Welcome to Cultural Anthropology!
This course focuses on the dimensions of human culture, including language, subsistence patterns, technology, economics, equality and inequality, kinship, religion, politics, ethnicity, and gender/age status. In the context of studying human culture we will explore how these factors relate to contemporary human problems such as globalization and overpopulation.
Even though this is a virtual course, there is plenty of opportunity for interaction with classmates and the instructor - please use it. This course will require at least the same amount of effort (and, yes, time) as a traditionally taught 5 credit hour course. For a 5 credit hour course most students spend a minimum of 15 hours a week on class work; however this is a condensed quarter, so you may spend more time each week on the course. Since there is no "in-class" time, you should expect more reading and assignments than in a traditional classroom. The nice thing about a virtual course is that you can work the calendar to fit with your personal schedule. This does not mean that there are no due dates for assignments...there are, but some weeks you can work ahead if needs be. I recommend that you take a close look at the course calendar so that you can plan your work.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP. WE CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT TOGETHER. IF A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE DIFFICULTIES, I WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE COURSE CALENDAR.
As mentioned above, there are some absolute due dates for assignments. Make sure you check out the course calendar -- print a copy so you can easily reference it. I do accept late assignments; please check the syllabus for the late assignment guidelines or the General Assignment information in the Assignment section. Assignment instructions are posted in the Assignment section; there are also links to assignments in the week folders in the Course Material section. Extra Credit opportunities are also listed in the Assignments section.
Some of the material during the first week of the course is centered on course preparation. Here is a list of Course Prep to do by the end of the first week:
- Reply to the Welcome e-mail with an acknowledgment that you received it.
- Make sure your preferred email address is listed in Blackboard.
- Review the calendar for assignment due dates.
- Post an introduction to the Introductions Discussion Board...not only will this let others get to know you, but this will serve as a confirmation that you are participating in the course.
- Post a guideline for discussion on the Discussion Board Decorum forum
- Fill out the Team Request form on the Discussion Board Facilitation assignment page.
- Ensure that all technical issues are resolved (If you have any technical difficulties, get them resolved as quickly as possible; see General Learning Agreement included with the Syllabus for information on seeking course-related computer help).
- Take the Course Tour quiz.
If this is your first web course and you need some assistance, please contact the Open Learning Center, room CC2-060 on campus, ph. 425.352.8228. The OLC offers orientation on June ??, 6-7pm or June ??, 10-11am. If you cannot attend the orientation sessions, you may also wish to take the short tutorial available at http://www.waol.org/getstarted/IsOnline4Me.asp and http://www.waol.org/getstarted/weekZero.asp.
If you have not posted an introduction to the Introductions Discussion Board by noon, Monday, June 30, I will process an administrative drop.
I will be posting your assignment status online periodically, but feel free to contact me whenever you have a question or concern. You can e-mail me at tsaneda@cascadia.edu*. You can check your assignment status in the Check List posted in Assignment section. Your grades will be posted under My Grades.
Have a great quarter and I hope you have fun taking this course.
Tori Saneda
* Special Note: I will not be on campus this summer; therefore, if you call or fax me, I will not get the message. The best way to contact me is through email.
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