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Syllabus Fall Course Schedule and Office Hours |
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Course Objectives
This course will explore the nature of anthropology--the study of human beings as a species--with particular emphasis on a specific branch of cultural anthropology: ethnography. We will further focus on the exploration of cultural phenomena using written and visual records. We will engage in analysis of ethnographic films and photography, the primary visual media in use today, but will also explore new media (computer technologies) and drawing as they apply to cultural records. The subject matter of the course will focus not only on the past, but on the present day, and even the future, and will incorporate works from classic ethnographic filmmakers, visual artists, archaeologists, and from popular culture (science fiction, mainstream literature, television and other performing arts). Course Requirements: Students must demonstrate their mastery of the course material by accomplishing the following:
The project proposal, the first exercise, and evidence of class participation will constitute students' midterm grades.
Workbooks and notebooks will be evaluated week 5 and week 10. Grading Criteria See the Course Rubric for a detailed chart of expectations and criteria related to grades on individual assignments. As a general rule, however, grades will be earned on the basis of demonstrated competence, professionalism, and engagement in the goals of the course. Grading
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Required
Materials In addition to the materials listed on the weekly schedule, I highly recommend Seeing Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology Through Film, 4th edition, by Karl Heider, Pamela Blakely, and Thomas Blakely. A supplementary DVD that includes classic ethnographic videos is also available, and both are widely available through online booksellers. Art Institute of Dallas Policies on Class Assignments and Projects: The Art Institute places considerable emphasis on simulated work situations in which the student is assigned projects with scheduled completion dates. In a professional environment, there are no acceptable excuses for missing project deadlines; therefore, it is extremely important that students develop similar professional discipline in their general studies classes. General Studies Classroom Policies: The Department of General Studies emphasizes both the academic and professional skills students need for success. The following policies are designed to promote scholastic excellence and successful learning. Deadlines: Many assignments have scheduled due dates, and some class time is set aside for required projects. Additional time outside of class hours is also expected, however, in order to fulfill requirements and meet deadlines. The Department of General Studies does not accept late work for any reason in any class. Attendance: Regular class attendance is expected and required. In courses meeting once per week, if a student misses three or more classes during the quarter, or accrues the equivalent of three absences through tardiness, he or she may be dropped for lack of attendance at the discretion of the faculty member. The satisfactory explanation of an absence does not relieve the student from responsibility for the course work assigned and/or due during his or her absences. Students who fail to attend all classes on their schedules for two consecutive weeks of the quarter will be automatically terminated from the school by the Registrar's Office. Participation expectations: Students must be proactive. If something occurs to inhibit your academic performance or attendance, contact the instructor immediately via email. Students must also be engaged. During the class period, students must devote their attention exclusively to classroom operations, and avoid being distracted by unrelated activities. Disruptive or Disorderly Conduct: The instructor is the final arbiter of questions concerning classroom conduct. Engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor’s ability to teach or fellow students’ ability to learn may result in a conduct referral to the Dean of Student Affairs. Personal Technologies: All computers and personal communication devices must be turned off during lectures. Only those with special accommodations from the Office of Academic Disability Services may use laptops for note-taking. Americans with Disabilities Compliance: It is the policy of the Art Institute of Dallas to accommodate the needs of disabled students. This institution will adhere to all applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact affected faculty members and the office of Academic Disability Services at 469-587-1239 in a timely manner in order to make appropriate arrangements. Academic Ethics and Scholastic Dishonesty: The Art Institute of Dallas will not tolerate any act of dishonesty or plagiarism. Dishonesty in the classroom, including securing, passing, receiving a test prior to the test date, or cheating on examinations is subject to a failing grade and possible suspension or termination from the Art Institute. The same rule applies to detected plagiarism within the classroom. Plagiarism includes any unattributed use of materials from any source—including books, periodicals, CD-ROMs, videos, and the World Wide Web, as well as artworks or projects from other students or professionals. All quotations, paraphrases, or other adaptations of others’ work must be properly cited and documented. All acts of dishonesty are to be brought to the attention of the Academic School Director and the Vice-President of Academic Affairs. The above syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor due to unpredictable and/or uncomfortable situations (weather conditions, Art Institute and/or local, regional, state, or national criteria). Please make yourself familiar with the etiquette requirements for this class. Although I tend to run a fairly relaxed ship, participation will be enhanced if everybody knows--and follows--the rules. home |
Demonstrate competence in basic ethnographic purposes, practices, and
methods.