Exam 1 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of anthropology?
A
- the scientific and humanistic study of the human species and its immediate ancestors
- whole human condition
- explores biological and cultural diversity in pop. across time & space
2
Q
What are the main characteristics of anthropology?
A
- holism: both cultural and biological aspects of human culture are studied = their temporal (time) and spatial dimensions
- comparative/cross-cultural: help illustrate diff customs, values, beliefs that ppl have made over many generations
- broad scope: broad compared to other social sciences/humanities
3
Q
What are the main sub-disciplines?
A
- archaeology: reconstructs, describes, interprets human behavior through material remains
- biological/physical: studies biological diversity in time and space
- linguistic: studies language in social and cultural contexts
- socio-cultural: describes, analyzes, interprets & explains social and cultural similarities and differences
4
Q
What are the three elements of research in cultural anthropology?
A
- Fieldwork: long-term research in community
- Participant observation: prolonged, first-hand and in depth contact with the local ppl
- informants: local ppl who provide info about the culture
5
Q
What is the definition of ethnography?
A
- whole field research process that allows data collection
- written description and analysis of a single society, community or culture
- provides data that can help make theories/generalizations
6
Q
What are the main differences between the two groups of San?
A
- “Yellow San”: diverse language, pale skin, delicate facial features, full-time hunter/gather or farmer/herders or wage laborers
- “Black San” : look more like Bantu ppl, speak “Tshe-Kwhe,” herding, farming, foraging, wage labor
7
Q
What is the definition of culture?
A
- a complex whole including beliefs, knowledge, laws, morals, customs, other capabilities acquired by humans in a society
- total way of life of any society
- learned behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, values etc. of a partiucalr society
8
Q
What are the three main aspects of culture?
A
- culture is learned
- culture is shared
- culture is symbolic
9
Q
What are cultural universals?
A
- patterns of behavior and social institutions that exist cross-culturally (ex. language, religion)
10
Q
What is adaptation?
A
- processes by which organisms cope w/ environ forces and stresses
- biological vs cultural adaptation
- culture rests on features of human biology
- culture also shapes human biology
11
Q
describe the Kangwa Molapo
A
- dry river valley, source Nyae Nyae area of Namibia
- location of Dobe’s northern water holes
- Numsi
- most Ju/’hoansi live here
12
Q
Desribe the /Xai/Xai Molapo
A
- smaller dry river valley
- main axis of settlement
- about a third live here
13
Q
Describe the Aha hills
A
- until recently didnt have permanent settlements bc olacked source of surface water
14
Q
Who are the Khoi?
A
- cattle and goat-herding ppl who lived in the Dobe area in 17th century
15
Q
What is enculturation? Socialization?
A
- learning process of culture
- learning process gets more complex (socialization)
