fandomhigh | Introduction to Anthropology

Introduction to Anthropology

Daniel's at the front of the classroom, holding the markbook.

He doesn't look too happy.

"Okay, guys. Have I ever given any indication that homework is voluntary? Because whilst it might not seem like it to you, I don't just randomly set homework for the fun of it.

I got six pieces in last week. There are eight of you in this class, and there were three pieces set last week. No matter how bad at math you might be, this doesn't add up.

I also realize that I've not asked you to submit a midterm. So, today I'm giving you details of a project. This will be considered your midterm and will comprise of 40% of your grade for this semester.

The project is to comprise a folio presentation comprising an A3 size sheet folded in two to give a four page broadsheet, on some topic relating a culture to its situation in the present day world.

You are to choose the topic and culture that will feature in your broadsheet presentation. I recommend that you consider some theme that will allow you to discuss contemporary issues and social change in your selected region. You are to present the material as you think best (i.e. illustrations, maps, text etc.), we encourage you to experiment with different formats to achieve the best effect.

Today, you are going to discuss and develop your project ideas in groups, but you are individually responsible for producing your project portfolio. I am here to answer any questions, or to help you develop your ideas if required. Basing it on a newspaper article is recommended, but not required, and the article itself should be submitted as well.

Two previous examples: I've seen have had the student comparing the present state of the Inuit living around Hudson Bay, with regards to their social and economic life, to that which they had experienced in the nineteenth and early twentieth century before mineral exploiters and fishing corporations established themselves in the area. I've also seen one called "Some of the Best Soldiers Wear Lipstick", where the student in question detailed the changing role of women in the armed forces, going through from when they were caregivers and nurses as early as the seventeenth century, until modern day, when they can fly F-14s in the Air Force.

You'll be working on this all this week. I'll be in the classroom each day if you need me; I'd like you to come and sign in anyway, even if you don't. These projects will be handed in next Monday. Failure to do so without prior consent, or without a medical excuse will result in an automatic detention.

Any questions?"

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Sam lounged on the doorframe, holding two cups of coffee. "You okay there, Daniel? You've got 'Jack's making stupid ~~faces~~ comments during my important briefing' face."

Daniel turned around to see Sam, and grinned.

"Math problem for you. If I have eight students, set them three homeworks in a week and only get six back, what should my result be?"

"A really big headache." She handed him one of the cups of coffee. "But to answer your question, you should have gotten twenty-four assignments, so you're short eighteen of them."

"Happy now?"

He wraps his hands around the cup, inhaling the aroma. "Thanks, Sam," he said, moving to sit at his desk, nodding at her to grab a seat. "What my deliquent students actually got is a project worth 40% of their grade, and instant detention if they don't hand it in."

He paused.

"I'm not being too mean, am I?"

Sam moved a stack of papers from one of the chairs to the floor and pulled the chair over. She sat, propping her feet on the three empty inches of space on the side of the desk.

Her head dropped back at Daniel's question. "No, I don't think you're being too mean. I think that you have to know whether or not they're learning the material. If they'd been turning their homework in all along, you wouldn't have assigned the project."

"You don't want them thinking you're a pushover, y'know."

Daniel smiled. "Thanks for that, Sam. It's just been years since I've taught anything, and then it was undergrads, so I guess I'm still trying to find my feet as a high school teacher."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Sam said, looking around to make sure no one was in earshot. "Totally different experience between TA'ing shop class here and guest lecturing at the Academy."

"So, did you finish that wall?"

Daniel nodded slowly in agreement, taking a mouthful of his coffee.

He looked proud of himself. "I did," he said.

"And? How's it look? Are you happy with it?"

She gave him a quick once-over, but he didn't seem to have broken any bones in the process of painting half of his living room wall.

"I think it looks okay," he said. "I mean, I've still left the tape up, so I've got to pull that off soon. And I am happy with it. It looks a lot brighter in there now."

"Good," Sam smiled. "And yeah, you probably want to take the tape down before anyone else sees it."

She lowered her voice. "What's your opinion on telling Aeryn, John, and Cameron the truth?"

"I'll do that tonight when I get home," he promised.

Daniel frowned slightly. "The whole truth?"

"I'd offer to help, but I think I'm running out of hours to do stuff today."

"Yeah. I'll be asking everybody their opinions, but after hearing what McKay and Elizabeth were shouting at each other, I think denying something's going on is a little ludicrous. Plus, there are...extenuating circumstances with Cameron. I don't know a lot, except that Janet found out some information from Carolyn Lam."

He waved his hand at her. "I'll be fine. I think I'll be able to remove a little bit of tape by myself."

"I've noticed Cameron doodling in class, and his doodle bore striking resemblences to X302s. Honestly, the truth affects me the least out of you all, so I think you should go with what the others say and I'll back you up as necessary."

"I would certainly hope so," she smirked.

"X-302s?" Sam groaned. She wished she'd known about that part.

"Okay, then. I'll talk to Elizabeth, Jack, and Janet and see what they have to say. Didn't feel it was fair to tell them without discussing it with you first, though."

She sighed and fiddled with the handle of the mug. "Would you be willing to have them come to you with questions? If Cameron knows about the 302, he's probably beyond any information that Jack or I could tell him."

"What?" Daniel protested. "I can do things without getting injured, y'know!"

He nodded, his face serious. "I didn't think much of it; just a co-incidence, otherwise I'd have mentioned it before.

That's fine. I'll always do my best to answer any questions."

She leaned over and patted him on the arm. "I know you can, Daniel." Besides, it was just tape.

"He looks so normal...how were we supposed to know that he was ours?"

He nodded. "It'll be fine," he said.

"We weren't, so don't even think about trying to blame yourself."

"Well, if you're sure..." Sam wondered if she should call and warn the clinic.

"Me? Blame myself? For something over which I have no control? When have I ever...nevermind."

"I am!" He said. "Do you want me to call you after I'm done, to tell you that I'm okay?"

"Yeah, just keep quiet there, Sam. I know you far too well."

"I'll make you a deal," Sam proposed, "You don't climb on any furniture, and I won't make you call me to tell me about the paper cuts you get. Fair?"

"Oh shush, you. Like you're any better."

Daniel frowned. "But how am I supposed to reach the tape on the upper molding?"

"Okay, I'm not. I admit it."

Sam pondered the problem, sipping at her coffee. "A stepstool? Or maybe you can just put your cell phone in your pocket, so that if you fall, you can call for help."

Daniel eyed her. "You're convinced that I'm going to fall, aren't you?"

"Convinced? No," Sam stated, looking at him over the rim of her mug. "Playing the odds? Yeah."

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