Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for ATH 209 archive revision 201904

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Effective Term:
Fall 2019 through Summer 2020

Course Number:
ATH 209
Course Title:
Culture, Change, and the Individual
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the processes of cultural growth, change, and complexity related to the development of contemporary anthropological theory and applied anthropology. Uses ethnographic techniques to study cultural change in developing nations and evaluate its effects on women and other marginalized groups. Includes analyzing the impact of cultural change on United States society and the individual. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

The course examines the concept of culture and of culture change, including its relevance to modern society, The course reviews examples of recent culture change, changes in cultural values, and the effects of globalization. An assessment of the positive and negative impacts of cultural change and growth at collective and individual levels is considered for both traditional and modern groups. Students should read and write at the college level.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Describe the concepts of culture and cultural change.
  • Identify the role acculturation plays in cultural change and how cultural values impact social planning and development.
  • Identify how personal and social values are shaped by culture and cultural change.
  • Discuss how cultural change affects societies and individuals at local, regional, national, and global levels.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Aspirational Goals

To develop and promote awareness of the profound dimensions of culture in human behavior, the impact of cultural change when it occurs, and the relevance of these to contemporary life. 

Course Activities and Design

Course activities may include any of the following:

  • selected readings,
  • group discussions,
  • in-class exercises,
  • field activities
  • guest speakers
  • presentations

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

  •  exams 
  • quizzes
  • short papers or reports
  • term papers
  • oral or online presentations

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes:

  • the effects of acculturation
  • modernization and culture
  • culture and globalization
  • applied anthropology
  • developing nations and sustainability

Concepts:

  •           culture
  •           assimilation
  •           acculturation
  •            cultural change
  •            modernization
  •           identity
  •           worldview

Issues:

  • cultural traditions vs. cultural change
  • planned change
  • globalization
  • cultural marginalization
  • technological change

Competencies and Skills:

  • read and write at the college level