MICROSYLLABUS IN CORE 13: UNDERSTANDING CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND POLITICS

Course description
This course uses insights from Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology to develop
students’ awareness of cultural, social and political dynamics, and sensitivity to cultural
diversity; provide them with an understanding of how culture, human agency, society and
politics work; and engage them in the examination of the country’s current human TAU Vision
development goals. At the end of the course, students should acquire ideas about human
cultures, human agency, society and politics; recognize cultural relativism and social TAU as one of the top
inclusiveness to overcome prejudices; and develop social and cultural competence to 500 universities in
guide their interactions with groups, communities, and institutions. Asia
Credit: 4-0-4
Target Outcomes
Breakthrough Goals
Anchored on the
At the end of the course, the students are expected to: challenges of the
1. Discuss the nature, goals and perspectives in/of anthropology, sociology and political Sustainable
science, Development Goals
2. Analyze the concept, aspects and changes in/of cultureand society; for inclusive growth,
3. E xplain the importance of cultural relativism in attaining cultural understanding; TAU will:
1. take lead in
4. Analyze the significance of cultural, social, political andeconomic symbols and
practices;
innovative teaching
methodologies and
5. Explain the context, content, processes, and consequences of socialization; appropriate
6. Analyze the forms and functions of social organizations; technologies to create
7. Explain the forms and functions of state and non-state institutions; an ideal environment
to optimize learning;
8. Examine the concept, characteristics and forms of stratification systems using
sociological perspectives; 2. advance sustainable
agricultural
9. E xplain government programs and initiatives in addressing social inequalities e.g.
productivity and
local, national, global;
improve income
10. Suggest ways to address social inequalities; and through innovation,
11. Examine human responses to emerging challenges in contemporary societies. technology
Course Content generation, transfer
Midterm and training; and
3. use Science,
A. Starting points for the understanding of culture, society, and politics Technology and
B. Defining Culture and Society from the perspectives of anthropology and sociology
C. Aspects of Culture
Engineering (STE)
D. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism as orientations in viewing other cultures effectively for climate
E. Looking back at Human Biocultural and Social Evolution change resiliency,
F. Becoming a Member of Society adaption and
G. How Society is Organized agricultural
productivity.
Finals

F. Economic Institutions
G. Non-state Institutions
H. Education
I. Religion and Belief Systems
J. Health
K. Social and Political Stratification
L. Social inequality
M. Cultural, Social, and Political Change
N. New Challenges to Human Adaptation and Social Change
References/Suggested Readings

Lanuza, Gerry M., et. al. Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics . Manila: Rex
Bookstore, Inc., 2016.

Nuncio, Roderick V. et. al. Understanding Society, Culture and Politics . Mandaluyong
City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp. , 2016.

Teaching and Learning Activities

Interactive discussion, self-directed learning, peer lecture/discussion

Assessment Strategies
Scheduled quizzes, product assessment, performance assessment
Note: Rubrics are to be included in the relevant units in the LRP

Grading System
Quizzes & Written Works: 25%
Tasks Performance: 45%
Exam: 30%

Class Policies

1. Submit all outputs and requirements on time.

2. Be prompt. Attend classes diligently.
3. Observe academic honesty. Cheating (most especially in the form of plagiarism) lying,
and other forms of immoral and unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Any student
found guilty of cheating in assessments or examinations will automatically receive a zero
in the course requirement or a failing grade.
4. Build a positive, proactive attitude within the class.