Anthropology 201g: Principles of Human Organization

GE-C Social Analysis, Fall 2020, MWF 1-1:50 p.m., Online

Instructor: Professor T.W. Ward, E-mail: tww@usc.edu

Office Hrs. MW 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & by appointment, e-mail: tww@usc.edu
Teaching Assistant: Dr. Tracie Mayfield, Ph.D., tracie.mayfield@usc.edu
Office: THH B8; Hours: Mondays 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Course Description: This class applies methods of social analysis from the discipline of
anthropology in order to understand human behavior and experience in globalized world.
This course will examine human organizations, knowledge, beliefs and behavior in
societies worldwide, using the core ideas and contributions of social anthropology. We
will study the major culture types, including foragers, nomadic pastoralists, and
horticultural tribes. We will examine the concept of “culture” as expressed in beliefs,
values, symbols, economies, languages, taboos and rituals. An understanding of cultures
challenges our assumptions about the other, the nature of reality, what we believe and
what we value.

Grounded in ethnography (participant-observation research), social anthropology

examines how people think about themselves and how they interact in the world. By
examining ethnographic studies of indigenous cultures and comparing historical accounts
with changes in the modern world, students will be able to evaluate the nature of
empirical evidence and assess the usefulness of qualitative evidence as it pertains to
historical trends and current conditions of tribal peoples. Students will have the
opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between human action and
organizations within a globalized context by analyzing the effectiveness of economic and
political strategies and policies that have impacted human societies and the environment.

Although the process of globalization — the transnational integration of markets, polities

and communication networks with social, political and environmental ramifications —
has made the world increasingly complex and interconnected, cultural differences
continue to differentiate us and have a profound impact on our lives. Anthropology is at
the forefront of analyzing and evaluating cultural continuity and change, and strives to
contribute toward the solution to human problems. It is an ideal discipline for preparing
people from diverse backgrounds to communicate with each other in culturally
appropriate ways, a necessity in the increasingly pluralistic, multicultural communities of
Los Angeles and the global village.

This course gives students a broad, holistic perspective on anthropology and the human
condition that enables them to understand historical forces and critically examine current
trends in a globalized world. We will explore the issues of poverty, overpopulation,
pollution, energy resources, land rights, food distribution, and ethnic conflict.

Recommended Preparation: No previous preparation is required for this course.

Objectives and Outcomes: The class provides students with a basic knowledge of the
discipline of socio-cultural anthropology by reviewing the history of anthropology and
examining case studies of foragers (hunter-gatherers), horticultural tribal societies, and

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modern urban street gangs. Students will get an overview of ethnographic studies of
different cultural traditions and human adaptations to changing environments, as well as
learning about the methodology and theories used to understand human behavior cross-
culturally. The course will provide students the necessary background for more advanced
courses in anthropological theory and methodology.

The aims of the course are four-fold:

1. To introduce the basic history, theories, methods and aims of ethnographic

research
2. To learn about anthropological inquiry into contemporary human problems,
including overpopulation, environmental degradation, resource depletion, poverty,
evolution of food systems, ethnic conflict and climate change
3. To apply the methods and theory of social anthropology to the study of human
behavior and experience in economic, political, and cultural settings, and
4. To use scholarly evidence to critically analyze human problems cross-culturally
and learn how anthropology contributes to improving the human condition

Lectures will provide the necessary background to understanding the anthropological

perspective and will complement, but not substitute for the assigned readings. The main
textbook for the class explores how anthropology interprets contemporary global
problems and what it says about possible solutions to human suffering. Case studies
provide an in-depth look at different types of human adaptations to environments, which
range from ancient tribal groups to modern urban subcultures. Staying on top of the
reading will be critical to succeeding in this course, as well as attending class to watch
the documentary films and take notes on class lectures.

By the end of the course you should be able to:

 Identify the major types of human adaptations to changing environments

 Know some of the prominent figures in socio-cultural anthropology
 Distinguish between major theoretical paradigms in anthropological
thought
 Understand the goals and methods of ethnographic research
 Identify the different types of contemporary human problems
 Understand the process of globalization and the problems it poses to tribal
societies

Social Analysis: As a course in social analysis this class examines how individual and
collective human action shapes and is shaped by economic organizations, political
institutions, and socio-cultural settings broadly understood. We will explore the role of
gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, class and other aspects of identity across time and social
settings in a global context. This course will introduce students to analytical approaches
and methods in anthropology, and how these insights create a better understanding of our
social world.

Course Requirements: There will be 2 exams, one 5-page analytical essay and a 12-
page research paper. A prospectus for your research paper will be due before the

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Thanksgiving break. Both the mid-term and final exams will include objective and short
answer questions as well as a critical essay. The exams will cover all lectures, readings,
documentary films, and class discussions. There will be review sessions for each exam.
The final exam is not cumulative. You will write a 5-page essay on climate change and
how it affects you, as an individual and a collective (society). This critique will be a
combination of personal opinion and critical analysis. You will also write a 12-page
research paper, which will critically examine the effects of globalization on an
indigenous tribe of your choice. Optional oral presentations of your research will be held
the last week of class.

Penalties for Late Assignments: Written assignments are due on the date stated in the
syllabus unless an extension is arranged at least a week in advance. Assignments handed
in late will result in the loss of 5 points per day.

Attendance: Student attendance is mandatory and participation in class is encouraged. If

you are unable to attend an online class, let us know why and we can discuss alternatives.

Avoiding Plagiarism: Plagiarism on exams or papers will result in a failing grade.

Student Judicial Affairs Web site <http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS> includes
two student-oriented publications in both viewable and printable forms. Click on
Resources and scroll down to ‘Publications,’ under ‘Academic Resources.’ Read "Guide
to Avoiding Plagiarism," which addresses issues of paraphrasing, quotations and citations
in written assignments.

