Kinship and Family: A Global Perspective

Subject ANTH30004 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, 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: 1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: an average of 8.5 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained in completing any one (12.5 points) of the following subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.50
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed ANTH30004 Anthropology of Kinship and Family or 121-058/671-350 Sentiments and structures are not permitted to enrol in this subject
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/

Coordinator

Dr Paul Green

Contact

Dr Paul Green

pgreen@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Kinship studies have a long and important history in Anthropology. The purpose of this subject is to consider and apply contemporary anthropological theories of family, kinship and social relatedness to three key inter-related themes. Firstly, there is an anthropological focus on the links that exist between kinship and the nation-state in terms of nationalism, ethnicity, national identity and state policy. Secondly, the subject explores the relationship between kinship and globalisation in the ethnographic contexts of migration, transnational adoption, studying overseas, expatriate lifestyles, long-stay tourism and international marriages and relationships. Finally, there is a focus on social change and the ways in which undersandings of family, kinship and social relationships more broadly are being shaped by new reproductive technologies, changing family forms, new genetics, same-sex relationships, friendships and global internet usage.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • be aware of the major theoretical debates in contemporary kinship and family studies
  • develop a nuanced appreciation of the meaning of family, kinship and social relationships in a range of cross-cultural settings
  • be aware of important theoretical and empirical linkages between kinship, nationalism, ethnicity and national identity
  • be attentive to the role of a range of social, technological and governmental influences in the shaping of family and kinship ties today
  • develop a reflexive appreciation of the meaning of family, kinship and social relations in the context of their own lives
Assessment:

A 500 word tutorial assignment (10%) due during the semester, a 1500 word essay (40%) due mid-semester, and a 2000 word essay (50%) due during the examination period. 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:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the university bookshop.
Breadth Options:

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

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.

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

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • Students will be able to critically reflect on the relevance of comparative studies in their everyday life and relations
  • Be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Anthropology
Anthropology and Development
Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory
Gender Studies
Gender Studies
Gender Studies Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Anthropology - self and society

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