Introduction to Anthropology and Culture

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four academic subfields of anthropology?

Cultural Anthropology

Biological Anthropology

Archaeology

Applied Anthropology (correct)

What distinguishes humans from other animals in terms of culture?

The capacity for language

The practice of rituals

The ability to learn any culture

The presence of symbolic thought (correct)

Cultural anthropologists primarily study which of the following?

Archaeological remains

Linguistic structures across languages

Biological evolution

Social groups and cultural practices (correct)

Which of the following statements about culture is FALSE?

Culture is static and unchanging. Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural anthropologists often conduct their research?

By examining subcultures within their own society. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a significant aspect of culture?

It is symbolic in nature. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT address the concept of ethnocentrism?

Promoting cultural relativism. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept emphasizes understanding others from their own cultural perspective?

Cultural Relativism Signup and view all the answers

In anthropology, qualitative research primarily focuses on which of the following?

Understanding human experiences and cultural meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What significant period is associated with the start of privileged science and observation in anthropology?

Age of Enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the practice where anthropologists immerse themselves in the culture they are studying?

Participant-Observation Signup and view all the answers

What was a negative consequence of colonialism in the field of anthropology?

Exploitation of Indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

Which British geologist's work significantly influenced anthropological thought in the 1800s?

Sir Charles Lyell Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of biological anthropology?

Study of human origins and evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a subfield of cultural anthropology?

Economic anthropology Signup and view all the answers

Which subfield of anthropology deals with the study of human language?

Linguistic anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of applied anthropology?

To solve practical problems using anthropological methods Signup and view all the answers

In cultural anthropology, what does the study of food and nutrition focus on?

Cultural significance and practices surrounding food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not belong to the subfields of anthropology?

Sociological anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of anthropology does archaeology specifically study?

The material past through excavation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes digital anthropology?

Examination of cultural practices in digital spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of the midterm exam in the course assessments?

25% Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of students in terms of attendance?

Attend all classes and arrive prepared Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the grade do 8 short reflections contribute?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What should students do if they miss a lecture?

Contact the instructor and use office hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for late weekly reflections?

Penalized for each day past the due date Signup and view all the answers

How soon after an exam can students expect their grades to be posted?

Within two weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the reflections is correct?

Reflections should be well-developed with complete sentences Signup and view all the answers

Which week covers the topic of Cultural Relativism?

Week 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of biological anthropology?

It employs a more scientific approach. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following skills is essential for today’s workforce according to cultural anthropology?

Ability to work with others Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of race does Anthony Kwame Harrison study?

Influences of race on perceptions of popular music Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a focus area in Lynn Kwiatkowski's studies?

Gender violence in Vietnam Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding diverse cultures considered important?

To understand people without judgment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of humanity and everything that makes us human.
It has four academic subfields: Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology.
There is also one practical subfield called Applied Anthropology.

What is Cultural Anthropology?

Cultural Anthropologists study the similarities and differences among living societies and cultural groups.
They ask broad questions about humankind.
They often study social groups different from their own, but also examine subcultures within their own society.

What is Culture?

Culture is a set of beliefs, practices, and symbols that are learned and shared.
Beliefs are all mental aspects of culture.
Practices are behaviors and actions.
Symbols are meanings of cultural objects and ideas.

Subfields of Cultural Anthropology

Anthropology of family and kinship
Anthropology of food and nutrition
Anthropology of gender and sexuality
Anthropology of religion
Anthropology of science
Business Anthropology
Digital Anthropology
Ecological or environmental anthropology
Economic anthropology
Feminist anthropology
Medical anthropology
Political anthropology
Psychological anthropology
Queer Anthropology
Urban anthropology
Visual Anthropology

The Other Subfields of Anthropology

Biological Anthropology – study of human origins, evolution, and variation.
Archaeology – study of the material past, using excavation.
Linguistic Anthropology – study of human language.
Applied Anthropology – application of anthropological theories, methods and findings to solve practical problems.

A Brief History of Anthropological Thinking

Early travelers like Zhang Qian (164-113 BC) and Ibn Battuta (1304-1369) contributed to the development of anthropology.
The "Age of Discovery" (1400-1700s) involved exploration and exploitation.
The "Age of Enlightenment" (beginning in the 1700s) emphasized science and observation.
The 1800s saw the development of science, participant-observation, and cultural relativism with contributions from individuals like Sir Charles Lyell, Charles Darwin, and John Locke.

Anthropology and Colonialism

Anthropologists often collaborated with governments during the colonial era.
This collaboration often resulted in the exploitation of indigenous peoples.
Decolonization movements are calling for the repatriation of artifacts and the decolonization of museums and academic institutions.

Anthropological Perspectives

Holism: This perspective underscores how the different aspects of human life influence one another.
Cultural Relativism: This principle advocates for understanding others from the perspective of their own culture.
Comparison: This method is used to learn about similarities and differences across cultures.

The Importance of Cultural Anthropology Today

It helps us understand people from different backgrounds.
It equips individuals with valuable skills for the workforce, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
It fosters a broader understanding of other cultures.

Why is Anthropology Important?

It helps us understand the complexities and influences of race, popular music, and medical anthropology.
It illuminates issues related to gender, malnutrition, power dynamics, and violence in various regions.
It contributes to the understanding of human behavior and the world we live in.

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Description

Explore the fascinating field of anthropology, which studies humanity, culture, and social practices. This quiz covers the four subfields of anthropology, with a focus on cultural anthropology and its various aspects, including family, food, and gender. Test your understanding of the concepts that shape human societies.