- You acquire knowledge of and insight into a number of key debates about the epistemological and theoretical foundations of cultural anthropology.
- You are able to discuss the implications of these theoretical debates for the practice of anthropology.
- You are able to position yourself in these debates, and argue this positioning in oral discussions and in writing.
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This course elaborates on a number of key debates about the foundations of anthropology, especially those related to questions of power and representation. By examining these debates, and the way they have changed the field of anthropology, you deepen your understanding of the discipline. Engaging directly with the various contributions and perspectives helps you develop your own perspective on and your own practice of anthropology.
We will discuss the following themes:
- Ethnography, reflexivity and representation
- Colonialism and the practice of anthropology
- The use and abuse of the concept of culture
- Changing fieldwork, new ethical dilemmas.
The course is divided into four sets of two weeks. Each set of two weeks addresses one of the above themes. Each week, the theme will be introduced by a lecture. This lecture is followed by an optional Q&A seminar and a mandatory discussion seminar. The course will most likely also include an excursion to the Afrika Museum.
All students are expected to actively participate in these discussion seminars and demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical debates to their own readings and experiences in anthropology.
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