Transcript Document
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Anthropology What is anthropology? Anthropology is the systematic study of humankind. - man - word/study Emergence of the discipline Two major goals: Understand uniqueness and diversity Discover fundamental similarities Four-field Approach Four subdisciplines bridge science and humanities: Physical Anthropology Archaeology Linguistics Cultural Anthropology Physical Anthropology Primarily concerned with humans as a biological species Most closely related to natural sciences Major research areas: Human evolution Modern human variation Subdisciplines: Palaeoanthropology, primatology, forensics, genetics Archaeology Archaeologists seek out and examine the artifacts (material products) of past societies. Archaeology is not treasure-hunting (a la Indiana Jones). Subdisciplines of archaeology: Prehistoric, historic, Classical, Biblical, underwater Modern “trash” Linguistic Anthropology Subfield of anthropology, philosophy, and English Main research areas: How language is used Relationship between language and culture How humans acquire language Fields of linguistics: Structural, historical, sociolinguistics Cultural Anthropology Sometimes known as ethnology, cultural anthropology examines contemporary societies and cultures throughout the world. Participant observation: Ethnography Ethnographic data Holism and Applied Anthropology Training in all four fields required Links to other social sciences Sociology, psychology, economics, political science, history Applied Anthropology Sometimes called the 5th field Offers practical solutions to cultural problems Great Britain - 1966 Guinea Bissau, Africa The Americas The Netherlands Italy Tibet, 1997 Mexico - November 1 U.S. - Virginia, 2000 Cultural Relativism The values of one culture should not be used as standards to evaluate the behavior of persons from outside that culture; a society’s custom and beliefs should by described objectively. Modern approach: We should strive for objectivity and not be too quick to judge; however, there are some moral absolutes that are removed from culture. Discussion: Examples of moral absolutes? Introduction to Sociology Sociology defined and explained Question: What is Sociology? Answer: The Scientific study of human societies and social behavior. A Systematic Approach Q: Is it a science? A: Yes, sociologists begin their work by proposing questions of importance to them and then designing a research project that will enable them to ascertain the answers to their major research questions. Q: Is it organized? A: Yes, sociological investigations proceed systematically. As a social science , sociology is a discipline that is organized and methodical and it’s endeavors are undertaken for the purpose of enhancing knowledge. Defining the Sociological Perspective “Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interactions.” What makes sociology “scientific?” Levels of Understanding Drug Use Personal experience with drug use Awareness of friends and associates’ patterns of drug use Systematic study of a random sample of drug users Sociology and Common Sense Common sense assumptions are usually based on very limited observation. Moreover, the premises on which common sense assumptions are seldom examined. Sociology seeks to: • use a broad range of carefully selected observations; and • theoretically understand and explain those observations. While sociological research might confirm common sense observation, its broader base and theoretical rational provide a stronger basis for conclusions. I am not an Animal!!! Sociologists examine groups of humans in an effort to understand the nature, meaning and significance of human group relationships. NOTE: Sociologists are not interested in animal species. Social behavior Sociologists examine the following: 1. What people do that affect others around them. 2. “things” that people do after they have given thought to how others might respond to their acts, especially when the people are aggregated into groups. The least we need to know… Sociology seeks to understand how groups work, how groups influence one another, and how groups influence the things that individuals do. Sociology vs. Anthropology One branch of anthropology (cultural) shares an interest with sociology in its focus on cultural issues. The other branches, archaeology and physical anthropology are different in their study of relics and skeletal remains to understand peoples of the past. Sociology vs. Psychology Psychology attempts to explain why individuals act, or how individuals influence other’s behavior. Remember, sociology attempts to explain how and why groups act or how groups influence individual’s behaviors. Sources Introduction to Anthropology http://www.killgrove.org/ANT220/jan15.ppt Introduction to Anthropology http://www.socanth.uncc.edu/crobb/1introlect1.ppt Introduction to Anthropology http://www.wmrfh.org/rbaker/The%20Four%20Fields.ppt Introduction to Sociology http://www.imperial.edu/Media/19-SOC1CH1.ppt Introduction to Sociology http://www.aui.ma/personal/~B.Cox/material/ISCh01r.ppt