QUESTION 1 Wade Davis is a remarkable anthropologist and human being. Why is he able to be so ‘real’ with people from other cultures? What characteristics does he possess as a human being? Why has he been so successful and become so well-known in the field? List ten reasons for the previous questions in total. There is a distinct difference between an ‘arm chair anthropologist’ and a person who spends all of his/her time in the field. One is an ethnologist; and the other an ethnographer. Which role would you prefer and why? List at least ten reasons. If you could have a very short course in cultural anthropology, do you think you could learn all you need to know by studying Davis’ works? And why?
QUESTION 2 Discuss the different types of reciprocity. How would you define the following giving/receiving processes —a. Christmas presents b. Retirement gifts c. Birthday gifts d. Giving to Charity e. Working on a Habitat for Humanity house f. Volunteering at the local soup kitchen. g.Parenting a foster child. Defend your statements. What type of reciprocity is freecycle.org? How can this type of reciprocity impact American culture? What would Marcel Mauss have to say about freecycle and craigslist (if he were alive today)?
QUESTION 3 Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf in the US in the 1930s postulated a linguistic theory that is still argued about today. What was the theory? Why was it such a difficult theory to accept? What are the implications of the theory? What could happen to our view of culture if we accepted their theory? Use the videos that you watched in the Linguistics Module; giving examples to support your argument. Discuss why the impact of language on culture is a critical issue in anthropology.
QUESTION 4 Design a research project in a foreign country (choose a country). The goal of the research project is to understand how the people of this country view the concept of women becoming pregnant during their teenage years. Use the AAA Code of Ethics to frame your project within ethical boundaries. Who will you interview? Create a list of at least 10 questions that you will ask. What is the goal of each question? What research will you do before you go? In what form will you write your conclusions, where will they be published and how?. Oh, and by the way, you are being funded by Planned Parenthood. Would this cause a problem with your research?
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