Andrews University

Department of Behavioral Sciences

 

BHSC235 Syllabus 2007

Culture, Place and Interdependence

 Study Tour Version, 3 semester credits

Instructor:   Øystein S. LaBianca, Ph.D.

                     labianca@andrews.edu

 Instructor’s Professional Background: Dr. LaBianca is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences. His other duties include serving as graduate programs coordinator for the department and senior director of Andrews’ field-based MSA in International Development. In his capacity as Associate Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Dr. LaBianca conducts anthropological and archaeological fieldwork in Jordan and Palestine . His research examines the causes of instability and collapse of local food systems and the nature of indigenous knowledge in coping with uncertainty and change. His research has been funded by Andrews University , the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Geographic Society.

  

I. Course Description:

Uses and integrates concepts from anthropology, geography and other sciences to help students understand how human cultures and natural habitat create regional, ethnic, religious and other social groups. Examines origins of group conflict and considers avenues of responsible action for resolution.

 

II. Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to

  • Explain what is meant by the concepts of “culture” and “world view” and why these are important to understanding interactions between different individuals, ethnic groups, nations and cultures.
  • Discuss the Enlightenment roots of “Western world view,” including the pillar beliefs of naturalism, reason, progress, humanism and individualism.
  • Discuss the concepts of “freedom” and “democracy” as a basis for understanding American culture and its policies abroad.
  • Describe other ways of being human, based on observations of “others” in connection with travel to foreign places and cultures.
  • Explain how physical landscapes or homelands influence the way people’s cultures have developed and changed.
  • Explain how “globalization” is helping to export Western and American culture around the world and discuss the consequences of this process for other people’s lives.
  • Discuss the impact of globalization on a particular foreign country or region based on observations made during travel to foreign places and cultures.
  • Explain what is meant by “indigenous knowledge” and be able to give examples of such knowledge based on observations of a particular cultural context during travel.
  • Discuss lessons learned from this course in terms of self-understanding, sense of life-mission, and future plans

 III. Methods of Instruction:

The course is normally offered in connection with a tour organized by Andrews University ’s Behavioral Sciences Department. Instruction includes preparatory readings and lectures, videos, and project assignments requiring library research, observation and writing.

 

IV. Course Requirements:

  • Attendance: Attendance at all preparatory sessions and in-tour lectures and discussions is required and will be monitored. You are expected to be on time for class and to be present not only in body, but also with your mind.   
  • Reflection Journal: The journal should be used for writing down reactions to readings, class lectures, discussions, impressions and reflections, and notes toward the following project assignments.  
  • First Project Assignment: Understanding Culture.  How can people begin to understand beliefs and behaviors that are different from their own? Read Robbins’ Cultural Anthropology Chapter 1 and complete exercises following each of five problems discussed in this chapter. Write down your answers to each exercise and discuss lessons learned with a friend or classmate. Min 8 pages.        
  • Second Project Assignment: Encountering People in Places. How does place shape peoples’ way of life? Identify by name at least three different people groups whose homelands you will be visiting during your travels. Study up on each group using the web and the library and by interviewing persons from the host country you will be visiting. Write a brief report about each of these groups in which you highlight the manner in which WHERE they live influences HOW they live. The text of your report may include maps, photographs and other illustrations. Must include references. Min 8 pages. 
  • Third Project Assignment: Discovering Interdependence.  What are the most pervasive examples of globalization on the people and places you will be visiting? Read Friedmans’ Lexus and the Olive Tree to gain an understanding of how globalization works. Write down examples of at least five of the following: information arbitrage; microchip immune deficiency; golden straight jacket; electronic herd; DOScapital; globalution; Golden Arches Theory; Demolition Man; and Backlash. Min 8 pages
  • Fourth Project Assignment: Appreciating Indigenous Knowledge.  How has local or indigenous knowledge served the survival interests of people in pre-industrial societies?  Read an article about “indigenous knowledge” to gain an understanding of what this concept means. Write down examples of such knowledge based on observations you make during your visits to foreign lands and peoples. Look for such examples in how people construct their houses, how they cultivate the land, how they eat, how they dress, and how they communicate. Min 8 pages. 
  • Lessons Learned Essay: What have you learned from taking this course? Write an essay describing what you have learned from completing requirements for this course. Include your reactions to course requirements and any recommendations for improving the course. Min 4 pages.

V. Grading Standards:

Assignment

%

Reflection Journal

10

First Project Assignment: Understanding Culture

20

Second Project Assignment: Encountering People in Places

20

Third Project Assignment: Discovering Interdependence

20

Fourth Project Assignment: Appreciating Indigenous Knowledge

       20

Lessons Learned Essay

10

TOTAL

100


Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A

94 – 100 %

A-

90 – 93 %

B+

87 – 89 %

B

83 – 86 %

B-

80 – 82 %

C+

75 – 79 %

C

70 – 74 %

C-

65 – 69 %

D

60 – 64 %

F

0 – 59 %


  

VI. Assignment Submission:

  • It is the student's responsibility to make sure the teacher gets his/her assignment.
  • Assignments and projects may be sent via the internet to the instructor.
  • All project assignments should be type-written using 12 point type.
  • All project assignments should include references cited. 

VII. Academic Honesty:

Students are expected to display honesty in all academic matters. Please review the Academic Integrity statement found in the University Bulletin for a complete description of what constitutes academic dishonesty along with the consequences for such behavior.

 

VIII. Required and Recommended Readings

Dinesh D’Souza 

2001    What’s So Great About America. Regnery Publishing, Inc.

Thomas L. Friedman (REQUIRED)

2000    Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization. Anchor Books.

Richard H. Robbins

2001    Cultural Anthropology: A Problem-based Approach. Peacock Publishers.

Ronald A. Wells

1989    History Through the Eyes of Faith: Western Civilization and the Kingdom of God. Harper Publishers.

 

IX. Due Dates

05-30   First Project Assignment Due: Understanding Culture.

06-30     Second Project Assignment Due: Encountering People in Places.

06-30     Third Project Assignment Due: Discovering Interdependence

07-30     Fourth Project Assignment Due: Appreciating Indigenous Knowledge

08-30   Lessons Learned Essay and Notebook Journal Due

 

 

 

Edited 01/16/07 jlpc