Debates in Anthropology and Development

Subject ANTH40006 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Standard

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 8 x 3hour seminars over he period 2nd-12 August 2010.
Total Time Commitment: in addition to the contact hours students should expect to spend an average of 10 hours each week throughout the assessment period.
Prerequisites: Admission to fourth-year honours in Anthropology and/or Social Theory or Development Studies; or admission to a postgraduate diploma in Anthropology and/or Social Theory or Development Studies; or admission to a Masters program and permission of the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained in successful completion of an undergraduate degree
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests 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/

Coordinator

Prof Andrew Dawson

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. In 2010 the class will be taught by Professor Michael Herzfeld from Harvard University.
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: A reading list will be provided by the subject coordinator at the commencement of classes.
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 class will:

  • 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.
Links to further information: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~anthro/social_faculty_pages/social_pages_herzfeld.html
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Anthropology and Social Theory

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