Anthropology

Academic year: 2009-2010 Course code module 3BSOC-030 Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Marie-Claire Foblets Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties No specific prerequisites required. *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The general purpose of this course is to provide insight in some main characteristics of Social and Cultural Anthropology, with respect to the study of human societies. The objectives are to enable students to understand the theoretical apriorisms of anthropological research and their implications for the study of societies, western and non-western. 3. Course content  This course is introductionary. It gives an overview of basis research topics and orientati­ons in anthropolo­gy. Among the issues discussed are i.a. the problem of the definition of cultu­re, the study of folk systems, the difficulties of cultural comparisons, etc. Though various concepts of culture and different schools of thought will be studied - the course provides an analysis both of early pioneering and of contemporary work of anthropologists, the approach is analytical rather than encyclopedic. The purpose is to arrive at a better synthesis of the major presuppositi­ons concerning the formation and the continuation of cultural systems in different human societies, rural and urban, non-western and western.   A major part of the course is devoted to contemporary issues of anthropological research, with the focus on western societies. The objectives are to enable students to arrive at a better analysis of today's issues in anthropology: pluralism in various multi-cultural settings; globalisation; acculturation; migration; transplants of cultural systems; the balancing of indigenous, minority and state laws; cultural delicts, etc. The examples attempt at exploring the variables that are interwoven in the development of society and various concepts of cultures - and why this is the case - today.   Students will also get a chance to meet with one or two visiting lecturers, who are practising anthropology. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Personal work: Paper - individual 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, without oral presentation Written, with oral presentation Oral, with written preparation Closed book Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material The materials for the classes will be supplied to the students well in advance (reader). The students are expected to prepare for the lecture and discussions by reading the materials in due time. Students will be given information on additional references as the course program proceeds. 7. Recommended reading - study material Nihil. 8. Tutoring After class and by appointment. laatste aanpassing: last update: 16/12/2009 15:59 pieter.spooren