Note: In the questions below, authors separated by a slash will count as just one example; you can discuss one or more of those authors, but, either way, that counts as just one of your two examples.

In thinking through possible answers for these questions in preparation for the midterm, pay particular attention to formulating a clear, interesting, and arguable thesis statement. For more information about thesis statements, see the guidelines for response papers. Please keep in mind that, just as with response papers, the most compelling arguments evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, or significance of the evidence or logic of the authors cited as the means for developing and supporting your own interpretation.

1. How would two of the theorists we have studied respond to the notion of homo economicus? Are all humans rational, economizing individuals who seek to maximize utility? Be sure to discuss each author's definition of terms such as rational and economic. Based on your discussion of the authors, how would you answer this question about the universality of this model? Choose two of the following: Mitchell/Sahlins/Polanyi/Malinowski, Besky, Mauss, Weber.

2. Choosing two of the authors we have read or discussed thus far, describe how culture relates to economy. Does culture determines economic processes and individuals' economic behaviors? How? Choose two authors: Mitchell/Sahlins/Polanyi/Malinowski, Mauss, Besky, Weber.

3. How are economics and morality connected? With what consequences? Is there such a thing as a moral economy? Discuss with reference to two of the following: Mauss, Besky, Polanyi, Weber.

4. Gift giving occurs in every society, but does this mean that we can develop a universal theory of its meaning and significance? Discuss with reference to two of the following: Malinowski, Mauss, Weber.

5. Does economic development occur along a single, universal path? How have two authors we have read answered this question? If it is singular, what factors or dynamics propel economic transformation? If it isn't singular, how can we use anthropology to understand the dynamics of economic transformation? Discuss with reference to two of the following: Farmer/Mitchell/Walley/Polanyi, Besky, Mauss, Weber.

6. Imagine that you have been invited to deliver a talk on the contribution of anthropology to our understanding of economics. Your audience will be an advanced undergraduate lecture class in economics. What would you identify as the primary lessons to take from economic anthropology? How does it relate to economics? With what significance? (Hint: you might want to consider how anthropological attention to culture, morality, or gift exchange relates to understandings of the economy in economics.) Incorporate two of the following authors into your lecture: Farmer/Walley/Ho, Malinowski/Mauss, Polanyi/Mitchell, Besky, Weber.