Key Debates in Anthropology

Overview

This team-taught course examines social anthropology by looking at a number of its main theoretical debates. The course aims to develop in students a sound understanding of the different theoretical traditions in anthropology and an ability to identify and analyse the ideas, principles and assumptions on which these traditions are based

Learning Objectives

This course also aims to impart the following:

The ability to paraphrase and summarize basic anthropological ideas encountered in texts
The ability to compare and contrast anthropological theories
The ability to identify the rhetorical devices used in theoretical exposition
A familiarity with the language and key concepts of anthropological theory
An understanding of the relationship between theory and ethnography – how theory informs ethnography and how ethnography affects theory.

Skills

More generally, the course aims to develop and enhance communication skills, including the ability to participate in discussions in class and the ability to deliver clear oral presentations. In addition to these oral skills, students will also practice and develop their skill in written communication in the form of the coursework essay.

Assessment

None