Peoples and Cultures of the World

By: Edward Fischer, The Great Courses

Narrated by: 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 Courses

Great to learn about different cultures

Found this lectures very interesting to learn about different cultures. Man was I shocked by some cultures who have cannibalism, pedophilia and kinds of abuse that we find apaling in our culture. It was difficult to hear but the profesor did a good job explaining how cultures are different and have evolved. Recommended.

Facinating

I've listened to many of the Great Courses-- and this one tanks very near the top. I've never studied Sociology or Anthropology-- but I found these lectures insightful, interesting, and engaging. Highly recommend!

Very well-rounded!

PLEASE get this professor on for more lectures! He was very engaging and sounded like he had a genuine, enthusiastic interest in what he does

Intresting and unbiased

This is my favioret lecture from Great Courses so far. He goes over almost every part of culture there is, he reveals any of his own biases that he may have and it was almost...strange to have no real viewpoint on what he said. He asked questions that really made me think, and I loved thinking about it, but often found once I was happy with the answer I came to I had missed something. I didnt agree with him every step of the way but everything he said I understood and he spoke of cultures I've never heard of but enjoyed learning about. If your intrested in culture at all, this is a definite must.

Perfect introduction to cultural anthropology

Unlike anything I've heard on Great Courses, totally fantastic course that stays fresh and interesting throughout. Fischer is one of the best lecturers I've heard, and he covers a huge swath of anthropology with memorable case studies that really help with retaining information.