Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition - Softcover

Schultz, Emily A.; Lavenda, Robert H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199760063 ISBN 13: 9780199760060

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition is an introductory cultural anthropology text that explores the interplay of cultural creativity, human agency, and material constraint in the shaping of human cultural traditions. By focusing on contemporary applications of anthropology, the text encourages students to think critically about culture and to view the world in new ways. The authors incorporate cutting-edge theory into solid coverage of traditional topics and pay special attention to issues of power and inequality in the contemporary world, including gender inequalities, racism, ethnic discrimination, nationalism, caste, and class.

Covering the material in 14 chapters, the text fits well into a semester-long introductory course structure. Ïn Their Own Words¨commentaries expose students to alternative perspectives from non-anthropologists and indigenous peoples, and ËthnoProfile¨boxes provide maps and ethnographic summaries of each society discussed at length in the text. The text also features many pedagogical aids, including a running glossary, chapter summaries and key terms at chapter ends, and annotated suggestions for further reading.

Features:
*Addresses issues of power and inequality in the contemporary world-including racism, ethnic discrimination, nationalism, caste, and class
*Incorporates cutting-edge theory and gender and feminist anthropology throughout
*Takes an explicitly global approach, discussing ways in which the spread of capitalism has drastically reshaped how people everywhere live their lives
*Presents new voices and alternative perspectives from non-anthropologists and indigenous peoples through Ïn Their Own Words¨commentaries
*Provides ethnographic summaries-with maps-of each society discussed at length in the text in ËthnoProfile¨boxes
*Integrates additional helpful pedagogical aids including key terms, a running glossary, chapter summaries, maps, and annotated suggestions for further reading
Covers the material in 14 chapters-an ideal text for a one-semester course

New to the Eighth Edition:
*Anthropology in Everyday Life boxes continually show students the relevance of cultural anthropology.
*For Review sections at chapter ends include discussion questions and prompts that connect chapters and support hands-on learning.
*"Arguing anthropology" critical thinking questions are available on the book's companion website.
*Complex discussions are more readable and accessible, presenting basic concepts more concretely before moving into theory and debate.
*New "In Their Own Words" commentaries expose students to alternative perspectives from non-anthropologists and indigenous peoples.

Supplements:
*Companion Website featuring (1) Student Resources, including a study skills guide, flashcards, self-quizzes, chapter outlines, and helpful links; (2) Instructor Resources, including PowerPoint presentations for lectures, filmographies, activities, discussion questions, and guest editorials; and (3) a chapter on human evolution
*Computerized Test Bank and Instructor's Manual on CD
*Cartridges for Course Management Systems

About this title

About the Author:

Emily A. Schultz is Professor of Anthropology at St. Cloud State University.
Robert H. Lavenda is Professor of Anthropology and Co-Chair of the Department at St. Cloud State University.

Review:

"Compared to other texts, Cultural Anthropology, 6/e, provides much more current examples of issues and concerns in anthropology, does a better job of integrating North American examples into the discussion, and is up-to-date on contemporary theoretical perspectives....I think that it is important to challenge students to think critically (from an informed theoretical perspective) and this text really does allow me to encourage this kind of thinking."--Teresa Holmes, York University

"A highly readable and accessible presentation. The text meets my needs as far as encouraging thinking beyond memorize-and-regurgitate, while it fulfills students' desires to 'tell me what I need to know for the test.'...[It] surpassed all expectations as to what one could achieve in an introductory book."--Nora Haenn, Arizona State University

"For professors of religion, anthropology, or global studies, this well-researched work will provide a readable, vast amount of well-organized material. The pedagogical aids (CD, questions, etc.) are well done."--Steve Madigan, College of St. Catherine, MN

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0199760063
• ISBN 13: 9780199760060
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448