For this essay, you will answer two of the following three questions (#1 or #2, and #3). Write a concise, well-organized, analytic paper; since this is a take-home paper, it should be o f high quality. Your paper will be evaluated on how well you apply the ideas, concepts and theories presented in this class to the material in Nisa. Do not paraphrase, but put your own thoughts into the paper. You may substantiate your arguments with course packet readings, lecture, or films, but you must demonstrate complete knowledge of the entire book. It is advisable to illustrate your analysis with examples; selected quotes should include the page number. Papers must be typed, double-spac ed, with 1" margins, and should be five pages in length. If your printer does not print clearly, please print the entire paper in bold. Late papers accepted only under extenuating circumstances when arrangements have been made with the professor.
Select # 1 or # 2:
1. Nineteenth century evolutionists considered band-level societies such as the !Kung to be primitive, characterizing their way of life as "nasty, brutish, and short". Discuss how the book Nisa contradicts this notion. Be su re to explain, giving specific examples, how the !Kung's adaptation to their environment and their social organization have contributed to their successful survival in this harsh environment.
2. You are an anthropologist working among the !Kung San prior to their impending placement on a reservation. You are to write a report to the government which documents changes to their way of life and predicts the potent ial impact of the reservation on their society. Develop a logical, convincing argument why this way of life should be preserved, using ethnographic data, to support your recommendations.
All students answer # 3:
3. Marjorie Shostak's interest in studying the !Kung San was to learn "what it was like being a woman in a culture so outwardly different from my own?" Discuss the role of women in !Kung society and what factors (marriage practices, giving birth and child raising, economic and social relations, and ritual activities) affect women's status and prestige in this egalitarian society. Then explain how writing about !Kung women from an anthropological perspective contributes to our understanding.