Theory & the Anthropological Imagination

Subject ANTH30013 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5 (1 x 90 minute lecture and 1 x 60 minute seminar each week.)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Only students completing a Major in Anthropology and Social Theory can enrol in this subject.
Corequisites: none
Recommended Background Knowledge: Major students should follow the course stucture listed here: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2011/!B-ARTS-MAJ%2B1002
Non Allowed Subjects: none
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Subject Overview:

Focusing on contemporary issues (such as relatedness, identity, modernity and embodiment) that have been encountered through the course of the Anthropology and Social Theory major, this capstone subject examines in depth the relationship between substantive research, including ethnography, and social and cultural theory. Its foci are simultaneously theoretical and practical. It aims to provide students with experience in the application and development of theory.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • appreciate how a comparative perspective and a tradition of ethnographic enquiry can inform developments in theory.
  • appreciate how theories inform the research process.
  • have examined in detail the interplay between evidence and theory in relation to key topics in anthropology.
Assessment: A 2000 word essay 50% (due at the end of week nine). A group research report, produced collaboratively by three or four students, of 5,000-6,000 words, (40%) due at the end of semester. A group Class Presentation (10%) due near the end of semester. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

Required readings for this subject will be available via the LMS site.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic.
  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
  • be able to work collaboratively with peers.
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes: This is the Capstone Subject for the New Generation Major in Anthropology and Social Theory. All students completing a major in this area must complete this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory

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