Social anthropology is a broad field. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the main bodies of theory within social anthropology and the classical sub-fields within the discipline (political anthropology, economic anthropology, anthropology of religion and kinship) and key debates within the discipline. We begin by locating the discipline in a historical perspective before exploring key theories and themes. We will draw on what are often considered classical texts in early anthropology and key ideas from more contemporary works. We will also consider some of the major themes of social anthropology.
This is a BA course. No prior knowledge of anthropology is necessary, and students from all backgrounds are welcome.
Engelke, M (2018) How to think like an anthropologist London: Penguin Books
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Module | Course | Requirements | |
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30-M11 Vernetzung: Sozialwissenschaftliche Nachbardisziplinen | Seminar | Study requirement
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Student information |
- | Graded examination | Student information | |
30-M25 Fachmodul Transnationalisierung, Migration und Entwicklung | Seminar 1 | Study requirement
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Seminar 2 | Study requirement
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Student information | |
- | Graded examination | Student information |
The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a grasp of the historical and geopolitical conditions in which anthropology emerged as a scholarly discipline
2. Identify some of the major theoretical schools from the 19th-21st centuries and how anthropology has changed as a discipline
3. Demonstrate an understanding of key terms, themes and ideas (eg. kinship, classification, gender, power)
4. Engage critically with anthropological literature and develop arguments around key themes