General Information

• Name: Peoples & Cultures of the World
• Discipline: Anthropology (ANTH)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Offers a comparative survey of selected societies from throughout the world. Emphasis is on the impact of global developments on traditional societies.

II: Course Objectives

The purpose of this class is to provide an overview to the scientific examination and comparison of world cultures. Anthropologists use the concept of culture to account for the tremendous variety of ways humans have adapted to their surroundings and to each other. Throughout the semester we will be examining the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods of cultural anthropology. A major goal of the course is to provide an awareness of the wide spectrum of cultural and social variation throughout the world, while at the same time stressing those characteristics that are shared by all human beings. By learning about other societies we learn, ultimately, about ourselves. The class includes lectures, discussions, ethnographic films, and student presentations. Students will exercise academic skills in reading, writing, research, critical thinking, and oral communication.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

Students shall:

1. have college-level skills in reading, writing, and oral communication appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis.

2. have critical thinking skills.

3. have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.

4. have appropriate technological skills, including computer skills.

5. understand the methods of science and the role of science in the modern world.

6. understand and apply social science principles.

7. understand the importance of cultural traditions, and diversity in the modern world.