Working with Value

This subject is not offered in 2011.

This subject introduces students to ways that anthropologists analyse and interpret variation in economic behaviour and economic systems. We will examine the assumptions about human behaviour that inform classical, political and moral approaches to interpreting economics, and then ask what frames the options that are available for people to choose from and how people may come to value those options differently. Ethnographic examples from systems of different complexity are used to explore the diverse ways in which production, consumption and exchange may be organised and understood, and the ways these domains are articulated. Students should become familiar not only with how local economies work, but also with implications of the emerging global economy and the ways it is transforming local and regional logics.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a thorough understanding of the different approaches within anthropology to analysing economic behaviour and systems.

• have acquired a knowledge of the ethnographic literature on the dynamics of production, consumption and exchange in systems characterised as 'domestic' and 'capitalist'

• have critically examined key debates in economic anthropology about such issues as: division of labour. 'gift' and 'commodity' economies. formal and informal economies. consumption. identity and 'consumer society'. the meaning of 'money' and its effects.

• have an understanding of the implications of changing economic systems for subsections of society defined by age, gender and class, and for developing societies in a globalising world.

A 750 word class paper 20% (due mid-semester) a tutorial presentation and 500 word paper 20% (due during semester) and a 2500-word essay 60% (due at the end of semester). A hurdle requirement of participation in 8 of 10 tutorial (ie 80% of tutorials) applies in this subject. 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.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop at the beginning of semester. Set readings will also be available online, through LMS.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have practice in conducting 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 methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills.
• have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication.