Glossary:
Readings:
Diamond: Prologue and Chapters 1 & 2
Nolan & Lenski: Chapter 1
Presentations:
Glossary:
| macrosociology | homo sapiens | ecology |
| normative structure | nonmaterial culture | culture |
| archeology | B.C. | A.D. |
| B.C.E. | C.E. | B.P. |
| biological determinism | carrying capacity | demography |
| crude birth rate | crude death rate | cultural anthropology |
| data | language | functions |
| dysfunction | ecosystem | ethnic group |
| ethnography | holistic | inductive reasoning |
| latent functions | material culture | nomothetic |
| paradigm | theory | species |
Essays:
On your next exam you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the course material. You should take the time now to answer the following essay questions to create your study guide for that exam. Address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Prepare your answers now.
What are the three basic assumptions of ecological-evolutionary theory?
In the lecture on Social Genius, what role might the social bond play in early human creativity?
How did such environmental factors as climate, geological type, marine resources, area, isolation, and terrain fragmentation affect Polynesian societies?
Short
Answers:
The following short answer questions are from your readings and may well appear on your next exam. Each can be answered with a short paragraph of three or four sentences; please use your own words and voice. You are encouraged to answer these questions now to create your study guide for that exam.
Compare and contrast micro and macro sociology.
What is a theoretical strategy?
What are the principles of materialism? What are some specific examples of materialist variables?
Why is a systems orientation important in sociology?
What is eclecticism? What is wrong with it as a strategy for advancing sociology?
What is Yali's question?
Why does Diamond dismiss a genetic explanation to Yali's question?
How does Diamond summarize his book in one sentence?
According to Diamond, what is the Great Leap Forward? How does Diamond explain it?
What is co-evolution? How is it related to the survival of big game animals?
What is a natural experiment?
According to Trinkaus, what are some of the differences between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens?
How do Nolan and Lenski define Human Societies?
The German scientist Alexander von Humboldt once said, "No words, no world." What did he mean by this?
The Journey of Man:
The Ascent of Man:
For Technological Support: