121-493 Contemporary Anthropological Theory

Formerly available as 136-026 or 121-082. Students who have completed 136-026 or 121-082 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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.

• 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.

A research essay 2500 words 50% (due at the end of semester), an annotated bibliography of 1500 words 25% (due mid semester) and a research report of 1000 words 25% (due in the second half of the semester).