Kinship and Family: A Global Perspective

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours

Knowledge gained in completing any one (12.5 points) of the following subjects:

Students who have completed ANTH30004 Anthropology of Kinship and Family are not permitted to enrol in this subject

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/

Kinship studies has a long, important and contentious history in Anthropology. Drawing on this historical legacy this subject applies both classic and contemporary anthropological theories of family, kinship and social relatedness to a range of ethnographic case studies. The subject addresses three inter-related themes. Firstly, there is an anthropological focus on the links that exist between kinship and the nation-state in terms of national identity, ethnicity, migration and state policy. Secondly, the subject considers yet complicates imaginings of blood ties and biogenetic substance by examining the influences of black magic, ghost marriages, Skype, spiritual conception, milk, guns, deities, surrogate mothers and medical practitioners in the shaping of kin ties today. Finally, there is a focus on continuity and social change and the ways in which the meaning of family, kinship and social relationships are transformed or otherwise by new reproductive and genetic technologies, polygamy, same-sex relationships, friendships and the influence of internet and mobile-phone based forms of communication.

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

A 1500 word take home exam (40%) due mid-semester, and a 2500 word research essay (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: 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 working 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 for purchase from the university bookshop.

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:

• 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