The purpose of this blog is to expose you to current events related to topics discussed in Anthropology 1102 - Introduction to Anthropology. More than that, this blog is a jump off point for thinking critically about the world.
In exploring the blog's contents, you will gain basic knowledge of current events and research findings that when examined holistically, comparatively, and critically (i.e. anthropologically) shed light on humans and their evolutionary relatives across time and space. This is a basis for coming to appreciate the ways in which anthropological perspectives bear on the following questions (as well as many others):
1) What is anthropology and what does it mean to be human?
2) How does culture shape the ways in which we see the world?
3) What are the scientific principles that govern natural systems and how do these principles explain the emergence and biological evolution of humans?
4) In what ways have human populations become culturally, behaviorally, and biologically different?
5) What are the consequences of human activity on local, regional, and global ecosystems?
6) How does the environment shape human behavioral and cultural variation?
In addition, this blog is a source for examples of human diversity around the world. Such examples expose the multiple categories, norms, and rules (learned and socially accepted), that shape human behavior, whether at the level of the individual or group. When you analyze, interpret, and evaluate these examples, you will come to see that how people organize themselves affects their ability to meet cooperative goals through institutions of family, law, government, and religion, etc. This is a useful starting point for thinking through factors affecting present-day problems in the United States and in other societies (social, environmental, etc.), as well as for brainstorming solutions.
Happy reading, thinking, and problem solving!
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