"Cultural Anthropology with Living Anthropology" by Conrad Phillip Kottak is a captivating and thorough exploration of the field of cultural anthropology. It offers readers a solid foundation in understanding different societies and cultures worldwide through the introduction of fundamental concepts and theories.
One of the standout elements of this book is its focus on living anthropology, which brings the subject to life. Kottak achieves this through vibrant case studies, personal anecdotes, and ethnographic examples. By doing so, he encourages readers to critically examine their own assumptions and beliefs. This approach not only makes the book engaging, but also enables readers to develop a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which people live and interact within their cultural contexts.
Enhancing the learning experience, the book comes with a Student CD and PowerWeb resources. The Student CD includes interactive quizzes and review materials, reinforcing the key concepts discussed in the book. On the other hand, the PowerWeb resources provide students with access to reliable and up-to-date online content, including scholarly articles and multimedia materials. This wealth of supplementary information helps further enrich their understanding of cultural anthropology.
Available on Audible
The writing style of Kottak is clear, accessible, and well-organized, catering to both introductory students and more advanced readers. The author adopts a balanced approach, offering a global perspective while demonstrating the relevance of cultural anthropology to contemporary issues and debates. This allows readers to appreciate the importance of studying and comprehending cultural diversity in our increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
In summary, Conrad Phillip Kottak's "Cultural Anthropology with Living Anthropology" is an exceptional resource for those seeking a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field of cultural anthropology. Through Kottak's ability to bring anthropology to life and the additional resources provided, readers can gain valuable insights into the complexities of human culture and diversity. Whether you are a student or simply interested in understanding different societies, this book is an invaluable tool.
What are readers saying?
The book "Cultural Anthropology with Living Anthropology" by Conrad Phillip Kottak has received a range of opinions from readers. Some reviewers praise the book for its comprehensive and insightful approach to the study of cultural anthropology. They find the content to be informative, well-researched, and offering a deep understanding of various cultures and societies. The inclusion of real-life examples and case studies is appreciated, as it helps to clarify the concepts discussed. The availability of additional resources, such as the student CD and Powerweb materials, is also seen as beneficial for further learning.
However, there are also readers who express their dissatisfaction with the book. They criticize its writing style, finding it to be dry and challenging to follow. They believe that the author could have presented the material in a more engaging and accessible manner, particularly for beginners in the field of anthropology. Some reviewers also highlight the excessive use of jargon and a lack of practical applications of the concepts discussed as areas of concern.
In addition, several readers mention that the length and amount of information presented in the book can be overwhelming. They suggest that better organization and a more concise writing style could improve the book's accessibility. Furthermore, some feel that the book's focus on Western perspectives is limiting and fails to adequately address the diversity of non-Western societies.
In summary, "Cultural Anthropology with Living Anthropology" receives a mixed response from readers. Those seeking in-depth knowledge and a comprehensive approach to the subject find value in the book. However, readers looking for a more engaging and accessible read may feel frustrated. It is also important to note that some readers find the book overwhelming in its length and amount of information. Additionally, the book's focus on Western perspectives is seen as a limitation by some, who feel that it fails to adequately address the cultural diversity of non-Western societies.