Philosophy and Scope of Anthropology

This subject is not offered in 2011.

This subject aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of contemporary research concerns in social and cultural anthropology. Through the critical and comparative reading of anthropological texts, students should not only become familiar with current theoretical and methodological issues, but should also develop an understanding of how these concerns have developed historically in the discipline.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• have an awareness of the main traditions of anthropology in Britain, the United States and Europe.
• have an acquaintance with fundamental problems in the philosophy of anthropology and with the relation between theory and method in ethnographic research and reporting.
• have examined a selected number of critical debates in 20th century anthropology that continue to shape the discipline.
• have an acquaintance with some fundamental philosophical concerns anthropology, particularly regarding the relation between theory and method in the research process.
• have considered how their own research interests may be shaped by contemporary and historical debates covered in the semester.

A 1000 word critical evaluation 20% (due during the semester), and a 4000 word essay 80% (due at the end of the semester) OR one 5,000 word essay due at the end of semester (100%). Students can select either the 5,000 word essay or the shorter essay plus the critical evaluation.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

The Subject Coordinator will advise students of any prescribed texts at the start of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.