300635 Introduction to social Anthropology (30-M25 Transnationalisierung und Migration) (S) (WiSe 2025/2026)

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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.

As the module progresses, you will gain a growing sense of what social anthropology is and feel confident to enter discussion concerning the kinds of questions it asks.

All students are expected to be present in all sessions and to participate in discussions. If you feel that English may be a challenge, this module is a good opportunity to work with classic anthropological ideas and texts in their original language and become familiar with academic reading and writing in English.

Bibliography

For students who have never studied any anthropology before, I highly recommend:

Engelke, M (2018) How to think like an anthropologist London: Penguin Books

Teaching staff

Dates ( Calendar view )

Frequency Weekday Time Format / Place Period  
weekly Di 08:00-10:00   13.10.2025-06.02.2026

Subject assignments

Module Course Requirements  
30-M25 Fachmodul Transnationalisierung, Migration und Entwicklung Seminar 1 Study requirement
Student information
Seminar 2 Study requirement
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.

Learning objectives
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

Key skills to develop:
• Discussion skills: able to present ideas clearly, formulate a coherent argument, respond to other ideas constructively, and develop confidence in one’s ability to engage with other people in a discussion.
• Reading skills: able to prepare for the weekly seminars and the essay, identify key arguments and evidence used in a piece of writing and then critically appraising them.
• Writing skills: able to prepare an essay, including the abilities to identify a relevant topic and synthesize academic sources, and construct an original and well-presented argument.
• Research skills: locate information that is relevant to the themes of the module.
• Self-reliance: able to manage time efficiently and be sufficiently reliable for group work, and to independently locate, evaluate, and use anthropological literature.
• Group work: able to prepare presentations, organize meetings of group members, constructively collaborate, and fully and equally participate.

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Last update basic details/teaching staff:
Friday, May 23, 2025 
Last update times:
Friday, May 23, 2025 
Last update rooms:
Friday, May 23, 2025 
Type(s) / SWS (hours per week per semester)
seminar (S) / 2
Language
This lecture is taught in english
Department
Faculty of Sociology
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472119352