Module Code and Title:         ATH203 History and Theory of Anthropology

Programme:                          BA in Anthropology

Credit:                                   12

Module Tutor:                       New Tutor #2

General objective: This module traces the origins and history of Anthropology as a subject and offers an outline of the development of theory in the field since the discipline’s inception in the 19th century. It introduces students to some of the major anthropological theories, debates, and themes that inspire and inform anthropological analyses. This module approaches each theoretical paradigm on three levels: (1) its analytical and explanatory power for understanding and explaining the social world; (2) the historical and social context in which the theory was produced, and (3) its contribution and relevance to ongoing dialogues and debates in Anthropology.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Recount the origins of Anthropology as a discipline
2. Identify major theoretical paradigms in Anthropology
3. Discuss intellectual developments within the discipline of Anthropology
4. Compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives within Anthropology.
5. Link theory and theoretical advancements to ethnographic examples.
6. Discuss a range of debates from the beginnings of Anthropology to the contemporary scene, be able to assess these debates, and place them in their own socio-historical context.
7. Analyse critical issues encountered in anthropological theory.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

A. Essay Based on Prompt: Portion of Final Marks: 15%

Students will be given a question that will ask them to individually engage with one of the core issues of the module, for example one of the key debates. Students will be given a week’s time to write a response. They are expected to answer the questions by referring not only to class notes but also to relevant academic texts and articles. A successful essay would approach the question from a number of theoretical perspectives and include relevant ethnographic examples. The essay will be marked based on the following criteria:

9%       Quality of response (relevance to question asked, thoughtfulness and accuracy of response)

2%       Language

2%       Organization

2%       References

B. Historical Description Essay : Portion of Final Marks: 20%

Students will select a salient theme in anthropological scholarship (e.g. ritual, kinship, religion) and individually write an essay tracing how anthropological approaches and understandings of this theme have changed in course of the discipline’s theoretical history. The essay will be 750-1000 words in length.

2%       Proposal outlining the selected topic and proposed argument

3%       Descriptive of selected salient theme (completeness, relevance)

12%     Quality of analysis and argument (includes well stated and original analysis, use of relevant and adequate support for all claims made, quality & relevance of selected ethnographic examples, ties analysis to relevant module concepts)

1%       Language

1%       Organization

1%       Referencing

C. Group Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be divided into small groups. Each group will be given the task to study an anthropologist whose work and writings have shaped the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline. Students are required to discuss the major works of the selected anthropologist and to relate these with theoretical developments in the field. Group presentation will be 10-15 minutes in length.

6%       Content (including the use of sources / perspectives not discussed in class, how well does the presentation address specified criteria, all claims relevant and supported)

1%       Organization and structure; Language use

1%       Delivery (volume, pace, efforts to engage audience)

1%       Time management and Quality of teamwork

1%       Individual contribution (process)

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 5%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 2.5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm, and the remaining 2.5% post midterm.

E. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites: AFD101 Introduction to Anthropology        

Subject matter:

1. Unit I: Early Anthropological Theories
   • Examples of precursors to the anthropological tradition
   • The origin and pretentions of classical evolutionism (Tylor, Frazer and Morgan)
   • Defining historical particularism (Boas)
   • Defining diffusionism
2. Unit II: Functionalism, Structuralism, and their Critics
   • The contributions and criticisms of functionalism (Malinowski) and structural functionalism (Radcliffe-Brown)
   • The difference between descent and alliance theory (Adam Kuper)
   • The emergence and implications of conflict theory (Marx, Wallerstein)
   • Approaches and examples of structuralism (Levi Strauss)
3. Unit III: Symbolic and Interpretive Anthropology
   • From function and structure to processes and meanings
   • Debates about cultural materialism and cultural symbols
   • Definition and examples of interpretive anthropology
   • Rituals of Rebellion’ by Max Gluckman: key terms, key arguments and implications
   • Symbols in Ndembu Ritual’ by Victor Turner: key terms, key arguments and implications
   • Deep Play: Notes on a Balinese Cock Fight’ by Clifford Geertz: key terms, key arguments and implications
   • ‘Thick Description’ by Clifford Geertz: key terms, key arguments and implications
4. Unit IV: Key Concepts and Major Debates in Anthropology
   • Kinship and relatedness: definition, key terms, examples, comparison
   • Nature versus nurture: definition, key terms, examples, comparison
   • Ritual and religion: definition, key terms, examples, comparison
5. Unit V: Contemporary trends in anthropological theory
   • Understanding post-modernism and its critics
   • Debates about the feminist critique
   • The role of migration and globalization

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading

• Barnard, A. (2008). A history and theory in anthropology. London: Routledge
• Eriksen, T.H., & Nielsen, F.S. (2013). A history of anthropology. London: Pluto.

2. Additional Reading
   • Beattie, J. (1964). Other cultures: Aims, methods, and achievements in social anthropology. London: Routledge.
   • Barth, F., Parkin, R., Gingrich, A., & Sylverman, S. (2005). One discipline, four ways: British, French, German, and American Anthropology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
   • Clifford, J., & Marcus, G.E. (Eds.). (1986). Writing culture: The poetics and politics of ethnography. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
   • Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic Books
   • Kuper, A. (1988). The invention of primitive society: transformation of an illusion. London: Routledge.
   • Leach, E. (1961). Rethinking anthropology. London: Athlone Press.
   • McGee, R.J., & Warns, R.L. (2004). Anthropological theory: An introductory history. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies.
   • Needham, R. (1971). Rethinking kinship and marriage. London: Tavistock.
   • Said, E. (1978). New York: Vintage.
   • Stocking, G. (1996). After Tylor: British social anthropology, 1888–1951. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press.
   • Levi-Strauss, C. (1966). The savage mind. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
   • Wolf, E.R. (1982). Europe and the people without history. London and Berkeley: University of California Press.

Date: March 15, 2018