Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

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 considered for both traditional and modern groups. Students should read and write at the college level.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Describe the concepts of culture and cultural change.
• Identify the role acculturation plays in cultural change and how cultural values impact social planning and development.
• Identify how personal and social values are shaped by culture and cultural change.
• Discuss how cultural change affects societies and individuals at local, regional, national, and global levels.

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 may include any of the following:

• selected readings,
• group discussions,
• in-class exercises,
• field activities
• guest speakers
• presentations

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

•  exams 
• quizzes
• short papers or reports
• term papers
• oral or online presentations

Themes:

• the effects of acculturation
• modernization and culture
• culture and globalization
• applied anthropology
• developing nations and sustainability

Concepts:

•           culture
•           assimilation
•           acculturation
•            cultural change
•            modernization
•           identity
•           worldview

Issues:

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

Competencies and Skills:

• read and write at the college level