Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: An anthropological approach to the study of major global problems and current world situations. Examine the multidimensional impacts of global capitalism and assess participation within it. Course utilizes a critical approach and emphasizes knowledge from indigenous and other social movements which resist and advocate for alternatives. Highlights discussions about practical strategies for personal and collective positive global impacts. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Compare and contrast cultural, archaeology, linguistic and biological anthropology.
  • CSLO #2: Use anthropological concepts and approaches to examine current issues and situations around the world
  • CSLO #3: Examine key global dynamics, analyze their role in various global problems and assess our participation
  • CSLO #4: Use current research to evaluate proposed solutions and alternatives to specific global problems

Effective Term

Fall 2020

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Explain anthropological perspectives pertinent to the study of global problems and current world events.
2. Identify and discuss current global situations and problems from the perspective of key anthropological theories
3. Describe examples and evaluate anthropological research in the field of global problems
4. Use anthropological research to examine causes of global problems and assess our and other’s participation within them
5. Describe capitalism, examine its global dynamics and use current research to examine its impact in diverse locales
6. Describe the precarious situation many people now face and analyze their causes and impacts upon multiple dimensions of our lives
7. Examine and evaluate examples of indigenous and other social movements which resist and advocate for alternatives to the global corporate capitalist empire
8. Describe and assess actual strategies and proposed solutions to global problems; generate a proposal to effectively address a global problem

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences
    • AA/AS - Multicultural Studies
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - D7 Interdisciplinary Soc/Behav
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 4G Intrdis Social/Beha

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: The instructor assigns an article or book chapter for student scholars to read in preparation for an in-class reading discussion about recent indigenous movements which have opposed some sort of development project (course objective #7). Student scholars bring typed and printed reading notes about the assigned material to class for use during the reading discussion. The instructor directs student scholars to form small groups and to use their notes to begin discussing the main ideas and important information about the reading. The professor then facilitates a class discussion about the effectiveness of the indigenous resistance movement(s) addressed in the article. Groups of student scholars then work collaboratively to complete a reading discussion activity organizer which will be submitted for credit, along with reading notes, at the end of the class session.
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Student scholars will develop understanding of the basic ideas, benefits and issues of precarity (course objective #6) through assigned reading, lecture and other learning materials. Formative assessments will then be used to ensure comprehension. The professor then assigns several case studies of situations which could be considered precarious for a variety of reasons. In the next class session the professor facilitates a discussion about the articles. Student scholars will then write essays which compare and evaluate each article.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Student scholars will take scripted answer exams (ex. LMS quizzes) to assess basic comprehension of cultural anthropological concepts, approaches and information pertinent to the study of global problems (course objective #1). Evaluation will be assessed based upon accuracy of answers.
    • Projects
      • Example: Throughout the semester student scholars will plan, conduct and present their own global problems course capstone projects (which will thus connect with most of the course objectives but in particular will draw upon course objectives #1, #2, #3, #4 and #8). Student scholars will demonstrate their ability to apply anthropological approaches, theories and methods within their own independent, yet instructor guided, investigations. The instructor will encourage student scholars to develop practical assessments of the issue and possible opportunities for effective engagement.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. Professor lectures in order explain key anthropological approaches regarding the study of global problems (course objective #1). The professor then directs student scholars to discuss in small groups the key points of assigned readings which highlight particular case studies of applied anthropological research. Student scholars brainstorm questions which are addressed by the professor and the professor ensures that the key anthropological approaches have been effectively applied to a diversity of examples.
    2. Instructor assigns reading about the interconnection of ecological and cultural impacts of development projects in developing countries (course objective #3). During the class session the instructor directs students to form small groups to discuss the article or book chapter. Towards the end of the discussion the instructor will hand out an in-class activity or exercise which requires student scholars to apply the ideas and information in the reading to a particular case study which may involve screening a brief video. Students engage in the activity/exercise and work collaboratively to fill out the information and respond to critical thinking prompts. At the appropriate time the instructor calls the groups together to share their findings and reflections on the assignment in a general class discussion.

    Distance Learning

    1. (DISTANCE LEARNING) During a week when an introduction to the capitalist world system is the focus, several learning avenues are provided. (1) Textbook pages and two contemporary articles will be assigned to read (2a) A written lecture provided and/or (2b) A full video lecture with the instructor presenting the material (3) A voicethread where students have the ability to respond to images and to one another's comments (4) a set of focused but exciting discussion topics. After reading and choosing their mode of instruction the students will engage in the conversation aspect with fellow students and the instructor. For example a discussion topic asking them to draw on information from both the article and their own experiences/knowledge base makes the topic more relevant.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Student scholars read the assigned pages from the textbook or lecture notes on the current topic, pre-assess their knowledge (ex. LMS quiz) and come to the next class session prepared to ask questions and discuss the material. 2. Student scholars read an ethnographic article or book chapter, take notes and answer a reflection question for credit as well as in preparation for an in-class discussion activity.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. After participating in an in-class discussion about the article facilitated by the professor, student scholars will write down their thoughts into a short essay or short answers wherein they discuss how the article relates to the key cultural anthropological topics and concepts they are currently studying. 2. After studying a specific theory, approach or concept, student scholars complete short essay assignments in which they apply what they’ve learned to a specific example from a list of choices including brief videos, current events or something from their own background or experiences.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Course Capstone Project—Throughout the semester student scholars work on their own cultural anthropology informed investigation into a cultural topic, issue or event of their own choosing. Student scholars collaborate with the professor and peers to develop relevant ideas and feasible methods. Student scholars then conduct library and/or first-hand data gathering and use approaches and concepts from the course to develop their own anthropological commentary. Final reports are shared with the professor and informally with peers in a variety of possible formats such as research papers, ethnographic videos, websites, original art projects, cultural skill demonstrations, etc.

    Required Materials

    • Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism
      • Author: Robbins
      • Publisher: Prentice Hall
      • Publication Date: 2013
      • Text Edition: 6th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability
      • Author: McMurty
      • Publisher: Pearson
      • Publication Date: 2012
      • Text Edition: 3rd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Optimism over Despair: On Capitalism, Empire, and Social Change
      • Author: Chomsky and Polychroniou
      • Publisher: Haymarket Books
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Globalization: A Very Short Introduction
      • Author: Steger
      • Publisher: Oxford University Press
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 4th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • The Anthropology of Globalization
      • Author: Inda and Rosaldo, editors
      • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
      • Publication Date: 2007
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.