874bc893_2012_2013____Academics____USNA__Scope
[Course] SS381 [Title] CULTURAL/POLIT ANTHROPOLOGY [Crdts] 3 [Department] Department of Social Sciences [Scope] 
The overall course goal is to provide a rich and interesting introduction to the field of anthropology. Anthropology is a holistic discipline encompassing elements of political science, economics, sociology, linguistics, and psychology. Emphasizing that one's culture is a "learned" condition, students explore the concept of cultural relativism and gain an appreciation for the diversity of human cultures and the interrelation of social, political and economic organizations. Students also examine the sub-discipline of Applied Anthropology which seeks to solve contemporary social/political problems such as ethnic conflict. A highlight of this course, students actively conduct anthropological fieldwork within the West Point community. Students develop their personal abilities to recognize their own personal biases and therefore better understand, interact and communicate with peoples from other cultural backgrounds. This is a crucial skill for future Army officers in the 21st century as recent deployment patterns have shown soldiers operating in non-traditional situations.
USMA Course Offerings Fall 2012-2013 :: Academics :: USNA
Scope