Covers the latest competing theories in the field
Get a handle on the fundamentals of biological and cultural anthropology.
When did the first civilizations arise? How many human languages exist? The answers are found in anthropology -- and this friendly guide explains its concepts in clear detail. You'll see how anthropology developed as a science, what it tells us about our ancestors, and how it can help with some of the hot-button issues our world is facing today.
Discover:
* How anthropologists learn about the past
* Humanity's earliest activities, from migration to civilization
* Why our language differs from other animal communication
* How to find a career in anthropology
Synopsis
This book covers the latest competing theories in the field. Get a handle on the fundamentals of biological and cultural anthropology. When did the first civilizations arise? How many human languages exist? The answers are found in anthropology - and this friendly guide explains its concepts in clear detail. You'll see how anthropology developed as a science, what it tells us about our ancestors, and how it can help with some of the hot-button issues our world is facing today. Discover: how anthropologists learn about the past, humanity's earliest activities, from migration to civilization; why our language differs from other animal communication; and how to find a career in anthropology.
Aus dem Inhalt:
Introduction.
Part I: What Is Anthropology?
Chapter 1: Human Beings and Being Human: An Overview of Anthropology.
Chapter 2: Looking Into Humanity's Mirror: Anthropology's History.
Chapter 3: Actually, Four Mirrors: How Anthropology Is Studied.
Part II: Physical Anthropology and Archaeology.
Chapter 4: The Wildest Family Reunion: Meet the Primates.
Chapter 5: My Career Is in Ruins: How Anthropologists Learn about the Past.
Chapter 6: Bones of Contention: The Fossil Evidence for Early Human Evolution.
Chapter 7: It's Good to Be Home: Homo sapiens sapiens, Our Biological Species.
Chapter 8: Hunting, Fishing, Sailing, and Sledding: The Spread of Humanity Worldwide.
Chapter 9: Old, Old McDonald: The Origins of Farming.
Chapter 10: The Development of Civilization.
Part III: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics.
Chapter 11: The Spice of Life: Human Culture.
Chapter 12: From Kalahari to Minneapolis: How Cultural Anthropologists Work.
Chapter 13: Can We Talk? Communication, Symbols, and Language.
Chapter 14: Types of Types: Race and Ethnicity.
Chapter 15: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Identity, Family, Kinship, and Gender.
Chapter 16: Not at the Dinner Table! Religion and Politics.
Part IV: So What? Anthropology, the Modern World, and You.
Chapter 17: Kiss or Kill? Diversity, Conflict, and Culture.
Chapter 18: Looming Disasters? From Overpopulation to Space Debris.
Chapter 19: Eve and the Iceman: The Cutting Edge of Physical Anthropology.
Chapter 20: Stonehenge and You: Why Archaeology Matters.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 21: Ten Things to Remember about Anthropology, Whatever Else You Forget.
Chapter 22: Ten Great Careers for Anthropology Majors.
Chapter 23: Ten Great Anthropologically Themed Movies and Books.
Index.