Contact Hours and Homework Workload: The only way to reach me is online. Email
questions to (tww@usc.edu), and I will get back to you within 24 hours. Preferably set up
a one-on-one meeting with me – and we can discuss your question in detail during office
hours. Your homework workload is approximately 100 pages of reading per week plus
the time you need to spend on written assignments, and exam preparation.

Grading:
 Attendance, class participation = 5% of your grade
 Analytical essay = 10% of your grade
 Research paper = 35% of your grade
 Midterm exam = 25% of your grade
 Final exam = 25% of your grade

Statement for Students with Disabilities: Any student requesting academic

accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and
Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can
be obtained from DSP. Please be sure the letter is delivered to your course instructor (or
TA) as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open from
8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Website and contact information for DSP
http://sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/centerprograms/dsp/home_index.html
(213) 740-0776 (Phone), (213) 740-6948 (TDD only), (213) 740-8216 (FAX)
ability@usc.edu

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Statement on Academic Integrity: USC seeks to maintain an optimal learning
environment. General Principles of academic honesty include the concept of respect for
the intellectual property of others, the expectation that individual work will be submitted
unless otherwise allowed by an instructor, and the obligations both to protect one’s own
academic work from misuse by others as well as to avoid using another’s work as one’s
own. All students are expected to understand and abide by these principles. Scampus, The
Student Guidebook, contains the Student Conduct Code in Section 11.00, while the
recommended sanctions are located in Appendix A:
http://usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/gov/ Students will be referred to the Office
of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards for further review should there be
any suspicion of academic dishonesty. The Review process can be found at:
http://usc.edu/student-affaris/SJACS/ Information on intellectual property at USC is
available at: http://usc.edu/academe/acsen/issues/ipr/index.html

Required Readings:

Bodley, John H. 2012. Anthropology & Contemporary Human Problems, AltaMira.

Chagnon, N.A. 1997. The Yanomamö (5th Ed.), Harcourt Brace College Pub.
Lee, Richard B. 2003. The Dobe Ju/’Hoansi, 3rd Ed., Wadsworth.
Ward, T.W. 2013. Gangsters Without Borders, Oxford University Press.

Class Schedule

Note: Readings are to be completed for the day listed.

Week 1, Monday (8/17): Introduction: Anthropological Perspectives

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 1

Wednesday (8/19): The Significance of Cultural Scale

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 2

Friday (8/21): Climate Change

Film: The 11th Hour

Week 2, Monday (8/24): Natural Resources and the Culture of Consumption

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 3

Wednesday (8/26): Malnutrition and the Evolution of Food Systems

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 4

Friday (8/28): Scarcity of Water Resources

Film: Climate of Doubt: Politics of Global Warming

Week 3, Monday (8/31): Commercial Factory-Food Systems

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 5

Wednesday (9/2): Population Problem

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 Reading: Bodley, Ch. 6

Friday (9/4): Social Costs of the Food-Production System

Film: Food, Inc.
Week 4, Monday (9/7): Labor Day, NO CLASS

Wednesday (9/9): Poverty & Conflict

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 7

Friday (9/11): The Military Industrial Complex

Film: Why We Fight

Week 5, Monday (9/14): Poverty & Conflict II

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 7 cont.

Wednesday (9/16): The Future

Reading: Bodley, Ch. 8

Friday (9/18): The Principle Organization

Film: The Corporation

Week 6, Monday (9/21): Review for Midterm Exam

Wednesday (9/23): MIDTERM EXAM

Friday (9/25): NO CLASS

Week 7, Monday (9/28): Foragers: The Dobe Ju/’Hoansi & their Environment
Reading: Lee, Chapters 3

Wednesday (9/30): Foragers cont.

Reading: Lee, Chapter 4

Friday (10/2): Cultural Traditions

Films: Rite of Passage; Meat Fight; Curing Ceremony

Week 8, Monday (10/5): Dobe Kinship & Marriage

Reading: Lee, Chapter 6

Wednesday (10/7): Dobe Conflict & Politics

Reading: Lee, Chapter 8

Friday (10/9): Life History and Culture Change

Film: N!ai, a !Kung Woman

Week 9, Monday (10/12): Religion

Reading: Lee, Chapter 9

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 Wednesday (10/14): Horticulturalists: Yanomanö & Their Environment
Reading: Chagnon, Chapters 2 & 3

Friday (10/16): Cultural Traditions

Films: Magical Death & Bride Service

Week 10, Monday (10/19): Political Alliances, Trading & Feasting

Reading: Chagnon, Chapter 5

Wednesday (10/21): Yanomanö Warfare

Reading: Chagnon, Chapter 6
ANALYTICAL ESSAY DUE

Friday (10/23): Cultural Traditions

Films: The Ax Fight & Joking Behavior

Week 11, Monday (10/26): Social Change in Yanomamöland

Reading: Chagnon, Chapter 8

Wednesday (10/28): LA Gangsters, Urban Nomads

Reading: Ward, Ch. 2

Friday (10/30): Cultural Traditions

Film: Fruit of War

Week 12, Monday (11/2): Hard Times—Joining a Street Gang

Reading: Ward, Ch. 3

Wednesday (11/4): Female Gang Members

Reading: Ward, Ch. 5
RESEARCH TOPIC DUE

Friday (11/6): Cultural Traditions

Film: The World’s Most Dangerous Gang

Week 13, Monday (11/9): Live Fast, Die Young—Gang Ideology

Reading: Ward, Ch. 6

Wednesday (11/11): Becoming Calmado—Exiting Gangs

Reading: Ward, Ch. 7
Review for Final Exam
RESEARCH PAPERS DUE

Friday (11/13): NO CLASS

Final Exam: Wednesday, November 18, Online

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