase from the university bookstore (www.graceu.edu/bookstore).

·         Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective (2nd edition) Grunlan & Mayers. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1988. ISBN: 978-0310363217

Technology Requirements

This course requires the latest versions of the software plug-ins or programs listed below. Run a system scan at the Microsoft system requirements site: https://www.microsoftelearning.com/help/systemRequirements.aspx

 

Software

Use

Download

Internet Explorer

Accessing course

http://www.microsoft.com/ie

Flash Player (SWF)

Viewing media

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Adobe Reader (PDF)

Reading documents

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Windows Media Player (WMV)

Viewing media

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia

Microsoft Office Word (DOC)

Viewing, creating and editing documents (all files are sent in .doc format)

http://www.microsoft.com/office/word

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student shall have:

1.  Understand the nature of culture and the value of cultural anthropology as an academic discipline.

2.  Become familiar with the foundational categories, terms and principles of cultural anthropology.

3.  Begin the process of recognizing and taking ownership regarding their own cultural biases.

4.  Observe, interact with, and reflect on distinct cultural forms possible in the social, economic, political, and religious life of members of another culture or sub-culture.

5.  Practice interpreting behavior and objects from other cultures’ point-of-view.

6.  Gain basic understanding of how the insights of cultural anthropology apply to serving others in multicultural contexts.

7.  Become more culturally literate and sensitive as a basis for effective ministry relationships.

8.  Understand more clearly the cultural dimensions of scripture.

 

Class Schedule

Lesson

Topic

Learning Activities

1

Introduction

·         Discussion

·         Culture Quiz

2

Anthropology & Missions

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

3

Humanity, Culture & Society

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

·         Culture Connection Interview Plan

4

Enculturation & Acculturation

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

5

Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

6

Economy & Technology

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

·         Culture Connection 1

7

Role, Status, & Stratification

·         Discussion

·         Midterm

·         Chapter Question

8

Marriage & Family

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

·         Chapter Question

9

Kinship

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

·         Culture Connection 2

10

Groups & Communities

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

11

Social Control & Government

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

12

Religion

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

·         Culture Connection 3

13

Bible, Theology, & Anthropology

·         Discussion

·         Chapter Question

14

Final Project

·         Discussion

·         Final Paper Rough Draft

15

Final Project

·         Discussion

·         Final Paper Submission