NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
ANTH 145 (Blended) Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026 Course Syllabus
Schedule:
Classroom: Mon and Wed, 12:00 – 1:05 p.m.
Independent Learning: Wed, 1:05 p.m. – Fri 11:59 p.m.
Professor:
Matthew Krystal, Ph.D.
Email: mbkrystal@noctrl.edu
Office Hours
Office hours will be held on Thursday and/or Friday at
the Coffee Lab, with specific hours announced on
Monday. I am available by appointment as well.
INTRODUCTION
Catalog Description
An introduction to the anthropological subfields of cultural anthropology and linguistics. Consideration of human
cultural and linguistic diversity. Introduction to theories that attempt to explain human cultural and linguistic diversity
and commonality. Exploration of identity, economy, political life, religion, kinship, phonology, morphology, syntax,
sociolinguistics, linguistic and cultural change and continuity in global context. Intensive examination of the
ethnography of a particular community designated by the professor.
Cardinal Designations and Icons
Culture and Language in Community and the Being Human iCon
As we unpack the topics outlined in the course description, we will explore the essence of what it means to be human, the hominid
that speaks, socializes, and uses symbols in ways that far exceed other species. Through cross-cultural comparison you will gain a
greater appreciation human cultural diversity. Through examination of contemporary cultural groups in global context, you will be
exposed to quite varied conceptions of the good life and what a meaningful future looks like.
Global Understanding
We will also place Toto and other communities and peoples in to global context. The Spanish invasion and colonization of the
mainland of Mesoamerica represents the beginning of globalization. For the first time, all five continents were permanently
connected through systems of trade and of colonial dominance. As such, we will consider how Toto at present reflects a history of
transnational flows of people, culture, and material. Again, we will examine these flows in other groups and communities and
consider what anthropology has to say about globalization in general. For example, we will examine how K’iche’ language
changed as result of the Spanish invasion, but also contributions indigenous languages have made to the global lexicon. (The word
cacao is Maya in origin.) At present, Totonicapenses are involved in multiple and varied efforts to protect and maintain the
K’iche’ language. We will place this K’iche’ language revitalization in context of transnational indigenous cultural activism.
Culture and Language in Community and the Experiencing Place iCon
For this semester, ANTH 145 will focus on the culture and language in the community of San Miguel Totonicapán. Toto, as it is
known locally, is a large indigenous K’iche’ Maya municipio in the western highlands of Guatemala. Your professor has been
conducting fieldwork in Toto since 1993. The course will anchor the varied topics of cultural and linguistic anthropology to a
specific place, the locale of a community whose members attach a great deal of significance to place.
We will consider identity, economy, political life, religion, kinship, speech, sociolinguistics, linguistic and cultural change and
continuity in Toto while examining these topics in selected other groups and communities. We will also unpack what
anthropology has to say on the topics in general. For example, in examining family life in Toto we will discover certain patterns
of post-marital residence. We will also discover a particular approach to farming evident in the community. We will then explore
if these practices of family life and farming are found together in a statistically significant way cross culturally. If they are, we
will explore theories that attempt to explain the correlation.
ANTH 145 Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026Course Syllabus
LEARNING GOALS
Anthropology Outcomes:
The course will introduce and students will begin to explore and develop their abilities to:
• employ the anthropological concept of culture to interpret (or analyze) behavioral culture and material culture
for its symbolic meaning.
• employ anthropological methods in fieldwork to collect meaningful data on a relevant topic.
• place a cultural institution in holistic context (or describe it thickly).
• Argue generalizations about humanity in cross-cultural perspective.
• Grapple with difficult ethical and epistemological issues connected to cultural relativism
Social Science Outcomes:
• Explain how social scientists conduct the systematic study of social relations and/or human behavior.
• Analyze the interrelationships among individuals, communities and societies.
• Apply social scientific methods to explain social relations and/or human behavior.
Global Understanding Outcomes:
• Explain local, national and global identities and commitments with increasing awareness of their environment.
• Explain how various cultures contribute to the development of a multicultural world.
