Current Anthropological Theory

Timetable

Wednesday, 10.30

room: 2.19, Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology, Collegium Historicum Novum, Campus Morasko

ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 7, Poznań

Module aim (aims)

This course examines both the classic works of key shapers of the world anthropological traditions and the current discussion on the ethnographic theory. Its main aim is to introduce the students to the key theoretical problems addressed by anthropology; its most recent reactions to local and global socio-economic and political currents; and to the ongoing debates on the logic and the future of the discipline.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Students should have knowledge of the history of the discipline and its main topics of interest.

3. Assessment criteria

Students will be expected to prepare to read key texts for each session and actively participate in class discussions (30% of the final mark), prepare one short seminar presentation based on one of the weekly key readings (20% of the final mark) and write an essay on one of the chosen topics (50% of the final mark).

A/5 EXCELLENT - outstanding performance
B/4+ VERY GOOD - above average with few minor mistakes and/or omissions
C/4 GOOD - generally sound work with some minor mistakes and/or omissions
D/3+ SATISFACTORY – fair, but with a number of serious mistakes and/or omissions
E/3 SUFFICIENT – fair, but with significant shortcomings
F/2 FAIL

Syllabus

Current Anthropological Theory 2020/21
Week 1 Introduction and basic concepts
Week 2 The savage slot
Week 3 Theory in anthropology since the sixties
Week 4 Being affected
Week 5 Emotions and senses
Week 6 Dark anthropology and anthropology of the good
Week 7 Anthropology contra ethnography
Week 8 Anthropology contra ethnography
Week 9 Ontological Turn
Week 10 Ontological Turn
Week 11 Turn to nature
Week 12 Turn to nature
Week 13 Turn to nature
Week 14 Accessible, engaged, ethical, moral
Week 15 Accessible, engaged, ethical, moral

Reading list

Weekly readings:
A list of weekly readings (compulsory and optional) will be provided by the teacher.