Applied Anthropology

ANTH 295

Course summary: This course examines the applications of anthropology to the solution of contemporary social problems. While all subfields of anthropology have applications, this course focuses on the applications of cultural anthropology. The course provides a history of applied anthropology in America, a conceptual framework for understanding different "styles'9 of applied anthropology and detailed consideration of many of the domains of applied cultural anthropology such as: medical anthropology, anthropology and international development, anthropology of business and industry, anthropology in education, anthropology and law/criminal justice, anthropology and environmental issues and others. We will also examine the methods of applied anthropology, the relationship between applied research and theory, and ethical issues in the practice of anthropology.

The course consists of lectures, readings from a textbook, and articles illustrating the latest trends in the field. We will rely heavily on the case study approach in which students read and analyze actual cases of anthropologists working in applied settings in order to gain a realistic feel for the varied settings of applied practice. The course also includes a project in which students design, and write a grant for, an applied anthropology project in an area relevant to the field.

Organization

Part One will provide an overview of the field and discuss the relationship of applied anthropology to other dimensions of the discipline and the history of applied cultural anthropology. We will discuss the social context in which applied anthropology is carried out and how this influences professional practice including a discussion of ethical issues.

Readings: van Willigen, Chapters 1-5; Spicer, "Reluctant cotton pickers," "Resistance to freedom," "Anthropology and the War Relocation Authority." Additional Readings as assigned in class.

Part Two will provide an in depth consideration of different approaches and specializations within applied anthropology. We will examine the textbook's discussion of different styles of applied anthropology ("action," "advocacy," "brokering," etc.) as well as additional examples of specialization with the practice of applied anthropology (medical, educational, business, international development and work in federal, state and local government agencies, etc.).

Readings: van Willigen, Chapters 6-13; Baba, "Anthropology in business: an overview," Jordan, "Consulting in organizational culture," Fetterman, "Educational evaluation," Murray. "The domestication of wood in Haiti," Green, "Traditional medicine in Swaziland." Additional readings as assigned in class.

Part Three will focus on method and theory in applied anthropology as well as recent changes in the socio-political context in which applied anthropologists work that influence the types of skills and concepts that students must master in the current job market. Much of this last part of the course will be devoted to analyzing a particular social problem and designing an appropriate applied anthropology intervention. This exercise will be a group project and include background research and the drafting of a proposal to deal with the problem identified. More details will be provided in class.

Readings: van Willigen, Chapter 14; Finan and van Willigen, "Soundings...," Agar, "Don't tell it, show it," Chambers, "The culture of policy." Additional readings as assigned in class.

Requirements: This class is run on a seminar basis. A seminar is basically an approach to learning in which members of the class jointly explore concepts and ideas in a set of readings under the guidance of the instructor. Therefore it is essential that you come to class, and that you come prepared to discuss the readings. Most of your grade will be based on class participation.

For each case study we read, each student will be required to write a brief summary and analysis of the case examined. The case study analyses will be 2-3 pages, typed, double spaced. In addition, individual students will be assigned chapters or articles and be expected to lead the class discussion of those readings.

Applied anthropology is a particularly difficult topic to teach through "book learning;" as the author of your text points out, it is an art learned through practice. We will try to get a feel for the practice of anthropology through extensive readings of case studies and through our project in applied anthropology. The project will focus on an actual problem or problems, either locally, regionally or globally, and design an applied anthropology intervention. The product of this work will be a proposal that outlines the problem and proposes an intervention. Again, details of this project will be worked out in class.

Required Texts: John van Willigen (1993) Applied Anthropology: an introduction. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey.

In addition, there is a packet of photocopied readings on reserve at the library and at Mr. Kopy copy center downtown.

Grading: Grading will be based on class attendance and participation, written analyses of case studies and oral presentations on readings. There will be 10 case study analyses worth 20 points each. There will also be two take home exams, worth 100 points each, covering Parts One and Two of the course. You will also be graded on your contribution to the class project(s). The class project will be a proposal for an applied anthropology project. Guidelines for this document will vary, depending on the nature of the project, and will be worked out in coordination with the instructor over the course of the semester.

SEVEN GOALS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CSU, CHICO

1. An understanding of the phenomenon of culture as that which differentiates human life from other life forms; an understanding of the roles of human biology and cultural processes in human behavior and human evolution.
   
2. A positive appreciation of the diversity of contemporary and past human cultures and an awareness of the value of anthropological perspectives and knowledge in contemporary society.
   
3. A knowledge of the substantive data pertinent to the several sub-disciplines of anthropology and familiarity with the major issues relevant to each.
   
4. Familiarity with the forms of anthropological literature and basic data sources and knowledge of how to access such information.
   
5. Knowledge of the methodology appropriate to the sub-disciplines of anthropology and the capacity to apply appropriate methods when conducting anthropological research.
   
6. The ability to present and communicate in anthropologically appropriate ways anthropological knowledge and the results of anthropological research.
   
7. Knowledge of the history of anthropological thought.