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CCOG for ATH 209 archive revision 201804

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Effective Term:
Fall 2018 through Summer 2019
Course Number:
ATH 209
Course Title:
Cultural Anthropology: The Dynamics of Cultural Change
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines processes of cultural growth, change, complexity, the development of contemporary anthropological theory and applied anthropology. Presents ethnographic techniques used to examine changing cultures, including the impact of cultural change on our society and its minorities and traditional cultures. Discusses the impact of cultural change on developing nations. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

The course examines the concept of culture and of culture change, including its relevance to modern society, The course reviews examples of recent culture change, changes in cultural values, and the effects of globalization. An assessment of the positive and negative impacts of cultural change and growth at collective and individual levels is done for both traditional and modern groups. Students should read and write at the college level.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Describe the concepts of culture and cultural change.
  • Articulate the role acculturation plays in cultural change.
  • Describe how personal and social values are shaped by culture and cultural change.
  • Discusses how cultural change affects people at local, regional, national and global levels.
  • Explain how cultural values impact planned changes.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Aspirational Goals

To develop and promote awareness of the profound dimensions of culture in human behavior, the impact of cultural change when it occurs, and the relevance of these to contemporary life. 

Course Activities and Design

Selected readings, group discussions, in-class exercises, field activity and exams, These are utilized during the course in a cumulative manner to develop knowledge and awareness of the actual effects of culture change. Attention is given to both local and broader settings for individuals, local communities and socety over shorter, medium and longer term periods. 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

* take-home or in-class quizzes

* short papers or reports

* term papers

* a midterm and a final

* student presentations

* experiential exercises

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes:

  • the effects of acculturation
  • modernization and culture
  • culture and globalization
  •  

Concepts:

          culture

          acculturation

          cultural change

          identity

          worldview

Issues:

  • cultural traditions vs. cultural change
  • planned change
  • globalization

Competencies and Skills Resulting:

  • understand the concepts of culture and cultural change
  • understand the concept of acculturation
  • articulate the effects of acculturation on cultural systems
  • read and write at the college level
  • present original research on culture change