BASS Social Anthropology and Philosophy

This course is an introduction to the anthropology of two selected ethnographic regions. It comprises two consecutive sections, each consisting five lectures plus guided reading and dealing with a particular region. Regions change each academic year. In 2022-2023, the regions covered are Amazonia (Lowland South America) and Britain.

Restricted Course

• Students will gain an overview of the anthropological studies of each region from historical and contemporary perspectives.
• Students will understand the key themes and theories that have shaped a regional study.
• Students will learn to read ethnographic texts critically, and develop the skill of close reading and analysis of anthropological texts.
• Students will be able to recognize the anthropological arguments developed from comparisons between different studies and different cultures, and why they matter in wider anthropology.
• Students will develop skills in writing analytical and well-structured answers to essay questions.

Lectures, weekly tutorials

• 75% - One final 1500-word essay per block (block 1 essay due November; block 2 essay due in January);
   
• 25% - 4 x 250 word writing task;

Personalised feedback will be given on each of the essays.

Feedback will also be given on class participation

Information
Length of Course: 12 weeks over one semester