fandomhigh | 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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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."

"Well, you can always supervise me if you wish," Daniel said. "I owe you dinner anyway, so you could come before or after we eat, if you wanted to do that tonight."

"Can't tonight," Sam replied, frowning. "Early class tomorrow, plus I have to design and build a bunny Club Med before Parker gets back."

"That's not a problem. Just let me know when you can; you've obviously got more pressures on your time than I have," he said, before raising an eyebrow. "Bunny Club Med?"

Sam rolled her eyes. "Parker got this bunny that she's completely ga-ga over, and she asked me if I would design and build a sleeping place/maze/activity center for her."

Because Daniel was male, she didn't mention the lipstick and alcohol for bunny habitat deal they'd made.

Daniel blinked. "Okay... that's... different."

"It's actually pretty cute. Parker's very possibly one of the last girls on campus I'd expect to see being all goofy bunny mom."

"From what I've heard about her, I'd have to agree," Daniel replied, grinning as he took another mouthful of coffee.

"She's great," Sam rushed to assure him, "Very brusque, though, so she rubs a lot of people the wrong way.

"I'm sure she is, else you wouldn't be making a play pen for her bunny," Daniel grinned.

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen, huh?" Sam grinned back.

"Well, I'm sure it'll be a lot less stressful than an 'ion particle accelerator', or whatever else it is you've done," Daniel laughed.

Sam pouted. "I miss that accelerator. They wouldn't let me bring it with me, y'know. Or the naquadah generator--I asked."

Daniel bit his lip and tried not to laugh, knowing that Sam wouldn't appreciate it.

"I think most of us had to leave things behind," he said.

"They wouldn't even let me keep my specs, Daniel, and I adapted the damn things! Tell me how that's fair," she pouted, crossing her arms in front of her. She looked up at him curiously. "What'd you have to leave?"

"It's not fair," Daniel said calmly. "But it's the Air Force. Since when are they fair?"

He shrugged. "A number of off-world artifacts; and some of them weren't even Goa'uld!"

"Since the twelfth of never," Sam grumbled. As a female officer in the Air Force, she knew all about unfair. This still seemed unusually harsh, though.

"See," Sam threw up her hands, "that's exactly what I'm talking about! What harm would it have done to let you bring your artificats with you?"

"Absolutely none," Daniel agreed, watching Sam nervously. "Hey, do you want to see what I got for Janet this morning?"

He thought getting away from this subject would be a good idea.

"Sure!" Please don't be an engagement ring, please don't be an engagement ring, please don't be an engagement ring...

Daniel pulled a ring box (http://store1.yimg.com/I/jewelbasket_1868_21767904) out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Sam with a shrug. "It's the promise ring I was talking about on Saturday. She's not going to freak out at it, d'you think?"

Oh, my God, she's going to completely flip out. She swallowed. "It's gorgeous, Daniel. Just make sure you explain things properly before you give it to her, okay?"

"Promise me?"

"I thought I'd start with telling her that it wasn't an engagement ring," Daniel said ernestly.

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