Unit information: Introduction to Social Anthropology in 2012/13

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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

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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.

Teaching Information

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment Information

A two-hour examination (75%) and a 1500-2000 word essay (25%).

Reading and References

Some useful introductory books:

  • Borofsky, R. (Ed.) (1994) Assessing Cultural Anthropology. McGraw-Hill: New York.
  • Eriksen, T. 2003. A history of anthropology. London: Pluto.
  • Eriksen, T. (1995) Small Places, Large Issues. Pluto Press: London.
  • Moore, J.D. 1997. Visions of culture: An introduction to anthropological theories and theorists. Walnut Creek: Altamira Press.
  • Hendry, Joy. An introduction to social anthropology: Sharing our worlds. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.
  • Leyton, R. 1997. An introduction to theory in anthropology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Barnard, A. 2000. History and theory in anthropology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Barrett, S.R. 1996. Anthropology: a student’s guide to theory and method. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

And some additional, relevant texts of general theoretical interest:

  • Carrithers, M. 1992. Why humans have cultures: explaining anthropology and social diversity. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Kuper, A. 1988. The Invention of primitive society: transformations of an illusion. London: Routledge.
  • Moore, H.L. 1988. Feminism and anthropology. Cambridge: Polity Press.

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