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AT5041: MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGY AND POWER IN THE ANDEAN REGION (2016-2017)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course introduces students to anthropological studies of the Andes region of South America. Its theoretical focus is on Andean technologies and uses of materials and it examines how these intersect with questions of political power.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Old Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Maggie Bolton

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • AT5038 Materials, Technology and Power in the Andean Region (Extended) (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course introduces students to anthropological studies of the Andes region of South America.  Its theoretical focus is on Andean technologies and uses of materials and it examines how these intersect with questions of political power. The rationale for looking at the theoretical concerns through a study of the Andes is that that approaches to working with materials in this region differed markedly from those of Europe until (and also beyond) the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. Different areas of technology and material culture are addressed through examining both historical material and contemporary ethnographic studies - from pre-Hispanic metallurgy to contemporary agricultural development and the role of scientifically trained experts in bringing about changes in practices. Four main technological areas are addressed in the course: mining and metallurgy; fibres and Andean textuality; medicine and the body and working the land.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 5,000 word essay (100%)

Resit: 5,000 word essay (100%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

None.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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