
Peoples and Cultures of the World
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Narrated by:
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Edward Fischer
As the "science of humanity," anthropology can help us understand virtually anything about ourselves, from our political and economic systems, to why we get married, to how we decide to buy a particular bottle of wine. This 24-lecture course reveals the extraordinary power of anthropology - and its subspecialty, cultural anthropology - as a tool to understand the world's varied human societies, including our own.
- Is there such a thing as progress? Are modern nations really happier and better off than "primitive" hunter-gatherer societies?
- How common is cannibalism today? What are the different types of cannibalism, and the beliefs associated with them?
- What's the difference between a "matriarchal" and a "matrilineal" society? Which is more common among world cultures?
These lectures will immerse you in the world of the Trobriand Islanders of Melanesia; the Yanomamö of the Brazilian Amazon; the Dobe Ju'hoansi or Kung Bushmen of Botswana and Namibia; and other indigenous peoples.
Professor Fischer leads an excursion through cultural practices that often seem, to us, quirky, exotic, and even repulsive - marriages that include as many as 20 husbands, matrilineal societies, magic spirits and witchcraft, cannibalism, and incest - practices that will make you question your assumptions about what is natural, or what is human nature.
As you review these customs, the professor describes the issues that cultural anthropologists face in dealing with them. For example, what should anthropologists do in cases such as female circumcision or ritualized rape, in which customs seriously conflict with our own sense of morality and human rights?
Professor Fischer also applies the lessons of cultural anthropology to our own culture by considering the U.S. economy and consumer behavior. Is our economy really based on rational decision making? If so, why do we eat cattle and pigs, but not horses? Why are we willing to shop around to save $10 on a clock radio, but not on a big-screen TV?
You will grow to appreciate how valuable an understanding of cultural anthropology is in a world of ever-increasing globalization, in which members of even the most remote cultures come into more frequent and more influential contact through international travel, migration, business, and the Internet.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great CoursesListeners also enjoyed...




















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Great to learn about different cultures
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Facinating
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Very well-rounded!
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Intresting and unbiased
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Perfect introduction to cultural anthropology
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Comprehensive
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incredibly interesting!
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very interesting
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Great refresher
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What made the experience of listening to Peoples and Cultures of the World the most enjoyable?
I have a degree in Anthropology and stay current on theory. This course is so interesting and fun. I loved the professor's lectures, he makes the material relevant and engaging.I highly recommend this course.
Have you listened to any of Professor Edward Fischer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
no, this is the only oneWas there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
all the lectures were greatBest Antropological course ever.
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