Some of you have asked for some examples of the types of questions that could appear on next week’s midterm. Here are a few to think about:
1. Why are states always supported by an agricultural subsistence pattern? Please include at least 2 characteristics of state level society in your answer that identifies the connection between subsistence practices and social complexity.
2. Describe each of the 4 sub fields of anthropology and provide a brief example (from either the textbook or lecture) of research that would be conducted in 2 of these subfields to highlight your descriptions. What is applied anthropology? Explain one specific example.
3. Briefly explain the concept of cultural relativism and why it is a critical component of anthropological inquiry.
4. Compare and contrast polygyny and polyandry, highlighting the contexts that make these forms of marriage advantageous to the participants. Why is polyandry so rare compared to polygyny?!
I will add more as I think of them! This should be a good start for you! Students in section 005 should look at the Dancing Skeletons reading questions, and remember that we will be considering this book throughout the entire semester so pay attention to questions that tie in to concepts presented in class.