Theory & the Anthropological Imagination

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Only students completing a Major in Anthropology and Social Theory or a Graduate Diploma in Anthropology can 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/

Focusing on contemporary issues (such as relatedness, identity, modernity and embodiment) that have been encountered through the course of the Anthropology and Social Theory major, this capstone subject examines in depth the relationship between substantive research, including ethnography, and social and cultural theory. Its foci are simultaneously theoretical and practical. It aims to provide students with experience in the application and development of theory.

On completion of this subject students should:

• apply critical analytical skills to explore how comparative perspectives and a tradition of ethnographic enquiry can inform developments in theory, and conversely, how theories inform the research process;

• examine in detail the interplay between historical and contemporary evidence and theory in relation to key topics in social and cultural anthropology;

• demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of written and oral formats;

• demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with peers.

A 1-page outline plan for a group research project (10%) due during semester, a 1500 word essay (40%) due during semester, a group class presentation (10%) due during the last two weeks of semester, and a group report, produced collaboratively by three or four students, of 5,000-6,000 words (40%) 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.

Required readings for this subject will be available via the LMS site.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This is the Capstone Subject for the Major in Anthropology and Social Theory. All students completing a major in this area must complete this subject.

This is a compulsory subject in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology).