Unit name | Introduction to Social Anthropology |
---|---|
Unit code | ANTH10001 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Butler |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This course aims to give students a broad understanding of some of the most important issues in the development of modern social anthropology. It is divided into the following sections: Introduction, anthropology as interpreting the 'other', anthropology as a comparative science, critical debates, and anthropology today. Seminars on the various lecture themes enable students to engage with and discuss the lecture material in greater depth.
Aims:
The aim of this unit is to introduce modern anthropology. It assumes no prior knowledge, and includes both extremely well-known classic texts, and more unfamiliar material. Chronologically, it spans the period from just before the end of the nineteenth century until today. Conceptionally, it traces the unfolding arguments that have surrounded empirical versus more interpretative stances, and includes also specific criticisms surrounding areas such as gender, the process of field work, ethics, and the presentation, publication and translation of material from the field.
By the end of this course, it is anticipated that students: will have gained a thorough grasp of the central issues in modern social anthropology; will have become familiar with a wide range of relevant case studies from across the globe; will have a good awareness of the most contemporary debates in anthropology. The unit is designed to inspire students to take their studies further within anthropology, and if not, nevertheless be aware of the subject's links and relevance to other social science disciplines.
Lectures and tutorials
A two-hour examination (75%) and a 1500-2000 word essay (25%).
Some useful introductory books:
And some additional, relevant texts of general theoretical interest: