Welcome to Cultural Anthropology!
This course focuses on the dimensions of human culture, including language, subsistence patterns, technology, economics, equality and inequality, kinship, religion, politics, ethnicity, and gender/age status. In the context of studying human culture we will explore how these factors relate to contemporary human problems such as globalization and overpopulation.
Even though this is a virtual course, there is plenty of opportunity for interaction with classmates and the instructor - please use it. This course will require at least the same amount of effort (and, yes, time) as a traditionally taught 5 credit hour course. For a 5 credit hour course most students spend a minimum of 15 hours a week on class work. Some weeks have more things to do than others; I recommend that you acquaint yourself with the course calendar so you can plan smartly. Since there is no "in-class" time, you should expect more reading and assignments than in a traditional classroom. The nice thing about a virtual course is that you can work the calendar to fit with your personal schedule. This does not mean that there are no due dates for assignments...there are, but some weeks you can work ahead if needs be.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP. WE CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT TOGETHER. IF A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE DIFFICULTIES, I WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE COURSE CALENDAR.
As mentioned above, there are some absolute due dates for assignments. Make sure you check out the course calendar -- print a copy so you can easily reference it. I do accept late assignments; please check the syllabus for the late assignment guidelines. There is no extra credit for this class.
Some of the material during the first week of the course is centered on course preparation. Here is a list of Course Prep to do by the end of the first week:
- Make sure your preferred email address is listed in ANGEL.
- Review the calendar for assignment due dates.
- Post an introduction to the Introductions Discussion Forum...not only will this let others get to know you, but this will serve as a confirmation that you are participating in the course.
- Post a guideline for discussion on the Discussion Decorum forum.
- On the Culture Description discussion forum, post a short description of your culture.
- Fill out the Team Request form found in the Week 1 Lesson folder.
- Ensure that all technical issues are resolved (If you have any technical difficulties, get them resolved as quickly as possible; see General Learning Agreement included with the Syllabus for information on seeking course-related computer help).
- Take the Course Tour quiz.
If this is your first web course and you need some assistance, please contact the Open Learning Center, room CC2-060 on campus, ph. 425.352.8228. The OLC offers orientation on March 30, 6-7pm or March 31, 10-11am. More information on distance learning can be found at http://www.cascadia.edu/distancelearner/default.asp.
If you have not posted an introduction to the Introductions Discussion Board by noon, Wednesday, April 1, I will process an administrative drop.
In the Lessons area there is a folder entitled General Information. Please go through the material in this folder before you do anything else. There are short video tutorials on how to do things in ANGEL. You might find those beneficial.
Have a great quarter and I hope you have fun taking this course. Again, do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions--that's what I'm here for.
Tori Saneda