Anthropology Elective Intro Course From Basics and Beyond
Anthropology will give the learner an understanding of where we began and what makes us uniquely human by looking at culture, language, family, and more.
Wendy Wawrzyniak
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(72)
What's included
18 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be given readings between classes, and an occasional video lab assignment to do on their own time.Assessment
Assessment: Grades/progress assessment will be based on quizzes and a final test at the end of the course. Parent requests and student needs will be assessed at the beginning of the course as to whether the student needs a letter grade/percentage or a written report. Every effort will be made to ensure the assessment needs requested are provided.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
The aim of anthropology is to use a broad approach to gain an understanding of our past, present, and future and address the problems humans face in biological, social, and cultural life. This course will explore the evolution, similarity, and diversity of humankind through time. It will look at how we have evolved from a biologically and culturally weak species to one that has the ability to cause catastrophic change. Topics: 1. What anthropologists do 2. Culture and Language Why Humans are Special 3. Human Evolution: How We Got Here 4. The Human Animal: Who We Are 5. All About Food: What We Do in Order to Eat 6. Material Culture: How Humans are Handy 7. Family ties and Social Bonds: What Keeps Us Together 8. Religion: What We Believe The course is structured so that information will be presented, then students and teacher will discuss the learning. Knowledge will be assessed through learning checks, quizzes, or Kahoot-style reviews. My style is that of teaching joyfully, exuding enthusiasm about the topic, and piquing the interest of my students through dynamic presentations and discussion topics. I create PowerPoints with modern pictures and frequent questions posted to check for learning. Occasionally, we will use Nearpod, which allows for students to actively participate and reflect on the learning as the topic is presented.
Learning Goals
Learning Objectives by Unit of Study:
1. Describe anthropology, and explain why it is holistic.
Define culture, and explain how anthropologists learn about other cultures.
State why anthropology is a science and how it differs from other social sciences.
Identify the focus of each of the four subfields of anthropology.
Explain why anthropology is important, especially in today’s world.
Describe some careers in anthropology and the value of anthropology training.
2. Describe anthropology, and explain why it is holistic.
Define culture, and explain how anthropologists learn about other cultures.
State why anthropology is a science and how it differs from other social sciences.
Identify the focus of each of the four subfields of anthropology.
Explain why anthropology is important, especially in today’s world.
Describe some careers in anthropology and the value of anthropology training.
3. Describe anthropology, and explain why it is holistic.
Define culture, and explain how anthropologists learn about other cultures.
State why anthropology is a science and how it differs from other social sciences.
Identify the focus of each of the four subfields of anthropology.
Explain why anthropology is important, especially in today’s world.
Describe some careers in anthropology and the value of anthropology training.
4. describe how humans are classified in the animal kingdom, and name our closest living relatives.
identify biological traits that define the human species, and explain how they are related to culture.
describe ways that humans vary, and explain why racial classifications are not useful.
5. describe how humans are classified in the animal kingdom, and name our closest living relatives.
identify biological traits that define the human species, and explain how they are related to culture.
describe ways that humans vary, and explain why racial classifications are not useful.
6. define archeology and the archeological record.
identify the types of material remains that people leave behind.
outline how archeologists find and excavate sites.
explain how archeologists analyze and interpret what they discover.
describe the earliest evidence of culture that was left behind by human ancestors.
state when and how agriculture first developed.
describe other changes that agriculture brought.
7. identify types of marriage rules and forms of marriage.
explain how residence patterns are related to household makeup.
describe different ways to trace relationships and name kin.
explain the importance of social groups and how social behavior is controlled.
compare and contrast different types of human societies.
. 8.
state how anthropologists define religion.
list purposes that religion serves in society.
name examples of world and folk religions.
describe elements that are common to many religions.
explain how and why religions change.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents should be aware that one of the topics is evolution, which is taught from a scientific basis. If the topic of religion and evolution comes up, I will respectfully refer students to their parents for guidance.
With that being said, I do have extensive experience teaching students with many questions about the conflict that exists and I am able to frame the discussion in a way that is respectful of the questioner as well as the other students in the class.
Supply List
No additional supplies are needed. I do recommend either a virtual or physical folder to keep resources and handouts organized.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
72reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Special Education
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Florida Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
I have two years of experience teaching Anthropology virtually, as well as 30+ years of experience in the high school and middle school classroom, with over two decades of teaching secondary social studies.Reviews
Live Group Class
$240
for 18 classes2x per week, 9 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
3-12 learners per class
