A typical discussion in cultural anthropology might include how you were raised, where you grew up, the decade in which you were born, and what you believe in. Dr. Muzzio, a professor here at Howard Community College, suggests that cultural intelligence is an asset in being open minded.
Professor Muzzio has a doctorate in anthropology. He attended Knox College and the University of Iowa. However, he didn’t originally intend to become an anthropologist.
While attending various colleges, Dr. Muzzio struggled with choosing a major. He enjoyed “exploring” the different courses. But when it came time to declare a major – the only one that would work with his credits was anthropology.
“I didn’t choose anthropology, Anthropology chose me,” Dr. Muzzio said.
As a professor, Dr. Muzzio strives to make his students see outside of their own cultural bubbles through a portion of their assigned ethnographic papers titled “Participant Observation.”
His students are required to “conduct participant observation and gain cultural insights into a specific social setting or community.” Students are encouraged to ethically observe a community and document its cultural context and specific behaviors and interactions.
Jack Kastberg, his asynchronous student, says even though he doesn’t meet with Dr. Muzzio in person, he still receives the support he needs for his course.
“Despite the fact that I complete the work on my own, he is always available for any kind of help or assistance,” he said.
“His teaching style is super unique and it’s so engaging,” said Natalia Kasamon, one of his students.
Dr. Muzzio’s student, Madina Sow, says the quote that has stuck with her from his class is “[Anthropology is for] making the strange familiar and the familiar strange.”
“If you accept [not knowing as your natural state of being], then you can [achieve] the primary thing that you need in this life, which is curiosity,” said Dr. Muzzio.
