Below are directions how to complete the assignment. You will submit the assignment on the next page.
For this assignment, you will write approximately a two-page paper focusing on the foods that are “taboo” in two different cultures. These cultures can be based on geography, religion, or other clearly defined aspects. You are also to support your discussion with cited sources other than the textbook.
Particulars of the Assignment:
Paper will be written should include title page, headings, and citations. Your paper should be roughly two pages, double spaced, 10 or 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri) and no more than 1-inch margins.
Use proper grammar, spelling, and generally good writing
Sections should include:
Introduction: Define what a “taboo” is and how it would relate to food. In this section you should identify at least one food taboo from two separate cultures (for a total of two *different* taboos).
Taboo 1: Discuss the first taboo you chose and answer the following related questions.
Define and discuss your taboo. Why are these foods off limits? Is it for religious or cultural reasons? Is there another reason they believe that food should not be eaten? Do they believe that there will be a consequence if that particular food is eaten? Is it forbidden all the time or only on special occasions? You must cite at least one external reference (not text) for this taboo, although you are allowed to cite the text as well.
Taboo 2: Discuss the second taboo you chose and answer the following related questions.
Define and discuss your taboo. Why are these foods off limits? Is it for religious or cultural reasons? Is there another reason they believe that food should not be eaten? Do they believe that there will be a consequence if that particular food is eaten? Is it forbidden all the time or only on special occasions? You must cite at least one external reference (not text) for this taboo, although you are allowed to cite the text as well.
Conclusion:Here you will discuss any similarities or differences in the taboos from the two cultures that you discussed in your paper. You should include geographical, cultural, and religious differences if appropriate. If you have a more personal reflection regarding any food taboos that you might have relate, you may include those also.
Notes
You are required to use section headings (taboo one, taboo two and conclusion are fine for this) to outline your paper and clarify your thoughts.
For this paper, end of paper citations are required. You must include a minimum of two references other than the course textbook.
Please use the Chicago Style, which is what the American Anthropological Association uses for your references and citations.
American Anthropological Association Citation format
Chicago Citation guide
Food taboos can be very intriguing or uncomfortable, so have fun with this assignment and discuss taboos that you find interesting.
This activity correlates to the objective:
Describe the factors that relate to the anthropology of food through the introduction to the origins of human diets, including traditional and modern subsistence patterns and diets of selected societies.
