The Essence of Anthropology

by William A. Haviland, Harald E.L. Prins, Dana Walrath

Haviland et al. present anthropology from a holistic, four-field perspective using three unifying themes to provide a framework for the text: the varied ways human groups face the many challenges of existence, the connections between human culture and human biology, and the disparate impact of globalization on peoples and cultures around the world. Between the superlative writing-which instructors raved about in their reviews-and the strong pedagogical program, the text is designed to help students grasp the concepts and their relevance to today's complex world. Such pedagogy as the "Challenge Issue" at the beginning of each chapter and the "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each chapter--which are linked to the Challenge Issue--provide a framework that ensures that the chapters consistently focus on and reflect the text's themes. Boxed features such as "Biocultural Connections," "Original Studies," and "Anthropology Applied" hone in on particularly interesting examples that give students deeper insight into the meaning and relevance of a wide range of topics covered in the general narrative.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Science, Textbooks

396 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2006

Reviews

[Amber Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the textbook I used for my Anth 1000 course. It gives a great overview of general anthropology and is easily readable in one semester (for those 2 students who actually do all the reading!). The only thing I would add is a little more history of anthropology - preferably a whole chapter.

[Joy Richardson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Undoubtedly the most mundane textbook I have ever read in my entire life.

[Danyel Anastasiou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a excellent textbook. Easy to read and interesting.

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a general overview of the fields of Anthropology, this is a good starting place. Each chapter is detailed in the subjects it talks about. From evolutionary, to cultural, to physical, to even fields of Archaeology.

One of the best things about it is that tries not to inject personal politics into it. It places things like Evolution & Paleoanthropology in separate chapters from Religion. Understanding this a separate things despite politics & religion becoming part of that discussion at times.

Overall, for an introduction I would give it a go.

[Ranga Lakshan]

The Essence of Anthropology
by William A. Haviland,
Harald E.L. Prins
,

[annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i had to read this for my anthropology course. it was interesting and gave an excellent overview of the discipline of anthropology.

[Sam Hopper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally advocates that the morality of pedophilia is relative. This is why our school systems in the U.S. are in decay.

This is woke. Not good at all.

[Riley Steelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anthropology. It’s so fascinating. I don’t like being forced to learn about it for my school.

[Natalie Cardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely fascinating. Easy to understand.

[Joe Iacovino · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an easy read with some very interesting asides in the "Bio-cultural connection" sections. The reviewer who simply didn't like his anthropology class most likely didn't even read this book.

[Shaylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just terrible, but I don't think I like anthropology even a little bit, so I'm biased!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Lots of photos and graphics to help explain the subject matter
-Power points that go along with the book

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anthropology is interesting I guess. The class was hella easy tho.

[Sss Book]

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