Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition - Softcover

Schultz, Emily A.; Lavenda, Robert H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199350841 ISBN 13: 9780199350841

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, 2013

Synopsis

Cultural Anthropology: A Perspective on the Human Condition is an introductory cultural anthropology text that 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 fourteen chapters, Cultural Anthropology fits well into a semester-long introductory course structure. "In Their Own Words" commentaries expose students to alternative perspectives from non-anthropologists and indigenous peoples, and "EthnoProfile" boxes provide maps and ethnographic summaries of each society discussed at length in the text. The book also features many pedagogical aids, including a glossary; chapter summaries, review questions, and key terms at chapter ends; and annotated suggestions for further reading. An Instructor's Manual and Computerized Test Bank and a Companion Website at www.oup.com/us/schultz provide additional helpful resources, including a student guide with extensive study skill tips and chapter review tests.

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 Chair of the Anthropology Program at St. Cloud State University.

Review:

"After many years of teaching cultural anthropology and examining and evaluating different textbooks in this area, I find Schultz & Lavenda one of the most comprehensive, detailed and well organized texts tailored to adequately teach the basic tenets of cultural anthropology. It is not only adequate for classroom instruction, enhancing student participation by providing provocative examples, questions and comparisons, it adequately lends itself to independent study without compromising quality, rigor or presentation...This text is contemporary, clearly explicated, aesthetically appealing, concise and student oriented. It is the text to beat." Augustine Agwuele, Texas State University at San Marcos

"The emphasis on symbols, power, human agency and creativity in this book is unique and effectively carried out...The approach and narrative is challenging and will give students the opportunity to engage first-rate scholarship and leading-edge work in the field. I like the questions in the chapter subheadings as they invite inquiry and critical thinking." Frances Kostarelos, Governors State University

"Some of the chapter titles reveal a great deal: the use of words such as 'how, ' 'why, ' 'where, ' and 'what' suggest an overall approach designed to foster inquisitive, critical thinking as well as emphasize the relevance of cultural anthropology for contemporary, real-life issues. Chapter sections and examples reflect and emphasize this approach very well...I would definitely recommend this book to my colleagues." Harry Sanabria, University of Pittsburgh

"The approach seems to be to provide a clear representation of the current state of anthropology while contextualizing this within the history of the field. It uses extended and varied ethnographic examples in order to convey the main concepts. I like both components of this approach, especially its ability to convey the complex, contemporary concerns of anthropological research. I also like the recu
"Cultural Anthropology avoids the dry and mundane writing style that characterizes some texts. I find the student-oriented pedagogy interactive and extremely effective. I appreciate the depth of discussion devoted to describing many of the concepts addressed-as well as the inclusion of anthropologists whose work is relevant to those concepts-and the rich and varied examples throughout the book."--Brenda Sendejo, Southwestern University

"The overall approach of this text is designed to foster inquisitive, critical thinking and to emphasize the relevance of cultural anthropology for contemporary, real-life issues. I found the student resources [on the website] extraordinarily interesting, useful, and relevant. They are stunningly good. For these reasons--as well as the affordable price--I would definitely adopt and recommend this book to my colleagues."--Harry Sanabria, University of Pittsburgh

"This text is comprehensive, and the authors reveal a good grasp of the issues. Their ability to capture and explore the latest research and current topics is particularly impressive, and one of the main reasons I adopted the book. The writing is excellent, clear, crisp, and very reader-friendly."--Meryl James-Sebro, Florida Gulf Coast University

"Cultural Anthropology avoids the dry and mundane writing style that characterizes some texts. I find the student-oriented pedagogy interactive and extremely effective. I appreciate the depth of discussion devoted to describing many of the concepts addressed-as well as the inclusion of anthropologists whose work is relevant to those concepts-and the rich and varied examples throughout the book."--Brenda Sendejo, Southwestern University

"The overall approach of this text is designed to foster inquisitive, critical thinking and to emphasize the relevance of cultural anthropology for contemporary, real-life issues. I found the student resources [on the website] extraordinarily interesting, useful, and relevant. They are stunningly good. For these reasons--as well as the affordable price--I would definitely adopt and recommend this book to my colleagues."--Harry Sanabria, University of Pittsburgh

"This text is comprehensive, and the authors reveal a good grasp of the issues. Their ability to capture and explore the latest research and current topics is particularly impressive, and one of the main reasons I adopted the book. The writing is excellent, clear, crisp, and very reader-friendly."--Meryl James-Sebro, Florida Gulf Coast University

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0199350841
• ISBN 13: 9780199350841
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 443