Debates in Anthropology and Development

Subject 121-493 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in anthropology.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Dr Douglas Lewis

edlewis@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is devoted to an examination of recent theoretical developments and controversies within anthropology and development studies. Each year an important issue that has occasioned debate within the discipline will be examined in detail. Students who complete the subject should comprehend the kinds of theoretical arguments used by anthropologists and students of development in explaining events, and be able to undertake a critical evaluation of issues in anthropological theory, practice, and writing.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should
  • comprehend the kinds of theoretical arguments used by anthropologists in explaining events;
  • be able to undertake a critical evaluation of issues in anthropological theory.
Assessment: A research essay of 4000 words 80% (due at the end of semester) and a 15 minute presentation of research results equivalent to 1000 words 20% (due in the second half of the semester).
Prescribed Texts:
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 should
  • 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.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Anthropology and Social Theory

Download PDF version.