121-409 Philosophy and Scope of Anthropology

Formerly available as 136-022 or 121-072. Students who have completed 136-022 or 121-072 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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

This subject offers an historical overview of the principal approaches to theory, method and forms of explanation that have shaped anthropology in the 20th century. Students should become familiar with the anthropological traditions in Britain, the United States and France, from functionalism to poststructuralism, and be able critically to examine the historically changing conception of the scope and aim of anthropology and its philosophical foundations.

• have practice in conducting independent research and speaking articulately;

• have practice in writing clearly in a variety of formats and reading with attention to detail;

• have experience of systematically evaluating a body of empirical data and identifying its theoretical context;

• have experience of advanced methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills;

• have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication.

Written work totalling 5000 words comprising two 2500 word essays 50% each (due at the end of semester).

Materials prepared by the School of Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies.