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Department of Anthropology and Sociology

Introduction to Social Anthropology

Course Code:
151801001
Unit value:
1
Year of study:
Year 1
Taught in:
Full Year
The first term introduces students to anthropology through a number of significant analytical oppositions. These include society and the individual, status and contract, mind and body, culture and nature, self and other, etc. These are presented in the context of an examination of a number of well-known monographs by anthropologists. The aim is to emphasise that only through detailed ethnographic knowledge can theoretical ideas be grasped and assessed.

The second term examines particular themes in anthropology, such as modes of classification, ritual and meaning, exchange relations, explanations of witchcraft, and so forth. In general, lectures will deal with the theoretical problems of a particular theme, while tutorial classes will examine case studies in greater detail.

Prerequisites

May also be taken as a floater by students in other departments.

Note that this course is mandatory prior to taking any Ethnography courses in second and final years of study.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

At completion of the course students: 

  • will be familiar with some of the major themes (e.g. kinship, gift exchange, categorisation) in the history of the discipline of anthropology, and with the lives, ethnographic work and thought of those who introduced and explored these themes;
  • they will have knowledge of a range of debates from the beginnings of anthropology to the contemporary scene and will be able to assess these debates and place them intheir own socio-historical context;
  • will have an appreciation of the impact of history and social chance upon the discipline, via study of phenomena such as colonialism, WWII and the emergence of post-migration 'native anthropologists';
  • will have explored issues of disciplinarity and will have a good sense of ways in which anthropology has allied itself at various meomnent and places with hard science, social science, literature, humanities and film.

Method of assessment

The written exam will count for 70%. 2 pieces of coursework will count for 30% (15% each) towards the final mark.

Suggested reading

  • L Abu Lughod Veiled sentiments (paperback, 1988)
  • T Asad Anthropology and the colonial encounter (1973)
  • M Douglas Purity and danger (1966)
  • E Hobsbawn & The invention of tradition (1983)
  • T Ranger & R S Khare (eds) The Hindu hearth and home (1976)
  • A Kuper Anthropologists and anthropology (Routledge p/back 1983)
  • T Luhrmann Persuasions of the witchesí craft (1989)
  • B Malinowski Argonauts of the Western Pacific (originally 1922)
  • M Rosaldo Knowledge and passion (1980)
  • G Stocking (ed) Observers observed: essays on ethnographic fieldwork (1983)
  • P Vitebsky Dialogues with the dead (1993)