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School of Archaeology and Anthropology · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
How do we come to apprehend the world anthropologically? This Masters level seminar provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations and intellectual processes that shape anthropological thinking and writing, while also addressing longstanding themes and issues in anthropology within the contexts of colonialism, anti-imperialism, postcolonialism, and social activism. Rather than presenting a mere survey of the history of theory, this course aims to cultivate the ability to critically evaluate theoretical issues and develop an anthropological imagination, enabling students to explore ethnographic problems or issues through the lens of current and longstanding debates in social theory. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with cutting-edge ethnographic monographs that not only showcase the latest developments in the field but also exemplify the emergence of novel theoretical approaches rooted in ethnographic methods and writing. Weekly exercises will directly apply theoretical discussions to ethnographic cases. This course is intended for students who have a foundational knowledge of anthropology and have completed coursework in anthropological theory or a related field. Prior experience with ethnographic research methods is desirable but not mandatory.
Weekly participation and contribution to seminar (self-assessment component)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Weekly applied written exercises (x10, 500 words each)
Learning outcomes 3, 4
Publishable book review (1,500 words)
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
130 hours of total student learning comprised of: 1) 24 hours of seminars over 12 weeks 2) 106 hours of independent student research, reading and writing
Not applicable Preliminary Reading Indicative recent prize-winning ethnographic monographs. This list will be refreshed annually. (1) e Silva, M.L., 2022. Minoritarian liberalism: a travesti life in a Brazilian favela. University of Chicago Press. (2) Castellanos, M.B., 2020. Indigenous dispossession: Housing and Maya indebtedness in Mexico. Stanford University Press. (3) Mathur, N., 2021. Crooked cats: beastly encounters in the Anthropocene. University of Chicago Press. (4) Oliphant, E., 2021. The Privilege of Being Banal: Art, Secularism, and Catholicism in Paris. University of Chicago Press.