SYLLABUS

Class:  ANTH + ENGL 1500

Spring 2020 Course Syllabus

TR 11 – 12:30

Classroom

Instructor:  Linda Massey

Linda.m.massey@wmich.edu

Office:

Office Hours:

Course Description

This course will first review and use anthropological perspective to address topics relating to variation, adaptation and diversity of the human species as a whole. Various topics will include accompanying literature or other media for students to analyze, synthesize and discuss in weekly groups.  Discussion topics as they relate to Lecture and Literature assignments may include: (origins, the “race” concept, genetics, human adaptation, and disparities in health affecting all sentient beings).  In addition, students will acquire the analytical skills needed to evaluate statements relating to race and human diversity in both the popular media and scientific literature. .

Objectives

By the end of this course students will:

• Understand the processes that lead to human biological variation 

• Understand the basic principles of genetics

• Know the basic theories and evidence fo the evolution of the human species as a whole

• Know the major genetic and environmental influences that lead to adaptive traits which characterize the human species

• Obtain awareness of current global biological, health and social issues

• Differentiate between biological and cultural notions of race

• Evaluate literature as it relates to cultural differences

Materials

The following main materials are required for this course:

• Main materials:

• Anemone, R.L. (2011) Race and Human Diversity: A Biocultural Approach

The following secondary materials, excerpts will be supplied will be available on

• Katanski, Amelia V. (2005) Learning to Write “Indian” The Boarding School Experience and American Indian Literature

• Delpit, Lisa (2012) “Multiplication is for White People” Raising Expectations for Other People’s Chilren

• Rodriquez, Richard (1982) Hunger of Memory The Education of Richard Rodriquez

• Sandel, Michael J. (2009) Justice What’s the Right Thing to Do?

Other materials will be available in course materials found on the class website

Classroom website:

Course information such as announcements, presentations, schedule, assignment drop box and discussion board will be accessible on WMU eLearning website.  Students will be required to check site weekly for course materials, scheduled assignments.  Students are expected to be prepared for class activities and discussion.

Access to eLearning can be found through logging into GOWMU, navigate to the eLearning icon.

Requirements:

• Attendance (documentation is required for excused absence)

• Assignments

• Participation

• No sleeping, texting, social media, or visiting sites not directly involved in class discussion.  If found to be doing any of these, you will be asked to leave the class.

Grading

Exams – 2

Quizzes – 3

Final Exam

Online assignments – 4

In-class assignments and attendance

Course Grade

75 points each = 150 points

20 points each = 60 points

150 points

10 points each = 40 points

Variable points

475 possible point

A = 93 – 100%

BA = 87 – 92%

B = 83 – 86%

CB = 77 – 82%

C = 73 – 76%

DC = 67 – 72%

D = 60 – 66%

E = < 60%

There is math in anthropology, so you do the math.

Exams and quizzes:

There will be 2 exams and 1 Final exam. The format of the exams will be a combination of multiple choice, true/false and short answer.  The exams will cover class material, articles, video instruction, lectures.

Class and Online Assignments:

There will be 7 Discussion posts, each relating to a weekly topic.  Students will respond to a discussion prompt in 2-3 paragraphs.

Three assignments will be submitted online through WMU eLearning for this course.  Two short answer essays and 1 Book report. Details for each assignment will accompany each assignment.  Each assignment will consist of Literature reviews, short answer writing assignments, or discussion posts.

Course Policies

Late work: There are no make up exams or quizzes.  Late assignments will have points deducted for each day late.  Late assignments will only be accepted through late assignment drop box through eLearning.

Exams: Exams and quizzes must be taken in class and on the day of the date scheduled for the exam.  ommunication: Email is the best way to contact me although preferably not immediately before class start time.  I will post weekly class updates on eLearning.  In the case of any immediate changes to the schedule will posted on eLearning as well as email notification.

Students with Disabilities: Students are required to contact me directly to discuss accommodations. Disability documentation information can be obtained through Disability Student Resource Center at 269-387-2116. 

Academic Integrity: Students are responsible for making themselves aware of and understanding the University policies and procedures that pertain to Academic Honesty.  These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. Academic policies addressing students rights and responsibilities can be found in the Undergraduate and Graduate catalogs.

If you are involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

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