Last modified: 25 Sep 2019 09:58
This course explores theoretical issues and key debates in contemporary anthropology. We begin with the questioning of the central concepts of culture and society in anthropology during the 1980s. Following this, we ask: how can anthropology proceed if the targets of its investigation can no longer be understood as objective entities? How can anthropology proceed if the anthropologist themselves is inevitably implicated in and part of those very targets? To look for possible answers, the course examines current anthropological interest in power and history, political economy and phenomenology, experience, embodiment and practice, ontology and things that speak.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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This course explores theoretical issues and key debates in contemporary anthropology. We begin by establishing a broad overview of theoretical developments in anthropology. We will then review how the central concepts of culture and society were rethought in anthropology during the 1980s. Following on from this, we ask the questions that underlie the discussions during the course: how can anthropology proceed if the targets of its investigation can no longer be understood as objective entities? How can anthropology proceed if the anthropologist themeselves is inevitably implicated in and part of those very targets? To look for possible answers, the course examines current anthropological interest in power and history, political economy and phenomenology, experience, embodiment and practice. While the intent is theoretical these issues and debates will be explored largely through ethnographic writing on such subjects as emotions and the body, genetics and reproduction, personhood and politics, death, memory and forgetting. Emphasis will be placed on encouraging students to apply theoretical insights from anthropology to their everyday lives and the world around them.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | 6000 | ||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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