Anthropology of Complexity and Inequality:

Major Evaluation
For this course, students will complete an on-going, semester long research paper on a
topic of their choosing, implementing course materials and themes into their thesis or dissertation
research. Ideally, the resulting research paper may be used as a chapter in the students graduate
research. Papers should be approximately 20-25 pages in length.

Week 1: Introduction to Course and Papers

o During class in Week 1, I will introduce students to the semester long research
assignment.
o At this time, I will assess student understanding of the assignment through a class
discussion, in which they can peruse the assignment description and ask questions
as necessary. This assessment will not be graded.
o At the end of this class, students will be asked to begin thinking about possible
topics, and encouraged to meet with me for help/suggestions.
Week 6: Abstracts Due
o During Week 3, students will be required to turn in a written abstract (~2
paragraphs) on their chosen paper topic.
o This process takes place in Week 3 with intention, as by this time, students will
have a basic overview of the course which will allow them to make a well
informed topic choice.
o These abstracts will be graded only for completion, and will be used to determine
whether or not students need additional guidance in determining topics.
Week 11: Literature Review Due
o In Week 11, students will turn in a 10-page literature review synthesizing
literature relevant to their paper topics.
o These literature reviews will be graded, and grading will focus on student
engagement with and understanding of the relevant literature.
Week 16: Final Papers Due, Student Presentations
o Research papers will be turned in for final evaluation at this time
o In class, students will present an overview of their research in 15 minute SAA or
AAA style conference presentations

The entire research project will make up 30% of the students final grade, comprised of the
following components:
o Abstract: 5%
o Literature Review: 5%
o Final Paper: 15%
o Presentation: 5%
Alternative options:
While this evaluation takes the form of a traditional term paper, I feel that this method is most
appropriate for a graduate seminar, as it allows students to make course material directly relevant
to their graduate research. However, given the course topic of inequality, a service or problem

based learning project could easily be incorporated. This could include raising awareness of
diversity on campus, advocating for womens or minority issues, and other relevant projects.
These could take the form of on-campus action days or cultural fairs, or manifest in digital
outreach or other alternative media.