Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology

Social Sciences aim for a rational and systematic understanding of human society. They are concerned with the origin and development of human society, and the institutions, relationships, and ideas involved in social life. Including: anthropologypsychology sociologyeconomics political sciencelaw criminology

Anthropology is the scientific study of all aspects of human life and culture. j Anthropology examines such topics as how people live, what they think, what they produce, and how they interact with their environments. jAnthropologists try to understand the full range of human diversity as well as what all people share in common. jAnthropology is based on three key concepts: society, culture, and evolution. Anthropology: A Definition

Psychology is the scientific study of individual behaviour and the mind. j psychology is a scientific enterprise that obtains knowledge through systematic and objective methods of observation and experimentation. j psychologists study behaviour, which refers to any action or reaction that can be measured or observed—such as the blink of an eye, an increase in heart rate, or the unruly violence that often erupts in a mob. j psychologists study the mind, which refers to both conscious and unconscious mental states. These states cannot actually be seen, only inferred from observable behavior. Psychology: A Definition

Sociology is the scientific study of group behaviour or human social relations. j Sociologists examine the ways in social structures and institutions - family; class; community; power - and social problems - such as crime and abuse - influence society. j The field focuses on how and why people are organized in society, either as individuals or as members of associations, groups, and institutions. Sociology: A Definition

In groups of 3 or 4 (as assigned), complete the following task from the perspective of a psychologist, sociologist and anthropologist: Group 1Explain why a group of thugs would engage in an attack on people at a gay bar. Group 2Explain why Canadian peacekeepers put their lives on the line in a foreign country. Group 3Explain why soccer fans riot at a game in Italy. Group 4Explain why a pig farmer in B.C. would kill dozens of prostitutes. Group 5Explain why corporate executives would knowingly engage in polluting the environment. Group 6Explain why a public health inspector would volunteer to help clean up the bodies after the tsunami in Indonesia. Group 7Explain why a citizen of Germany would participate in the Holocaust.

Homework 1. Read page 7 to 9 in order to Do Question # 3 p Read p. 10 to 14 in order to Do Questions p Review your notes in order to Complete Question 11 p. 16