Project Homework
Overview
Researchers have developed a multitude of tools over the last century that highlight our personal and cultural identities in a broad-reaching field called anthropology. The field of anthropology investigates everything human in order to capture the diverse beliefs, practices, experiences, and subtle nuances that make humans truly human. From the social sciences to the biological and physical sciences, anthropology implements a wide array of lenses to evaluate why and how we are as similar as we are different to one another. Whether we are interviewing for a new position or meeting the in-laws at a family get-together, gaining a preliminary introduction to anthropology allows insight into how people structure their basic beliefs and practices.
In this homework, you will encounter a simulated crisis situation that requires an anthropological response. You will play the part of an anthropologist who has firsthand knowledge and experience working in a biological, environmental, and cultural disaster situation. Also, you have real-world field experience personally working with this affected group and are well versed in their history and complex system of beliefs and practices. As such, you have been asked to respond to the crisis situation in an interview. The homework will be divided into two parts. You will prepare for the interview, defining anthropology and reflecting on its importance to the world. You will participate in the interview, answering the reporter's questions. Not only will the reporter's questions appear, but you will receive guidance in form of an example document so you know exactly what is needed to fully answer the question.
Crisis situations that you may choose from are listed below.
o Plastic Wars
o Battle for Hong Kong
o COVID's Hidden Toll
o Blackout in Puerto Rico
o Ebola in Congo
o Right to Fail
o Coal's Deadly Dust
o Flint's Deadly Water
In the project as a whole, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
o Explain the importance of historical influences on contemporary anthropology and human cultures
o Select basic anthropological methods for making connections that explain the human condition
o Explain the relationship between social relationships, systems of belief, and identity using various perspectives in the field
o Explain the value of applying objectivity in anthropological research when dealing with the cultural identities of diverse past and contemporary peoples.
o Explain the importance of utilizing an anthropological perspective for problem solving in real-world situations
Prompt
As you prepare for the interview, think about anthropology in general terms. Take yourself outside the realm of the current crisis you will be interviewed about shortly and make sure you are clear about what anthropology does, why it is important, and how its past informs its present. Be sure you take your time and use clear examples, as you want to be as ready as possible before you appear on national TV.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
• Defining Anthropology: What is anthropology? Here, you will separate the different anthropology subfields you have learned about, and you will discuss how the field is the sum of all its parts as you consider people and their complexities. How do all the subfields work together to form the field of anthropology? You will also provide a field-specific example to support your definition.
• Anthropological Perspective: In this section, you will explain the significance of an anthropological perspective in various crises. Why do people need an anthropological perspective? Here, you will explain the importance of an anthropological perspective in the following situations:
o Global cultural crises
o Biological crises
o Environmental crises
• Historical Perspective: In this section, you will discuss the importance of history in understanding the present.
o Provide an example of a historical anthropological contribution that has helped legitimize the field in the present day. Here, you will demonstrate the lasting impacts of anthropological history.
o Provide an example of a way that cultural groups and individuals use their past to inform their everyday life. How are (or are not) people products of their past? Make connections between cultural groups' and individuals' pasts and their current everyday lives.
o Explain how people are (or are not) products of their familial past. Make connections between peoples' family histories and their present identities.
o Explain how people are (or are not) products of their communal or regional past. Make connections between peoples' communal or regional pasts and their present identities.
Milestones
Project Milestone: Interview Preparation Outline
In Module, you will begin to apply your new knowledge of anthropology from Modules One and Two to your homework. Answer the questions as well as you can with the information you have from your text and required resources. Submit an outline. In this outline, you will begin to define anthropology and its subfields, consider the anthropological perspective, and write down points about how you think history influences current issues. This will help you start thinking from an anthropological perspective early in the term and also help you identify any areas of anthropology that you find difficult to articulate.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.