James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

AN1001 - Anthropology: Cultural Diversity in Global Perspective

Subject Description

This subject provides an introduction to social and cultural anthropology. We describe and try to explain or interpret the fascinating social and cultural variability of the world's diverse peoples, with a particular focus on societies in the tropics. We discuss anthropological insights on various dimensions of human life, including kinship and marriage practices, gender relations, ethnic conflicts, political and economic organisation, human interaction with the natural world, and ritual beliefs and practices. Detailed case studies and film clips are used throughout the subject to convey to students the life-enriching as well as the educational value of developing an anthropological understanding of cultural diversity.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire ability to identify issues and subject areas associated with anthropology
• critically question many assumptions concerning ones own society
• discuss anthropological ideas, concepts and theories with others and articulate these in written form
• identify key anthropological texts and authors, as well as be able to outline their arguments
• understand and appreciate other human societies and cultures

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities