Module 05: Anthropology & the Study of Culture
Traditional Balinese Festival, , Public domain image
Description: Culture shapes how people think, feel, and behave in profound ways. This module explores how cultural systems develop and maintain themselves, examining both visible customs and deeper cultural values. We investigate how cultures create shared meanings and practices while also containing internal variations.
Module Learning Objectives: By the end of this module students will be able to…
- MLO1: Apply cultural concepts to analyze group customs and practices (CLO4)
- MLO2: Evaluate patterns of prestige and inequality across cultures (CLO2)
- MLO3: Communicate findings about cultural practices effectively (CLO5)
Why This Module Is Important: Understanding how culture works is essential for anyone working in diverse environments. Social service providers use this knowledge to design culturally appropriate programs. Global business leaders apply these insights to build effective multinational teams. Healthcare workers use this understanding to provide culturally competent care, while educators apply it to create inclusive learning environments. This foundational knowledge helps you recognize and respect cultural differences while identifying common human experiences.
The readings for this Module come from:
Chapter 9 section 1 (Theories of Inequality) in Introduction to Anthropology by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Chapter 10 section 1 (Global Stratification) in Introduction to Sociology (3rd ed.) by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Chapter 8 sections 2 & 3 (Bands & Tribes; Chiefdoms & States) in Introduction to Anthropology by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Chapter 11 sections 3 & 4 (Reckoning Kinship; Marriage & Families) in Introduction to Anthropology by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.