121-493 Contemporary Anthropological Theory

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in anthropology.

This subject is devoted to an examination of recent theoretical developments and controversies within anthropology. Each year an important issue that has occasioned debate within the discipline will be examined in detail, such as the debate between Sahlins and Obeyeskere about the meaning of the death of Cook in Hawaii. Students who complete the subject should comprehend the kinds of theoretical arguments used by anthropologists in explaining events, and be able to undertake a critical evaluation of issues in anthropological theory, practice, and writing.