Anthropology

Teaching Plan for Anthropology Majors (English Edition)

(030303T)

1. Introduction

Anthropology is a discipline that straddles between the social sciences and the humanities. It is a second-tier discipline under Sociology or Ethnology in our country. It compares and critiques the study of foreign cultures with our own, using in-depth case studies based on empirical field research. Anthropology presents its research findings in exhaustive ethnographic accounts, so it fundamentally differs from other social sciences and humanities (including Sociology).

Established on 26 November 2011, we are the third anthropology department in all of China. We have a team of 6 full-time faculty members and researchers (of which 5 are foreigners who graduated from famous universities both within and outside of China), 7 part-time teachers, and 10 guest lecturers from famous overseas universities. Using our geographical advantages and based on Shandong Peninsula and its Confucian culture, we vigorously develop the study of Northeast Asian societies and cultures (including China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, and Taiwan) to aim to build an influential regional center for the teaching and research of Anthropology. We recruit our undergraduates from Sociology, where they switch to us during their second year of study. Our graduates not only can continue their studies in Anthropology and Ethnology, but can also seek employment in international corporations and organizations, foreign businesses and organizations in China, Chinese corporations and organizations overseas, news and other media outlets, museums, folk organizations, medical bodies, development and reform, civil government, energy, and environment.

2. Training Goals

With the global in mind, we emphasize human compassion and the spirit of entrepreneurship in our training, and cultivate a strong ability to synthesize information and carry out tasks in our graduates. We focus on social, economic, and cultural research techniques to upgrade research capabilities and the ability to apply research findings. Our teaching methods fully demonstrate the advantages of small classes and a global teaching team. These methods fulfill the many requirements of students for learning experiences and personal growth. Indicative of positive development, employees approve of our graduates. At the same time, we pay close attention to disciplinary requirements by increasing cross-disciplinary and applied training to satisfy requirements for human talents in nation-building and the development of society, economy, and culture.

3. Training Requirements

We require our students to master the basic concepts and empirical research techniques of Anthropology and related disciplines (such as Sociology), and understand the “hot” research questions and development trends within Anthropology and related disciplines. Students are also required to learn and use the English language through reading, writing, and listening. We train critical thinking, social adaptability, and creativity in our students, as well as their ability to express their views. Our students will have social responsibility, strong communicative skills, and team spirit. They will also have a global vision, while recognizing differences in others (including social minorities and people from other countries) to achieve equality in the spirit of “harmony in diversity”. We will also improve the capabilities for foreign languages, writing, and research in our students, as well their ability to communicate with others and to self-reflect.

Specifically, we want our graduating students to satisfy the following requirements.

Knowledge: To know Anthropology and have a comprehensive knowledge of related disciplines; to be able to do region-specific social and cultural research; to learn fieldwork and qualitative research methods; to learn from the various societies, culture and peoples of Northeast Asia; to finish all required courses.

Ability: To be able to integrate knowledge; to master practical problems; to have an objective view, and to be able to balance different opinions; to be able to write ethnographic accounts, and express oneself through speech and writing; to have adaptability and a spirit of individualism and independence.

Quality: To be able to adapt to different nature and social environments; to have a sense of responsibility towards society and fellow human beings; to respect different cultures and peoples, and be able to live harmoniously with them; to be able to see things in the bigger picture while maintaining a critical viewpoint; to have concrete knowledge of a society, a scientific spirit, and professionalism, and to be able to independently carry out research, think, and write; to have a good mental balance and an ability for teamwork.

4. Core Courses

Our core courses are mainly divided into the two big types of theory classes and research method classes. Specifically, they include:

1) Theory classes: Introduction to Anthropology; History and Theories of Anthropology; History of Chinese Anthropology and Ethnology; Marriage, Family, and Kinship Systems;

2) Research method classes: Fieldwork and Qualitative Research; Ethnographic Writings; and

3) Classes on specific topics: Economic Anthropology; Political Anthropology; Rituals and Religions; World Ethnographies.

While we teach theories in our courses, we also teach social research methods to our students. Using discussions in small groups, in-class presentations, written examinations, term papers, and field research in small groups, we test our students’ abilities to conduct field research and analyze data. We emphasize the respect for different cultures in our students, and to contemplate contemporary social problems using anthropology.

5. Practicum (Including Practice for Anthropology Major)

Together with classes, we will conduct no less than 8 weeks of practical training in Anthropology, 8 weeks of social surveys and internships, and 6 weeks of thesis-writing.

6. Credits for Graduation: 141 credits

7. Length of Study: 4 years, extendable to 5 years

8. Degree Awarded: Bachelor’s Degree in Law