ANTH 220 Cultures of the Middle East

This course raises epistemological inquiry regarding the study of Middle Eastern cultures. It focuses on the cultures and societies of the Middle East and aims to provide analytical insights into modes of cultural identification and life of the various social, religious, and ethnic groups, beyond the media headlines and the imagery often used to represent the Middle East. Students will study the geography and history of the Middle East as they apply to the development of various cultures, attitudes, and beliefs. They will compare and contrast various institutions, both governmental and social, among the countries of these regions. Students will also look at the expression of the culture through art, music, food, dress, and literature.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Identify the core concepts and methods anthropologists use to describe and analyze culture and apply them to a variety of Middle Eastern case studies.
2. Identify the physical and cultural geography of the region and their effects on the region’s culture and people.
3. Compare and contrast representations of the region in the world media and the events and issues behind these headlines.
4. Examine and discuss how global forces accelerate the dynamics of social and cultural change in the Middle East.
5. Explain the broad scope of Middle Eastern history by focusing on major events within the region.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the ancient traditions, values, and folklore as they exist today in the region.
7. Analyze the role of religion and spirituality in shaping the values, morals, and views held by various groups in the region and compare to one’s own perspective.
8. Analyze the social structures of tribes, households, and families within the region and their impact on values, politics, economics, and ethics.

Course Objectives

1. Identify the core concepts and methods anthropologists use to describe and analyze culture and apply them to a variety of Middle Eastern case studies.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignments/exams

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment/exam rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Social Sciences - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Employ social science concepts, methods, and/or theories to understand behavior, institutions, and/or change over time.

2. Identify the physical and cultural geography of the region and their effects on the region’s culture and people.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment/exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment/exam rubric
3. Compare and contrast representations of the region in the world media and the events and issues behind these headlines.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research Presentation or Paper

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC3

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Social Sciences - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   Apply introductory research skills that social scientists use to gather and interpret information.

4. Examine and discuss how global forces accelerate the dynamics of social and cultural change in the Middle East.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research Presentation or Paper

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric
   • Course assignment/exam rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC2
5. Explain the broad scope of Middle Eastern history by focusing on major events within the region.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research Presentation or Paper

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC1
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the ancient traditions, values, and folklore as they exist today in the region.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignments/exams

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment/exam rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC2
7. Analyze the role of religion and spirituality in shaping the values, morals, and views held by various groups in the region and compare to one’s own perspective.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research Paper

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Ethics Rubric
   • Course assignment/exam rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC2
8. Analyze the social structures of tribes, households, and families within the region and their impact on values, politics, economics, and ethics.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research presentation or paper

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course assignment/exam rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC4