Introduction and Guide

Culture and Environment looks at how anthropologist studies the relationship between human populations and the material world they live in. This gives us two tasks for the course: we need to come to grips with our notion of the environment and nature, and we need to examine the notion of culture. The readings represent a diverse set of views about character of nature and culture.

There are two major sections of the course. In the first part you will learn about the classic anthropological approaches to the relationship of environment and culture. In the second part of the course, you will examine alternate views of nature and culture.

Rules of the Road

These rules are simple guidelines.  Most of them involve showing consideration and respect for your fellow students. Some of them will help you to do better in the course.  A few of them are just things that tick me off.

• I try to start each class with an overview of the topic.  Often I present a quick outline of the issues.  It helps you to understand the lecture and to take notes, when you know the lecture’s goal.  If you are often late, leave home a little earlier.  It is much better to be ten minutes early and review notes and chat with friends than to come in ten minutes late and not have a clue about what is going on for another ten minutes.  Be on time.
• If a question comes to mind when you are doing an assignment, write it down. Bring questions to class.
• If you have a question during class, please ask.  You probably are not the only one with a question.  Other people will be grateful, and I appreciate the chance to clear up any misunderstandings early.
• When you come to see me during office hours, please bring your class notebook.  I will want to look through it.  Often I can spot the source of confusion quickly in your notes.
• Plagiarism.  It is theft any time you present someone else's work as your own work.  It does not matter if it is an exam, a short report or even extra credit, it is a major offense.  The college is a world of ideas, stealing ideas is serious.