An Introduction to Cultural Ecology - Hardcover

Sutton, Mark Q.; Anderson, Eugene N.

3.49

35 ratings by Goodreads

9780759105300: An Introduction to Cultural Ecology

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0759105308 ISBN 13: 9780759105300

Publisher: AltaMira Press,U.S., 2004

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Perfect as a primary text, and equally as versatile as supplemental material for undergraduate and graduate classes, An Introduction to Cultural Ecology is geared towards students and instructors involved in cultural ecology, ecological anthropology or human ecology. While covering basic concepts for beginners, this book also provides a thorough and sophisticated discussion of cultural ecology's history and theory. The text further aids in the understanding of the impact that human activities have on the environment through use of case studies and covers topics ranging from salmon ceremonies among Northwest Coast Indians to Maya agriculture today and the sacred groves in southern. It also emphasises contemporary problems in the environment and the field of cultural ecology today.

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Review:

This book is not only a clearly written and highly informative textbook for anthropology students, but it is a book for anyone interested in people and places. It provides a glimpse of the vast diversity of relationships between human beings and their environment around the globe. It addresses the many challenges our ancestors faced in their quest for survival, and what cultural responses, adaptations, and innovations emerged as a result. And it offers an important introduction to the cultural ecology of the modern world. Each chapter provides concise definitions of key terms, concepts, and theoretical approaches relevant to the study of cultural ecology and anthropology in general. The book begins by explaining the different elements that comprise the interdisciplinary study of cultural ecology, and it then discusses the various systems humans have devised to obtain their food: hunting and gathering, agricultural systems, horticulture, pastoralism, and intensive food production. Each of these chapters is accompanied by in-depth case studies of representative cultures. The concluding chapter addresses what is perhaps the most significant topic of all, namely how cultural ecology relates to current issues of environmental deterioration and carelessness.--Nancy J. Turner, University of Victoria

Introduction to Cultural Ecology is a comprehensive text that provides a wealth of information in an accessible, student-friendly manner. The numerous case studies presented throughout complement the key themes and concepts outlined in each chapter. This is a very valuable text for introductory as well as advanced students.--Daniel Bauer, University of Southern Indiana

About the Author:

Mark Q. Sutton is Professor of Anthropology at the California State University, Bakersfield. He is also Director of the Center for Archaeological Research, Director of the Museum of Anthropology, and the Editor of the Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology. E.N. Anderson is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Riverside.

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