Assignment: Visualizing Theory
30 points
Due: July 6
[print version - pdf]
For this assignment, each student will pick one of the theories below and create a visual representation of it. You can create it using drawing tools in Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or you can draw it by hand and scan it--the point is that it should be a pictorial interpretation of the selected theory.
Mechanics
- Scan the theories handout and choose one.
- Unilineal Evolution
- Historical Particularism
- Functionalism
- Culture and Personality
- Neoevolutionism
- Materialism/Neomaterialism
- Structuralism
- Symbolic Anthropology
- Postmodernism
- Add your name in the appropriate thread on the Theories Discussion Board. Only 4 students will be allowed to do any one theory.
- Read the handout more carefully. You may wish to look up further information on the internet - this is fine; however, you must provide the proper citation in the Chicago Style.
- Create the visual representation of the theory on a PowerPoint slide. This should not be a graph or flow chart, but an actual picture.
- Post your work on the Theories Discussion Board--simply modify your original entry and add your work as an attachment.
- View the other theories. Post comments on points you do not understand. I will then go through the comments and post replies to clear up any points that are unclear. If the same or similar point is posted more than once, I will only reply to one.
- Read the Scaglion article. Pick a theory the author does not already use and think about how it would be used to explain Abelam behavior. Post your comments to the Abelam thread on the Theories Discussion Board.
Assessment
Learn Actively: 12 points
- recognize key elements of human culture and have a basic understanding of fundamental cultural anthropology concepts: demonstrates an understanding of at least one anthropological theory through a visual representation of that theory; can apply a theory to the Abelam
- be familiar with and have practiced a few of cultural anthropology’s fieldwork and methods: understands the use of theory in anthropology--demonstrated through an understandable graphic and accurate application of theory to Abelam
Communicate with Clarity and Originality: 12 points
- have begun to develop or improve your communication skills: creative representation of the theory that captures the essence of the theory
- be able to clearly express your thoughts about human culture and adaptive processes: visual clearly relates the theory
- know how to properly cite sources and provide complete citations for sources: if appropriate, citations provided in the Chicago Style
Think Critically, Creatively, and Reflectively: 6 points
- know how to break down a theory into its main components: clearly understands the theory (based on graphic); questions about other theories demonstrate critical thinking
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