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Cultural Anthropology course at Sessions College

Cultural Anthropology

3 credits

GEN 409: Cultural Anthropology

Develop a deeper understanding of how culture works

As a creative professional, you will communicate ideas to complex and diverse audiences. This course explores multiple theories of cultural anthropological that inform the way we understand identities and societies. Areas of focus include language and communication, economic and political systems, ethnocentrism and culture, kinship and descent, marriage and family, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, religion and belief systems, the effects of colonialism and industrialization, and the impact of globalization on culture.

Cultural connections

Course At A Glance

Course Features

  • 100% online
  • Project-based
  • Instructor-led
  • Credit-bearing: 3 Credits
  • Classes start January, April, and August

Instructor(s)

The course is taught by the following instructor(s):

Course developed by: Jill Mott

Take this course as a standalone or as part of the following program(s):

Course Projects

    1. What is Cultural Anthropology?

      We will begin the course by exploring the meaning of cultural anthropology: how it developed, what areas of focus are important to cultural anthropologists, and how the field is relevant for artists and designers. You will discover the ideas pioneered by early anthropologists like Mauss and Boam learn what kinds of things anthropologists study, and why.

    2. Packing Our Bags

      Let's go on a trip, shall we? Cultural anthropology is like traveling in many respects, as it's an opportunity to learn about others and to learn about ourselves, through the experience of culture differences. In this topic, we will explore Edward T. Hall's famous concept of the "cultural iceberg," which details how much cultural information is "beneath the surface" to the casual visitor. In this topic we will explore how we can take a deeper look at another culture and at our own.

    3. Symbols and Language

      How we interact, through language and non-verbal cues, can tell us a lot about our deeper values and beliefs. In this topic we will explore the meaning of gestures around the world. Greetings, hand gestures, use of personal space, and body language can all be important indicators of deeper culture meanings.

    4. Values

      What do we think is really important? Values refer to principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life. If you have ever traveled to another country, or to another part of your own country, you may have noticed that cultural values appeared to be different, but found it difficult to pinpoint how or why. We don't always run around announcing our values to the world. In this topic, we will examine families and festivals as two areas where we can detect what cultural values are essential.

    5. Beliefs

      What do we think is true or not true? Beliefs refer to the conviction or acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof. How do I know this? Well, if you have to ask 🙂 In this topic, we will examine some cultural beliefs that are deep seated all around the world: religion, superstition, and beliefs that protect us from adversity are key concepts.

    6. Norms

      What behaviors are generally acceptable, and which are not? Norms are behaviors and actions of people which are considered by the society as normal. We will explore what that means in terms of formal and informal social rules and taboos.

Sample Student Work

For sample work, visit student gallery

Course Outcomes

What Are The Course Projects?

In this course, students will enhance their anthropological skills by developing an understanding of the field, by studying a culture that is not their own, and by examining their own culture. For their course assignments students will choose a specific culture that they want to study, and research and create a series of artifacts. Students will also participate in fun, mind-expanding discussions on cultural anthropology. For their fieldwork, students will create a journal of their reflections to build a presentation that they will share with the instructor at the end of the semester.

What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
  • Computer with Internet connection.
  • Adobe Photoshop CC or Adobe Illustrator CC
What Will I Learn?

Students in this course can expect to learn to:

  • Synthesize and communicate complex concepts related diverse cultural perspectives and societies.
  • Research and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of multiple theories of cultural anthropology related to identity and culture.
  • Present concepts and content focusing on a variety of topics such as language and communication, economic and political systems, ethnocentrism and culture, kinship and descent, marriage and family, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, religion and belief systems, the effects of colonialism and industrialization, and the impact of globalization on culture.

Getting Started

Course Registration

  • Classes start January, April, and August
  • 3 Credit Course
  • Project-Based: Exercises, Discussions, and Critiques

Course Tuition and Fees
Tuition$510/credit
Registration Fee* $200
Total Course Price $1730

Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment. All tuition includes a digital materials fee for course content.

Course Registration Form

To register for this course, use the form below to enter your information and desired start date. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to arrange payment and provide you with an Enrollment Agreement.

PD: Course Registration

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What Are The Courses Like?

Our courses are project-based. In each course you’ll enjoy a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills, earning college credit for your completed course.

How Much Time Do I Need?

Classes start January, April, and August, and this course can be completed in a 15-week term. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of degree and certificate level programs at Sessions College.

Who Are The Instructors?

Our courses are developed and taught by our faculty of professional artists, designers, and photographers. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work.

Is Sessions College accredited?

Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).