Unit information: Visions: Experiments in Creative Anthropology in 2020/21

Unit name	Visions: Experiments in Creative Anthropology
Unit code	ARCHM0078
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Morelli
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit explores a range of visual, creative and collaborative forms of research and representation in anthropology. Its central aim is to apply experimental theories and methods to investigate aspects of everyday life as well as realms of human existence that lie beyond immediate perception—such as the imagination, fantasies, dream worlds and reveries—and then bring these into view through non-textual, alternative modes of representation.

The unit has the following objectives:

1. To review key theories in visual, sensory and phenomenological anthropology and beyond;
2. To apply a variety of visual, creative and non-conventional methods in order to conduct anthropological research;
3. To examine a range of experimental, non-textual forms of representation through which students will bring anthropological knowledge into view.

The unit has a strong practical component: students will be divided into groups from the start, and each group will engage in practice-based sessions together.

Every week, students will learn about different theories (e.g. the anthropology of the imagination, phenomenology, existential anthropology) and try out a specific method of research and representation – including drawing, photographic storytelling, animation, virtual reality, production of interactive displays, and many others. Students will be expected to develop an independent and coherent research project throughout the unit both individually and as a group.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories and debates in the fields of visual, sensory and phenomenological anthropology;
2. Apply the above theories to understand aspects of everyday life and contemporary society;
3. Use a range of visual, experimental, and collaborative methods for both research and representation.
4. Apply the contents of the unit (both theories and methods) to conduct first-hand ethnographic research centred on a specific topic;
5. Present material based on first-hand research in a critical and coherent manner, using visual methods.

Teaching Information

Weekly lectures and seminars, supported by self-directed activities

Assessment Information

A 5000-word project report (100%): ILO 1-4

An in-class formative presentation: ILO 5

Reading and References

Crapanzano, V. (2004) Imaginative Horizons: An Essay in Literary-Philosophical Anthropology

Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing

Levi-Strauss (1962) The Savage Mind

Sontag, S. (1979) On Photography

Cox, R., Irving, A. and Wright, C. (2016) Beyond Text? Critical Practices and Sensory Anthropology

Chagall, M (1932) My life