Cultural Anthropology: Asking Questions about Humanity

“I appreciate that the title and first chapter make the subject open-ended and dynamic: asking questions. There are several texts out there that range from acceptable to very good. Last year, I carefully reviewed eight of them and selected Welsch and Vivanco because it stood out from the pack. The authors are clearly attentive to their audience and give students many entry points for critical thinking.”–Kathleen Saunders, Western Washington University
 

“Cultural Anthropology is organized around ‘key questions’ that incorporate learning outcomes, problem-solving dimensions, and examples of ‘thinking like an anthropologist.’ I like this unique approach. Chapter Three is outstanding and the discussion of fieldwork is one of the best I have seen. This text strikes me as superior in being thorough on a wide range of topics and offering a balance of traditional anthropological work and modern issues.”–Donald Pollock, SUNY-Buffalo
 

“This is by far one of the best books on the market for a cultural anthropology course. It is well-written, up-to-date, engaging, and cost-effective.”–Laura M. Tilghman, Plymouth State University
 

“This book provides a comprehensive foundation for students to access the most important key concepts of cultural anthropology. The question-centered approach affords them the opportunity to examine the relevance of anthropological research to our world and to begin to apply anthropological concepts in their own lives.”–Christine Dixon, Green River College
 

Robert L. Welsch is Associate Professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University.

Luis A. Vivanco is Professor of Anthropology and Co-Director of the Humanities Center at the University of Vermont