The module is a broad introduction to anthropological approaches to society and culture. It asks questions about social life to which the answers appear obvious, and examines them in comparative perspective. Examples may include: What is a gift? What is dirt? What is in a name? How universal are experiences of emotions? In the process, students are shown the point of anthropology – to see life through the eyes of other people, and to question one’s own assumptions. It focuses on ethnography, the practice of 'doing anthropology' both in Africa and elsewhere. We use written texts and film to open up and discuss central ideas and debates in anthropology.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Understand some of the distinctive features of anthropology/ethnography as a mode of describing and analysing societies and cultures.
Have developed a broad range of skills in understanding non-western perspectives.
Assessment
18770-01 : 1 x 1000 word essay - 1 : Coursework (30%)
18770-02 : 1 x 2000 word essay - 2 : Coursework (70%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 1000 word written assignment (30%)
Other
Reading List
Evans-Pritchard, E E. 1940. The Nuer. OUP.
Bowen, E S. Return to Laughter.