121-055 Keeping the Body in Mind

This subject introduces a wide range of anthropological interest in the human body from a comparative ethnographic perspective. It considers topics such as body image and food disorders, body arts and practices, body modifications and decorations, sporting bodies, consciousness and the body/mind continuum, the ethnic and national body, the gendered body, the sexual body, the ageing body. We will investigate how the human body is individually and culturally constructed and socially experienced through a critical examination of a range of ethnographic and theoretical literature, as well as through exploratory field research.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• have practice in planning and conducting research.

• have experience integrating ethnographic examples with theoretical debates and develop skills of critical analysis and argument.

Written work totalling 4000 words. One essay of 2,500 words, 60%; and one report of 1,500 words, 40% (both due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester