Introduction to the study of human culture and the concepts, theories, and methods used in the comparative study of sociocultural systems, with an emphasis on understanding and appreciating human diversity. Topics include a cross-cultural exploration of: subsistence strategies; social, political and economic organization; language and communication; marriage and kinship; religion; gender; ethnicity and race; social inequality; culture change; and the effects of colonialism and globalization. Focus is made on the application of anthropological perspectives to contemporary social issues. As an honors course, it is a full thematic seminar with advanced teaching methods focusing on major writing, reading, and research assignments, student class lectures, group discussions and interactions.