Anthropology questions – My Online Homework Helper

admin

Exam #2

Overview

The exam is combination of short answer (write about 3-4 sentences for each) and essay questions (write in an essay format with an introduction, body paragraph(s), and a conclusion). There is no multiple-choice on the exam. You will have several days to complete the exam.

Citation Expectations

For the most part, you will probably summarize material from the course using your own words. If you use quotations, please keep the following in mind:

-Follow MLA style for your citations. Cite quotations from our textbook like this: (Lavenda and Schull 68). You are discouraged from using outside sources. If you do use materials that did not come from this class, include cite them both in-text and on a Works Cited page.

-for module material I created, websites I recommended, or material from the films, please just indicate the source in your writing by naming the film, website, or stating that it is information from course modules

-DO NOT COPY FROM THE INTERNET OR ANY SOURCE FOR YOUR ANSWERS; you will receive a zero if plagiarism is found

Exam Questions

For the following short answer questions, please write one brief paragraph responding to the question. You will have to be selective about the details you include (don’t try to include everything – you’ll run out of time). Remember to use key terms from the course in your answer when you can. (20 points each)

1. What are some of the problems with the notion of “progress”?

2. What is the difference between “Culture” and “cultures”? Discuss the different ways in which the term “cultures” can be used.

3. What is cultural relativism? How would an anthropologist, from a relativistic point of view, explain a cultural practice like genocide (for example, the Nazis’ attempt to exterminate the Jews)?

4. What is a rite of passage? Define each stage and give concrete examples.

5. What are the connections among play, art, myth, and ritual? Give examples.

For the following essay questions, please compose a more detailed answer with an introduction, body paragraph(s), and a conclusion. Remember to briefly explain key terms as you use them in your answers and use examples when you can. (50 points each)

1. Jared Diamond contends that “agriculture was the biggest mistake in human history.” How do most people in the public think of agriculture? What would lead Diamond to conclude that was a mistake? In your answer, be sure to put the existence of agriculture into historical context as far as anthropologists know.

2. A lot is at stake in maintaining social categories such as gender, class, caste, race, ethnicity, and nation. Choose two of these and explain what “naturalizing discourses” are associated with them in any cultural group you are familiar with. Be sure to use examples in your essay. (Examples can be from the course materials and/or your own experience.)

BONUS (up to 10 points): Name two concepts from the class that you found to be the most important and relevant to your own life. Explain how the concepts are relevant to your own life and describe why you think that they are important