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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
ANTHD012.
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Applied Anthropology
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Focuses on the use of Anthropological theories, perspectives and methods in the real world contexts of practice, problem solving and policy making. It is an introduction to the 5th field of anthropology, providing students with methods, theories and skills to help understand and solve issues arising as a result of culture change, culture conflict, modernization and globalization. Major areas of study will include medical anthropology, development anthropology, anthropology and healthcare, anthropology and advocacy, anthropology and law, organizational and business anthropology, educational anthropology, public anthropology and cultural resource management.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course gives the students an opportunity to apply anthropological methods, theories and thinking to their lives, and issues at home and abroad. This course is a major preparation requirement in the discipline of anthropology for both CSU and UC. It meets a general education requirement for °®¶¹´«Ã½, CSUGE and IGETC. Anthropology has five major subfields and this course is an introduction to one of them, which is Applied anthropology. This course is applicable to A.A.-T in Anthropology.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU
°®¶¹´«Ã½ GEArea(s)StatusDetails
2GDX°®¶¹´«Ã½ GE Area D - Social and Behavioral SciencesApproved
CSU GEArea(s)StatusDetails
CGDYCSU GE Area D - Social SciencesApproved
IGETCArea(s)StatusDetails
IG4XIGETC Area 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesApproved

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.08.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
96.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
96.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

(See general education pages for the requirements this course meets.)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Field observation and field trips

Guest speakers

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Collaborative projects

In-class exploration of Internet sites

Assignments

  1. Verbal
    1. Small group discussion of course content
    2. Individual and/or small group presentations on selected topics of course material
    3. In-class debates on policy and issues, at instructor's option.
  2. Reading
    1. Synthesis of assigned readings from the required texts and other sources.
    2. Suggested supplemental readings
  3. Writing
    1. Field project: A comprehensive paper in which students will apply anthropological thinking and skills to address issues in surrounding communities or nationally around medicine, business, technology, education, development, etc. They will employ anthropological field methods to observe, describe, and analyze an issue and apply anthropology. Students are required to immerse themselves in the field worker's role through participant observation, interviews and the collection of narratives. They will evaluate and select sources, critically analyze data, synthesize information, and formulate conclusions.
    2. Substantive response papers on cultural/applied anthropology issues explored through classroom materials and readings
    3. Assignments involving critical analysis of current issues, policy and planning using an anthropological approach which is holistic and comparative.
  4. Preparation of exhibit material. Students will develop an educational exhibit to teach fellow students about aspects of physical anthropology

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Multiple choice questions designed to test for basic subject and topical competency.
  2. Essay examinations and comprehensive final examination, all of which are composed of concept based questions which will require the student to demonstrate the ability to integrate, critique and summarize facts, concepts and theory in order to translate them into fundamental units of knowledge
  3. Reading responses that demonstrate basic comprehension, critique and synthesis of course reading
  4. Field project writing assignment: a preliminary proposal, outline or synopsis of the project; a completed set of field notes; a final paper that contextualizes, presents and analyses field data; completed projects demonstrate the student's growth in synthesizing and analyzing ethnographic data anthropologically
  5. Participation in and contribution toward classroom discussions and collaborative group written analytical work involving comparative source materials
  6. Individual or group presentations that demonstrate ability to present data and data analysis in a logical, engaging oral and visual format.
  7. Conceptualize, create and develop educational exhibit(s) to engage fellow students and visiting communities about applied anthropology

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • None.
Essential College Facilities:
  • None.

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Podolefsky, A. Brown, P.J. Lacy S.M. Applying Cultural Anthropology:An Introductory Reader. 9th ed. McGraw Hill. 2013
Ervin, A.M. Applied Anthropology:Tools and Perspectives for Contemporary Practice. 2nd ed. Pearson Education Inc. 2005
Gwynne, M.A. Applied Anthropology: A Career-Oriented Approach. Pearson Education Inc. 2003
McDonald, J.H.. The Applied Anthropology Reader. Boston:Allyn and Bacon. 2002
Kedia, S. Willigen, J ed. Applied Anthropology: Domains of Application. ABC-CLIO Inc. 2005

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Andreatta, S. and Ferraro, G. Elements of Culture: An Applied Perspective. Cengage. 2013
Angeloni, E. Annual Editions: Anthropology 41st ed. 2018
Farmer, P. Kim, J.Y Kleinman, A. and Basilico, M. Reimagining Global Health: An Introduction. University of California Press. 2013
Kottack, Conrad. Cultural Anthropology: Appreciating Cultural Diversity 17th ed. McGraw Hill. 2016
Nahm, Sheena and Rinker, Cortney H. Applied Anthropology: Unexpected Space, Topics and Methods. Routledge. 2015
Robbins, and Dowty. Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism. 7th ed. Pearson Publishing. 2019
Singer, M. Baer, H. Introducing Medical Anthropology: A discipline in Action. 2nd ed. Altamira Press. 2012
Sernau. Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability. 3rd ed. Pearson Publishing 2013
Wasson, Christina, Butler, Mary O. and Copeland-Carson, Jacqueline. Ed. Applying Anthropology in a Global Village. Routledge 2011.
Willigen, J.V. Anthropology in Action.: A Source Book on Anthropological Practice. Boulder, Co:Westview Press
Wiley, A.S. Allen, J.S. Medical Anthropology: A Biocultural Approach. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press. 2017