• Describe the implications of global interdependence including its effects.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Assigned:
Laura M. Ahearn
Living Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology, 3rd Edition
Nina Brown, Thomas McIlwraith, and Laura Tubelle de González
Perspectives: An Open Introduction to Cultural
Anthropology, 2nd Edition
Link to open-source PDF (https://perspectives.americananthro.org/Chapters/Perspectives.pdf)
Link to open-source ePUB (https://perspectives.americananthro.org/ebook.php)
Reserve Materials:
Reserve readings are available on Canvas in the “Reserve” folder under “Files.”
ANTH 145 Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026Course Syllabus
COURSE POLICIES
Course Completion Policy
In order to complete the course, students must submit all its assignments and complete all of its tests and quizzes
(except those identified as optional). While extensions will be granted in response to prior, reasonable, written
requests, significant penalty will apply for non-submission without notification. See “Submission Policy” below)
Academic Integrity
In completion of assignments, taking of tests, and conduct during class, students are to comply with the NCC Student
Handbook, particularly the “Academic Life” section and the “Statement of Student Conduct.” While I expect that
there will be none, violations of said policies will be handled according to procedures outlined in the handbook.
Artificial Intelligence Policy
The purpose of this course is to help learners develop and demonstrate their own abilities in critical thinking, research,
problem-solving, and written communication. For that reason, learners may not use generative or agentic artificial
intelligence to complete coursework unless I explicitly authorize its use in the instructions for a particular activity,
which is unlikely. Prohibited uses include asking for an AI system to generate, revise, summarize, translate, solve,
analyze, or provide answers for work that learners submit for evaluation. Examples of these systems include ChatGPT,
Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Claude, Grammarly’s generative features, and AI features embedded in research or
productivity applications. If an application offers optional AI assistance, learners are responsible for disabling or
declining that assistance when completing coursework. This restriction does not apply to technologies used as
approved accommodations or to basic functions such as spelling correction, unless an assignment’s instructions state
otherwise. Please speak with me if you are uncertain whether a tool or feature is permitted. Asking before using a tool
will not be treated as a violation. The first violation of this policy will result in a failing grade for the respective
assignment. The second violation will result in a failing grade in the course.
Screen Policy
Cultural Ecology features a limited screen-use policy. Specifically, screens (laptop, phone, tablet, or other personal
devices) are to be toggled off except when explicitly indicated by the professor. Repeated violations of this policy will
result in a failing grade for the course.
Recording Policy
Recording of any in-class activity without my express prior consent is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will
result in a failing grade for the course.
Submission Policy
Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on dates indicated below (except as indicated). All submissions are to be made
electronically through Canvas. For assignments with multiple components, include section headings, but submit a
single, unified document. For ease of identification, name your document using your last name and assignment
(JonesPartObsPrelimReport.doc, for example). In the event that an extension is needed, you are required to complete
and submit the course “Extension Request Form” (found in the “Course Documents” folder under “Files” on Canvas)
Except under extraordinary circumstances, this form is to be uploaded to the submission link in place of the respective
assignment by its deadline. Late submissions without an approved extension will be subject to substantial and
increasing penalty.
ANTH 145 Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026Course Syllabus
MODALITY, ASSIGNMENTS, AND ACTIVITIES
Modality
Culture and Language in Community is a blended, asynchronous course. Class meets in person on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Students take charge of their own learning for the rest of the week, with quizzes, field project updates,
reports, and other assignments due by the end of the day Friday. By College policy, the modality of ANTH 145 cannot
be changed to meet the needs of individual students. However, there are legitimate reasons for occasional online
attendance, and it may be accommodated with the following stipulations.
• Online attendance is available for students who request it in writing before class.
• Repeated online attendance is available when the student's request is justified by a valid reason (and supported
with independent documentation).
• To receive credit for online engagement, the student must turn on their microphone and participate through
speech at least twice during the meeting of class.
• In the event that a student attending online does not respond to a question from the classroom, future online
attendance will not be permitted.
