Cultural Anthropology
Mid-term Exam – Widener– July 2010
Test is 28 questions, 25 objective questions (correct answers each worth 1 point): This part of the test will be given to you in class on July 26.
At home, take this essay part of the test and submit it to me on July 26.
3 questions requiring essay responses of 100 - 300 words.
The responses to the essay questions will each be worth a maximum of 25 percentage points. These essay grades will be based upon 1) evidence of study - does the essay show evidence that student has been reading authors in the subject, and thinking about the matter; 2) mastery of the material - does the student have a grasp of the basic ideas, theories and explanations of the subject; 3) clarity of expression and argument - are you communicating your position and your line of reasoning.
This midterm test will be weighted to be worth 25% of your final grade.
Test is an open book exam.
No time limit on taking the test.
The only rule: Do not confer with any of your classmates about the test.
ESSAY QUESTION 1
Discuss your understanding of the concept 'Culture' as anthropologists use this term. The author of our text writes that in human history 'culture seizes nature'. What is he talking about?
ESSAY QUESTION 2
Define and discuss ethnocentrism, cultural relativism and universal human rights. Then address the question -- How will we be able to live within the midst of cultural diversity without one cultural group imposing its values (law, religion, economy, art - mass media, governmental structures, calendar, modes of transportation, family practices, holidays etc, etc,) on the less powerful group? Feel free to use your own examples (or FGM, Christian-science value concerning medical care of their children, marriage practices in Utah, religious conflict in Ireland, Middle East, Afghanistan, oil development on tribal lands) to support your position.
ESSAY QUESTION 3
Discuss some human cultural characteristics for which there is evidence of great antiquity in the fossil record? What behaviors and traits could be inferred from 3 million, 1 million, and 50,000 years ago? What is your position, stance or conclusion - about these theories, the evidence for those time scales, the inferences drawn from bones, stones and burials?