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Evaluate the immense scope of the multi-faceted discipline of anthropology and examine the interrelationships between basic areas of inquiry: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology/prehistory, linguistic anthropology and applied anthropology
  • Assess the historical development of anthropology as a western academic discipline and applied anthropology, giving particular attention to the significant contributions and perspectives of women, minorities, subaltern, and non-Western cultural anthropologists.
  • Examine the basic conceptual framework of an anthropological study and the concepts essential to applied anthropology
  • Analyze the key methodological practices of applied anthropology and understanding the basic principles of applied research.
  • Assess the contribution of medical anthropology in the 21st century as it applies a cross cultural understanding of health, disease, illness, sickness and global health problems.
  • Evaluate the various domains and case studies of applied anthropology

CSLOs

  • Practice cultural relativism and apply understandings of global diversity in a practical and applied form.

  • Critically analyze and interpret anthropology data so that it can be used to apply to real world issues.

  • Apply anthropological principles for solving human problems on the local, regional and world scales.

Outline

  1. Evaluate the immense scope of the multi-faceted discipline of anthropology and examine the interrelationships between basic areas of inquiry: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology/prehistory, linguistic anthropology and applied anthropology
    1. Demonstrate anthropology as a science and a humanistic discipline; understand its breadth, especially its interest in global diversity
    2. Assess the role of five major subfields in anthropology in understanding humans spatially and temporally
    3. Apply anthropology to vital issues and new challenges facing humans such as globalization, new medical technologies, revitalization and new religious movements, technologies of digital communication and virtual reality, etc.
  2. Assess the historical development of anthropology as a western academic discipline and applied anthropology, giving particular attention to the significant contributions and perspectives of women, minorities, subaltern, and non-Western cultural anthropologists.
    1. Develop an understanding of changing theoretical perspectives in anthropology and the applied subfield and evaluate these changes.
    2. Relate applied anthropology to other disciplines and determine their contributions to the issues and problems
    3. Focus on increasing contributions by cultural and applied anthropologists who are people of color and/or are from the non-Western world
  3. Examine the basic conceptual framework of an anthropological study and the concepts essential to applied anthropology
    1. Understand the concept of cultural relativism, its strengths and limitations. Identify and examine the crucial distinction between cultural relativism and moral relativism.
    2. Recognizing the realities of ethnocentrism leading to racism and intolerance, and as a political weapon for discrimination.
    3. Understand how the study of anthropology develops skills and competencies necessary for success in the 21st century in the field of education, medicine, development, urban anthropology and more.
  4. Analyze the key methodological practices of applied anthropology and understanding the basic principles of applied research.
    1. Recognize the basic strategies of applied research and integrate theory and praxis.
    2. Evaluate the underlying principles of applied research such as collaborative research, community participation, needs assessment, cultural compatibility, sustainability, policy development and program evaluation.
    3. Examine the ethics of applied anthropology in protecting human subjects, their rights , land interests etc.
    4. Examine the varied qualitative and quantitative methods used in Applied cultural anthropology such as fieldwork methods, participant observation and interviews
    5. Examine the major ethical issues confronting applied anthropologists
  5. Assess the contribution of medical anthropology in the 21st century as it applies a cross cultural understanding of health, disease, illness, sickness and global health problems.
    1. Examine the difference between biomedicine and ethnomedicine
    2. Investigate cross cultural definitions of health, Illness/disease and healing.
    3. Assess the various health care systems, health policy, planning, and education.
    4. Understand how socio-economic inequality, race and ethnicity lead to health disparities.
    5. Evaluate the role of globalization and poverty leading to infectious disease
    6. Investigate mental health and Illness globally in a socio-cultural context
    7. Evaluate issues of sex/gender in child growth, health and aging. Also investigate reproductive health in a bio-cultural context.
  6. Evaluate the various domains and case studies of applied anthropology
    1. Evaluate the contributions made by environmental anthropology in an epoch where humans are the major force behind shaping the planet.
    2. Assess the contributions by Urban anthropologist in social stratification, poverty, policy, and urbanization
    3. Investigate applying anthropology to the business and corporate world nationally and globally.
    4. Examine health and disease in indigenous, local, and national populations with special attention to prevention and access to medical care.
    5. Examine the role of Education anthropology in issues such as student equity, multicultural education, ebonics, and bilingualism in schools
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