Cultural Anthropology

by Conrad Phillip Kottak

A leading name in anthropology, Conrad Philip Kottak continues to define student learning in the cultural anthropology course. Cultural Anthropology offers an up-to-date holistic introduction to general anthropology from the four-field perspective. Key themes of appreciating the experiences students bring to the classroom, appreciating human diversity , and appreciating the field of anthropology are showcased throughout the text. Focusing on an increasingly interconnected, and technological, world, the new Integrated Coverage of the Impact of Technology and Social Media pays systematic attention to the key role of the Internet and social media in today’s globalizing world through new sections like “Resistance via Social Media” when discussing political systems. Connect is the only integrated learning system that empowers students by continuously adapting to deliver precisely what they need, when they need it, and how they need it, so that your class time is more engaging and effective.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Cultural, School, Sociology, Social Science

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Arnob Majumder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of the best books for introduction to anthropology. I have read this book for academic purposes. If anyone wants to start studying or exploring anthropology, I suggest that they can start with this book. Hope that you can't regret it.

[Ksultan]

out class book . amazing

[Waris Ahmad Faizi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative!

"Cultural Anthropology: Appreciating Cultural Diversity" by Conrad Phillip Kottak is a well-regarded and widely used textbook in the field of cultural anthropology. Kottak's work provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the study of human cultures, offering readers a rich and insightful exploration of the diverse societies that make up our world.

Kottak's book is notable for several key reasons:

Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of anthropology and cultural diversity to the complexities of cultural change, globalization, and contemporary issues. It offers a thorough overview of the field, making it suitable for students and anyone interested in the subject.
Cultural Sensitivity: Kottak places a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and understanding. He encourages readers to appreciate and respect cultural differences, promoting empathy and a global perspective. This focus on empathy and respect aligns with the core principles of cultural anthropology.
Real-World Examples: The book is filled with real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed. These practical examples help readers connect anthropological theory with everyday life, making the subject matter more relatable and engaging.
Contemporary Relevance: Kottak keeps the content current, addressing contemporary issues such as environmental challenges, political conflicts, and the impact of technology on cultures. This ensures that readers understand the relevance of anthropology in today's rapidly changing world.
Clear Writing Style: Kottak's writing is clear and accessible, making complex anthropological concepts easier to grasp for readers at various levels of familiarity with the subject. The text is well-organized and structured, enhancing the learning experience.
Ethnographic Insights: Throughout the book, Kottak includes ethnographic insights and examples from his own fieldwork experiences, adding a personal touch to the text and offering a glimpse into the life of an anthropologist.
While "Cultural Anthropology: Appreciating Cultural Diversity" is widely praised for its merits, some readers may find that it covers a broad range of topics at a relatively introductory level. More advanced students or those seeking in-depth discussions of specific cultural phenomena may require supplementary materials.

In conclusion, Conrad Phillip Kottak's "Cultural Anthropology: Appreciating Cultural Diversity" is an excellent resource for anyone interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of cultural anthropology. Its emphasis on empathy, cultural sensitivity, and real-world relevance makes it a valuable educational tool that encourages readers to appreciate the richness and complexity of human cultures worldwide.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non tra i migliori manuali universitari che abbia utilizzato nella mia carriera accademica:

1) Spesso, le informazioni - nomi degli antropologi, teorie, date, ecc. - si susseguono più come liste che come nozioni circostanziate.
Es. Nella parte sull’antropologia alpina, si accenna alla sua origine, riconducibile allo studio di Hertz del culto di San Besso. Stranamente, non si dà poi seguito all’informazione; non si parla di questo studio (il che sarebbe stato interessante!), bensì si procede col nominare un altro studioso. E così via.
Purtroppo, questa peculiare organizzazione delle nozioni è riscontrabile molte volte nel manuale.

2) Le parti sull’antropologia del turismo, delle Alpi, dello sport, dei musei sono veramente un po’ lunghe (in più - e soprattutto - vedi alla voce 1)

3) Certi capitoli sono scritti in maniera davvero troppo convoluta, pomposa.

Nel complesso, è un buon manuale, ma i punti di cui sopra sicuramente gravano sulla valutazione complessiva e sulla sua fruibilità in fase di studio.

[Julicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vey solid introduction into anthropology.

[Fabio Mologni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction, very simple and easy to read. Approached from another discipline and it was super accessible. Even too much possibly.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really can't remember what is in the book. It was for a college class I took. I'm going to have to reread it.

[Alan Tsuei · Rating 3 out of 5]

第14版之後大幅修改，將本來有的考古、人類演進的一部分給移除，直接跳入文化來談，所以這本書傳統“人類學”的比例有所下降，從而轉向更“文化學”的專業，雖然我本身對文化、人類、社會或民族學並不熟知，但至少可以從本書中得知一件事，就是這門學問還在不停的快速發展與演化，以及試著和其它專業學問釐清界線中，所以作者無法再用一本書來涵蓋整個“人類學”，只能以作者所擅長的部分來談，不過老實說談文化能不談歷史嗎？能不談考古嗎？能不談生物學或地理學嗎？問題是誰能同時精通這麼多門學問？誰能同時整理這麼多的變數與不確定性？誰能替自古以來的人類文化整理出一條發展清晰的道路？這註定讓人類學成為充滿神秘與吸引力的一門學問，但這需要大量的考察、數字與計算才能支撐起整個專業，也許在過個幾十年甚至幾世紀才有可能讓人們更清楚的了解其來龍去脈吧，這本書能讓完全不懂“文化人類學”的朋友有一個初步的認識，但也只是初步而已，後面還有太多太多的考察與驗證需要努力了…

[Perkutut Manggung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stuff teaches you how to appreciating and give you some understanding view about human diversity empirically. This book is actually my required reading when I was enrolled in the Introduction to Anthropology course during my college years. Turns out this book is a gem. Thumbs up for Kottak!

[Skilty Labastilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

classic anthro textbook

[Sothea Chea · Rating 5 out of 5]

About People

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

First textbook I've ever actually completely finished...it wasn't the greatest experience, but reading definitely beat watching the videos of naked indigenous tribes

[Avej]

:)

[Nastaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped me studying many aspects of Anthropology at the same time.

[Carlos Caballero]

Is great

[Ben Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't make much of an academic critique as a layperson. My vocabulary was expanded and I enjoyed reading it.

[Josita · Rating 3 out of 5]

q linda es la cultura, globalización de mierda.

[Sarah J. Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this book inside and out when I was an anth tutor...good times, good times...

[Mansoor]

Osam