Department of Anthropology
Instructor: Ludomir Lozny
E-mail: loznyl@wpunj.edu
Welcome to Introduction to Anthropology on-line!
Before we start please read this letter carefully and e-mail me any questions you might have concerning the course and its requirements.
Carol Ember, Melvin Ember and Peter Peregrine, Anthropology, 12th edition, Prentice Hall 2007, ISBN 0-13-227753-0
The book is available in the WPU bookstore. You MUST have it!
Anthropology is the study of all human beings and our immediate ancestors in all times and places. The course is designed to familiarize the student with the scope and goals of modern anthropology comprised of the following four sub‑fields: biological anthropology, archaeology, ethnology (cultural anthropology), and linguistics. By pursuing the anthropological perspective, which refers to the holistic approach, anthropologists examine human nature and culture most thoroughly of all the social sciences. While studying anthropology we learn of diverse human groups and their cultures, ranging from small‑scale to complex (post)industrial societies. Studying diverse cultures we usually ask: what are humans truly like and how can we understand the extensive range of diverse lifestyles they have fashioned? How and where does culture intervene with human life? The immensity of human cultural conditions and the complexity of understanding those conditions are apparent from the assigned readings. The ever-changing intricacy of human society is evident. The benefit for the student is a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the web of cultures. Such comprehension allows for harmonious relationships with others and better understanding of ourselves. Anthropology teaches us how to read the unfolding story of human cultural heritage we all share. The knowledge of our heritage becomes significant especially in multicultural societies like in the USA, but also elsewhere.
I will use a variety of methods to familiarize the student with the subject of the course. Among them are short writing assignments and the use of visual materials posted on Blackboard, etc.
Course requirements include studying the textbook, participation in on-line board discussions, and timely submission of weekly assignments. Every week of the semester I will post a new weekly assignment. Additionally there will be two examinations (midterm and final). I will be submitting new class materials in the beginning of each week and you will have to comply with the weekly requirements by the set time. Class materials will be updated on weekly, or sometimes bi-weekly, basis. All weekly assignments and the exams will consist of short essay questions. You must submit your assignments on time. Please save all your writings in Word, rtf, or as txt file before uploading to the Digital Dropbox on Blackboard.
On-line attendance means that you must submit your assignments on time and participate in on-line discussions within the set time-frame. Please familiarize yourself with Blackboard before we start the course. In order to take this class and communicate with me effectively you MUST use the e-mail address assigned to you by the university (or compatible). I will NOT accept “technical difficulties” as legitimate excuses for missed assignments or late submissions, unless those will be caused by Blackboard failures (which occasionally happen).
Academic dishonesty includes any act designed to fraudulently obtain academic credits, grades, or other recognition for you or someone else. Some examples are cheating on an exam and plagiarism -- the submission of someone else’s work or ideas as your own without properly acknowledging the source or sources.
Evidence of academic dishonesty will result in a penalty grade for this course. If you have any questions about academic dishonesty, please feel free to ask me.
Best wishes, Ludomir Lozny