Philosophy and Objectives

The Anthropology Curriculum Study Project is an inquiry-based study of humankind from its origins to the present. Students learn to use anthropologists' modes of inquiry to search for patterns in the human-historical fabric. The ACSP engages students in the use of social science tools to recognize:

• patterns in human societal change and resistance to change
• patterns in human adaptation to environments
• patterns in societal resistance to internal conflicts
• patterns in societal distribution of power and wealth.

The ACSP materials, initially developed for high school students, consist of four units. Each unit can be used independently and each contains lessons and materials that can stand alone or that can be used in conjunction with other courses.

History of Development

The ACSP was developed under the auspices of the American Anthropological Association with the support of the National Science Foundation. Drawing upon research and advice from anthropologists and archeologists, the project was designed, developed, and field-tested through the collaborative efforts of anthropologists and educators. The project was distributed commercially as Patterns in Human History&emdash;An Anthropological Perspective.

Organization of the Project

The ACSP units employ a variety of instructional materials that include print, audio, and visual aids. Major portions of the ACSP are on Culture and Technology. The project consists of the following four units:

• Studying Societies: Provides an introduction to the ideas and tools used to recognize patterns in human behavior.
• Origins of Humanness: Presents evidence for two million years of human existence.
• The Emergence of Complex Societies: Explores the implications of food production on the development of social organizations.
• Modernization and Traditional Societies: Examines crucial issues in transforming peasant societies into modern societies.
• Each unit contains a teaching plan, student readings, and a variety of additional instructional materials.