HSOC-112: Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology shows the organic design of culture in general, emphasizing the similarities and differences between cultures in the world. By the end of the course the student should understand the basic institutions of all cultures as well as be able to discuss the traits, rituals, and lifeways of several specific cultures. We will answer the following questions: Why do people in different parts of the world act so strangely and why should design and art students care? How do anthropologists discover the design of culture? Why do mothers in the Beng culture give their babies chili pepper enemas? Why do you speak with an accent when you learn a second language? When is your wife's mother also your father's sister? Why is Indian food served on metal trays? and many others.