Us And them: Why do we have ingroups and outgroups?

Overview

Drawing theoretically on both cognitive and social anthropology and utilizing a wide range of case studies, from personal passions for particular sub-cultures of music and sport to national politics in Northern Ireland to global divides of religion and class, this module will introduce students to social groups.

We will explore what makes human social groups different from those of other animals, psychological explanations of group commitment, and anthropological literature on symbols, rituals, and politics to examine how particular social groups are created and sustained and how some individuals become willing to fight and die for their fellow group members.

Learning Objectives

Be able to describe and consider the implications of:

1) The importance of social groups for individuals.

2) How group identities and traditions are created.

3) How groups continue from generation to generation.

4) The similarities and differences between national, religious, sporting, class, and interest groups.

5) How groups can convince individuals to die for them
6) Why intergroup prejudice and conflict is so common.

Skills

The module will help foster the students’:

Ability to consider the findings of multiple disciplines in addressing questions of human society.

Ability to present ideas clearly in both oral and written formats

Ability to research and analyse material from multiple disciplines

Ability to debate and defend arguments

Ability to engage in civil discourse about strongly held convictions

Ability to prepare concise and focused presentations

Assessment

Essay 1,Essay 2 and Participation.