Assignment: AnthroSpeak
50 points
Due: June 27
[print version - pdf file]In this assignment, students will research the definitions of six key cultural anthropology terms. These terms help define the discipline and goals of anthropology, a necessary step in understanding the anthropological perspective. Additionally, students will begin to delve into anthropological Internet resources, learn how to evaluate Internet sources, work on preparing clear and concise responses, and apply information outside of the classroom.
Instructions:
- Off the top of your head, write the definitions for the following terms/concepts: cultural relativism, ethnology, cultural evolution, holism, world view, ethnocentrism
- Access Google (http://www.google.com) or another search engine if you prefer [I also like Dogpile (http://www.dogpile.com) and Alta Vista (http://www.altavista.com)].
- Search for “anthropology terms” – use the quotation marks.
- Using at least 2 credible Internet sources, synthesize the definition in your own words. YOU CAN USE THE SAME SOURCES FOR ALL OF THE WORDS, but you cannot use your textbooks. Do not use Wikipedia, other encyclopedias, or dictionaries (e.g., Oxford or Merriam-Webster).
- List your sources. Using the CARS rubric (see below), briefly state why you think these are credible sources. Use the following format for your citations:
McKenzie, Barbara A. 2004. Bonampak, Electronic Document, http://mayaruins.com/bonampak.html, accessed September 24, 2005.
Note: the first year (2004) refers to the date the document was last updated. Alternately, this date could be the original date it was posted. If there isn’t a date, I would recommend that you take that as an indication it is not a credible site and choose another.
- Reflecting on what you have learned through your research, compare your original definition with the definition you summarized from your sources. Then, think critically about how these terms relate to real life (in other words, can you apply the terms to your personal experience). Your answer must be a minimum of 300 words—that’s less than the number of words in these instructions, including the introductory paragraph to this point.
- Upload your completed assignment to Blackboard.
Organize your assignment as follows:
- original definitions
- sources and CARS evaluation
- synthesized definitions
- reflection
Assessment Rubric
Learn Actively: 10 points
- recognize key elements of human culture and have a basic understanding of fundamental cultural anthropology concepts: synthesized definitions are in student’s own words and indicate a clear understanding of what the terms mean.
- be able to interrelate your personal experiences and societal forces within the context of cultural anthropology: reflection demonstrates ability to connect the terms/concepts to personal experience
Communicate with Clarity and Originality: 25 points
- have begun to develop or improve your communication skills: original and synthesized definitions provided; sources are formatted correctly, CARS evaluation provided
- be able to clearly express your thoughts about human culture and adaptive processes, as well as nutrition: reflection demonstrates understanding of terms within a real world context
Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments: 10 points
- have some tools to use to help you identify ethnocentrism: student’s work indicates an ability to apply the terms/concepts to the real world, which shows that the student will be able to use the terms on a regular basis
CARS Internet Site Evaluation Rubric
For more detailed information, please visit http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm
Credibility |
trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support. Goal: an authoritative source, a source that supplies some good evidence that allows you to trust it. |
Accuracy |
up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy. Goal: a source that is correct today (not yesterday), a source that gives the whole truth. |
Reasonableness |
fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone. Goal: a source that engages the subject thoughtfully and reasonably, concerned with the truth. |
Support |
listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied. Goal: a source that provides convincing evidence for the claims made, a source you can triangulate (find at least two other sources that support it). |
Harris, Robert. 2007. Evaluating Internet Research Sources., Electronic Document, http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm, accessed June 19, 2007.
[top]