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ANSO 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

This course introduces the study of humanity from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students learn what anthropologists do, how they do it, and why, with an eye towards career readiness. Exposure to the range of human possibilities, differences, and similarities will highlight the processes of enculturation in all societies. The course explores topics such as kinship, economics, religion, social control, globalization, culture change, and contemporary cultural issues affecting humans.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 7, 2025 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Understands the concept of culture as a holistic system of strategies for adapting to the social and physical environment.
  • Analyzes the role changing political and economic relations around the world have on the theories and methods of social science.
  • Can apply anthropological approaches to the analysis of contemporary life including such issues as cultural change, social stratification, globalization, economic systems, religion, worldview, and social/individual identity.
  • Evaluates anthropological interpretations of diverse cultural beliefs and practices in relationship to one's own values and perceptions.
  • Understands core concepts, methods, and selected theories of human differences and similarities from anthropology and related fields.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 8: Global Perspective

  • Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  • Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
  • Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.