Engagement
Physical and mental presence both are necessary for individual and group learning. As is with all North Central
College courses, thoughtful student participation in classroom activities is essential. This is particularly true for a
course with a reduced period of in-person meeting. Accordingly, attending without being actively involved in learning
does not contribute to the student's engagement score. Students earn engagement credit primarily by asking and
answering questions in class. Engagement is also evident by overt non-verbal signs of active learning such as nodding,
making eye contact, taking notes, and stopping after class with a question or further comment. While evidence of
engagement will be liberally rewarded, evidence of disengagement will be penalized. Specifically, the following will
result in zero engagement credit for the session of class:
• Phone or laptop use without overt signs of engagement in class discussion
• Lack of active participation in small group exercises
• Apparent ignorance of the most basic elements of the session's reading assignment
• Any other signs of disengagement
Irregular engaged attendance not only hurts individual performance, it also diminishes the learning culture of the
classroom. Accordingly:
• Students are asked to have sufficient respect for their professor and colleagues to not schedule work hours
when class meets.
• Students with extra-curricular activities that conflict regularly with class meeting times are encouraged to drop
the course and find one with a schedule that a better allows embodiment of proper priorities.
• If an extracurricular activity (or travel for an extracurricular activity) conflicts with in-person attendance, all
assigned activities are still due. Moreover, students are expected to make every effort to attend online. I am
happy to reach out to the appropriate faculty advisor or coach to help coordinate online attendance.
• Absence from three meetings of class consecutively without prior written communication of a valid excuse,
will result in a lowering of the final course grade by one full grade (e.g. from B+ to C+).
• Subsequent strings of unannounced absences will result in further lowering of the final grade in the course.
• Absence from six meetings of class consecutively without prior written communication of a valid excuse, will
result in a failing grade (F) in the course.
ANTH 145 Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026Course Syllabus
ASSIGNMENTS AND ACTIVITIES (continued)
Before-Class Quizzes
Culture and Language in Community features a short, before-class, online quiz on most Mondays and Wednesdays.
Lasting between five and ten minutes, the quiz will cover all the assigned readings for the day. Follow the “Quizzes”
link on Canvas to open and take the quiz. The link will open at 10:25 a.m. and close at 12 noon. For the before-class
assignment to be considered complete, you must complete at least 70% of the quizzes.
Weekly Reflection Paragraph and Question
For this assignment, in a robust paragraph reflect on the material we covered over the week. In the paragraph, consider
common themes in the readings, criticisms you may have of the material, how a reading or film changed your
perspective, and so forth. After your paragraph, include a question. Use the question to ask for clarification on a topic
or concept or to further explore something that you found interesting. Post your paragraph and question to the
designated discussion board on Canvas by 11:59 p.m. on Friday. For this assignment to be considered complete, you
must post a reflective paragraph and question on at least 70% of the Fridays designated for posting. The final course
score will be determined by evaluation of paragraphs and questions from randomly selected dates.
Field Research and Writing Assignments
Culture and Language in Community includes two fieldwork projects, each with a series of written assignments.
Complete descriptions of the fieldwork projects are available on Canvas in the “Course Documents” folder under
“Files.”
Tests
The course includes two tests, one covering cultural anthropology, the other covering linguistic anthropology. All
discussions, readings, virtual visits and films (from the corresponding section of the course) are legitimate sources for
tests. Each test consists of four medium answer questions, with instruction to define, discuss significance, and
illustrate with specific examples from class materials and class discussion.
Optional Community Engaged Learning
Students in ANTH 145 will have the opportunity to participate in optional Community Engaged Learning (CEL) or
enrichment. CEL contributes to programs that involve collaboration with indigenous artisans and business people
from Totonicapán and other Highland Maya communities. Participation allows students to replace their lowest test
score with points earned through CEL. Involvement generates 15 points per hour of work. As many as 90 points are
available to replace the student’s lowest test score. Those interested should contact me a.s.a.p.
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
ANTH 145 Culture and Language in Community:
An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Anthropological Linguistics
Fall 2026Course Syllabus
ASSIGNMENTS, APPROACHES, AND ACTIVITIES (continued)
Collectivity
Mainstream cultural notions of personhood focus heavily on individualism. As a result, U.S. institutions of education
tend to emphasize the individual. This, of course, involves serious tensions. If cross-cultural examination reveals
anything about enculturation it is that learning is fundamentally social. Yet the U.S. classroom focus tends to be on