The introductory courses in this program provide the following:

Theories and Methods of Cultural Anthropology (ANT 3220 EN) is a foundational class, as it explores the main theories and methods used to investigate and explain societies.  It is organized with the belief that culture is learned through a process called enculturation, which involves both formal and informal learning.  In this way there is an historical accumulation of knowledge that is then passed on to the next generations.  Through the use of anthropological theories people gain an understanding of their own culture and its members learn how to interact and adapt with others.

Students will also learn that this process of culture is based on social values, which are standards of what is good or bad (for example, whether the culture is based on individualism vs. collectivism).  Also, beliefs are significant, as these describe what is true or false (and thus define the ideal to strive for).  Throughout this study, the course provides a Christian perspective on culture, asking which beliefs are consistent with faith.

Kinship, Family and Intimate Relations (ANTH3310 EN) covers how kinship and families are organized in different cultures.  As the family is the primary unit of socialization for humans, this is an important subject to study.  It also is significant because of the way kinship intersects with most other areas of culture, including means social control, legal systems, gender roles, religion and economics.

The course emphasizes how kinship provides individuals with their identity and their place in a network of relationships.  Expectations vary widely as to the obligations a person has to their extended family group, all around the world.  As such it is a major social motivation. Thus, it is important to study this topic, along with marriage customs and how children are raised.

Language, Culture and Thought (ANTH 4200 EN) examines cognitive systems and assumptions included in words and communication of all kinds.  It also explores worldview, which is the way people interpret reality and how they relate to the world.  Language reveals the nature of this perceived reality, including ideas about the purpose of human existence, the supernatural, the nature of time, the purpose of life, etc.  In addition, the course studies ideologies: the ways of organizing society socially, politically and economically.  This again is a holistic view of culture.

It is important to then review cultural relativism – the idea that all cultures are the same in regard to their social practices.  Anthropology maintains that traditions must be viewed in the context of the way a society solves its problems.  It therefore often treats these traditions as if they’re somehow neutral.  But this can raise ethical issues and conflicts, especially for Christians, so the course will review this critically. 

Symbolic Anthropology (ANTH 4210 EN) explains the widespread use of symbols in culture, including every part of society.  These are created units or models to represent reality, which are shared between members of a culture (or subculture).  Abstract concepts are used to create meaning, and this provides ways of sharing common beliefs, enhancing values and beliefs and reinforcing the worldview of a group. 

Students will learn about key symbols – at the national level (like a country’s flag), group level (with common interests), and in religious imagery (crosses or other icons).  These can also be expressed in how people dress, use technology and what they eat, as well as the rituals that they share.  All of these symbolic forms reinforce values and provide a sense of belonging.  But they can also change over time, and this is important to be aware of.  Any person in Christian missional endeavors will benefit from this understanding.