Peoples and Cultures of Asia

Peoples and Cultures of Asia

Publisher
Pearson
Published
2005
Pages
443
ISBN-13
9780131181106
Format
other
Language
English

For undergraduate anthropology courses in the Peoples and Cultures of Asia and undergraduate courses in the History of Asia at two and four - year schools. This textbook is the on…

Book Summary
Peoples and Cultures of Asia is a comprehensive undergraduate textbook edited by Raymond R. Scupin that covers the geography, prehistory, languages, demography, history, and contemporary social, economic, and political developments across Asian countries. Each chapter is authored by anthropologists with firsthand ethnographic research experience, making it a unique and authoritative resource for courses on Asian anthropology and history.
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About Peoples and Cultures of Asia

Peoples and Cultures of Asia stands as the only single textbook currently available that comprehensively addresses the anthropology and history of this vast region. Edited by Raymond R. Scupin, the book features chapters written by anthropologists who have conducted ethnographic fieldwork in the countries they discuss. Coverage includes geography, prehistory, languages, demography, and historical background, alongside in-depth examinations of contemporary economy, family structures, gender roles, ethnic identities, political systems, and religious developments. Designed for undergraduate courses in Peoples and Cultures of Asia and the History of Asia at two- and four-year institutions, this text provides students with authentic, research-based insights into the diverse societies of Asia. Its unique structure ensures that each chapter reflects the author's direct experience, offering a level of detail and cultural nuance that is difficult to find in standard textbooks.

Who should read Peoples and Cultures of Asia?

This textbook is ideal for undergraduate students enrolled in anthropology courses focused on Asia or Asian history at two- and four-year colleges. It is also valuable for instructors seeking a single, authoritative resource that combines ethnographic case studies with broad regional coverage. Students of Asian studies, sociology, and international relations will benefit from the integrated perspectives on culture, economy, and politics. Additionally, anyone with a serious interest in the diverse peoples and cultures of Asia will find this a rich and accessible academic introduction.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Authored by anthropologists with direct ethnographic research experience in each country
  • ✓ Only single textbook available covering the anthropology of Asia comprehensively
  • ✓ Integrates geography, prehistory, languages, demography, and history with contemporary issues
  • ✓ Covers a wide range of topics including economy, family, gender, ethnicity, politics, and religion
  • ✓ Designed specifically for undergraduate courses, making it accessible and pedagogically sound
Cons
  • ✗ May be too broad for readers seeking an in-depth focus on a single country or culture
  • ✗ As an edited volume, chapter quality and style may vary across contributors
  • ✗ Some regions or countries may receive less coverage than others depending on chapter allocation
  • ✗ Published in 2005, it may not reflect the most recent political and social developments in Asia
  • ✗ Primarily intended for classroom use, so independent readers may find the academic tone dense
Frequently asked questions
Is this textbook suitable for a course on Asian history?
Yes, it is designed for undergraduate courses in both Peoples and Cultures of Asia and the History of Asia at two- and four-year schools. It provides historical context alongside contemporary cultural analysis.
Who are the contributors to this book?
Each chapter is written by an anthropologist who has conducted ethnographic research in the country they discuss, ensuring firsthand expertise and authenticity.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapters typically cover geography, prehistory, languages, demography, history, and contemporary economy, family, gender, ethnic, political, and religious developments.
Is this the only textbook of its kind?
According to the publisher, it is the only single textbook available at this time that highlights the importance of this region for anthropology courses.
Does the book include recent developments?
The book was published in 2005, so it may not cover the most recent events. However, it provides a solid foundation in historical and cultural context that remains relevant.

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