The Human Puzzle: Anthropology 1
Grade Level: 11–12 Duration: 1 semester (15 weeks) Credit: 0.50 unit Delivery: Hybrid (Asynchronous and Synchronous) Course:
Grade Level: 11–12 Duration: 1 semester (15 weeks) Credit: 0.50 unit Delivery: Hybrid (Asynchronous and Synchronous) Course:
The Human Puzzle: Anthropology 1 course offers high school students an engaging
and comprehensive overview of the study of humanity, past and present.
Anthropology is the holistic study of humans, combining science and the
humanities to explore the complexities of human behavior, culture, language,
history, and biology. This course will introduce students to the major fields
within anthropology — cultural anthropology, biological anthropology,
linguistic anthropology, and archaeology — and help students develop a broad
understanding of human diversity and cultural practices across time and
geography.
Through this course, students will examine key questions
such as:
Students will gain insights into different ways of life,
develop cultural sensitivity, and understand how anthropology applies to
real-world challenges, such as globalization, migration, health, and
environmental sustainability. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking,
observation, analysis, and communication skills through a variety of
activities, including discussions, research projects, presentations, and
reflective writing.
The curriculum follows the OpenStax Introduction to
Anthropology textbook as a foundation, making use of free, accessible,
high-quality academic resources. Additional materials, including videos,
documentaries, and case studies, will supplement learning to create a dynamic,
interactive classroom experience.
Course Outline (15 Weeks Semester Overview)
Unit 1: What is Anthropology?
Students will be introduced to the field of anthropology,
its history, and its subfields. They will explore the discipline’s relevance in
understanding human behavior and culture in a globalized world. Topics include
cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, and ethics in anthropology.
Key Concepts: The four fields of anthropology,
methods of research, participant observation, ethics.
Unit 2: Culture and Communication
This unit focuses on the concept of culture as a foundation
of human life, exploring how traditions, beliefs, customs, and language shape
societies. Students will analyze how language functions as a tool of
communication and identity.
Key Concepts: Culture, symbols, language,
sociolinguistics, non-verbal communication.
Unit 3: Social Organization and Belief Systems
Students will explore how humans organize themselves
socially and spiritually. Topics include kinship, marriage, politics, law,
religion, magic, and worldview. Case studies from various cultures will
highlight diversity and commonalities.
Key Concepts: Kinship systems, social
structures, gender roles, belief systems, rituals.
Unit 4: Economics, Politics, and Globalization
This unit examines how people make a living, distribute
resources, and govern themselves. Students will investigate traditional and
modern economies, political systems, and the effects of globalization on local
cultures.
Key Concepts: Subsistence strategies, economic
systems, globalization, political structures.
Unit 5: Biological Anthropology and Human Evolution
Students will learn about human origins, evolution,
genetics, and biological diversity. The unit will cover human adaptation,
primates, fossil records, and the biological connections between ancient and
modern humans.
Key Concepts: Evolution, natural selection,
genetics, human variation, primatology.
Unit 6: Archaeology and the Human Past
Archaeology introduces students to the study of past
societies through material remains. Students will explore excavation methods,
ancient technologies, and early civilizations, considering how archaeology
informs our understanding of the human story.
Key Concepts: Artifacts, dating methods, ancient
civilizations, cultural heritage.
Unit 7: Anthropology in the Modern World
This final unit ties together the four fields of
anthropology, applying anthropological thinking to modern issues like health,
migration, environmental change, and cultural preservation. Students will
reflect on how anthropology shapes the future.
Key Concepts: Applied anthropology,
environmental issues, migration, cultural preservation.
Assessment Methods:
Skills Developed:
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language
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Duration
02h 02mLevel
beginner
Expiry period
4 Months
Certificate
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02h 02m