ANTH 536: Anthropology and the Human Condition: Seminar II

ANTH 536-001: Anth/Human Condition: Sem II
(Spring 2017)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Section Information for Spring 2017

This is a two-semester seminar required for those seeking their Master’s degree in Anthropology.  In this second part, we will trace developments and directions that anthropological theory has taken, roughly from the 1960s to the present, drawing on ethnographies, excerpts from primary sources, and articles. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of these theories and approaches in making sense of human social life. We will also consider interactions among them; the ethnographic methods they employ; and the craft of writing ethnographies. By the end of the seminar, you should be able to recognize distinctive theoretical paradigms and the assumptions and methods associated with them. You should also consider their explanatory power for understanding human behavior and the social world. You should be able to place theories within their historical context and to offer a critique of the theories, based on your understanding of the debates that inspire and inform anthropological analysis.  This seminar is one initial step toward the challenge of using these theories and methods in your own research.

ANTH 536 001 open to Anthropology M.A. students only. Permission of instructor is required for non-ANTH MA students.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines contemporary theorists of anthropology, covering ongoing debates over epistemology and the multiple strands that inform anthropological theory and practice. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: ANTH 535.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.