Anthropology 110 Anthropological Theory

Transcription

1 Anthropology 110 Anthropological Theory Syllabus: Winter Quarter 2013 Monday and Wednesday 15:30 17:15 O Connor 102 Prof. Gregory Gullette Office: O Connor Hall 323 Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 13:00 14:00, and by appointment. ggullette@scu.edu Course Description: This course seeks to conduct an archaeology of anthropological theory, exploring the field s historical foundations, the sometimes organic and fractured growth of the discipline, as well as the field s current direction. As we work through diverse theoretical traditions, schools of thought, or national traditions that have framed and guided anthropological research over time, we see how particular theories have been refuted, refined, and revisited by theorists in their attempts to handle some of our discipline s fundamental questions. These questions frequently include issues such as defining culture, (accurate) cultural representation, tensions between universalism and cultural relativism, frictions in conceptualizing structure vs. agency, ethical considerations in attempting to merge theory and praxis, and understanding social, economic, and political systems in contemporary globalization. Throughout we will see that in certain moments and contexts, one theory is often seen as perfect and sound, while others may be seen as suspect or damaged. In order to explore this dynamic and contested growth of anthropological theory, the course is roughly arranged in chronological order. By analyzing the layers of anthropological history we are able to see how anthropology reflects macro socio-political contexts, as well as how theorists expand upon and refute earlier theoretical models. Course Goals: By the end of the course you should be able to 1) discuss the historical foundations of European and American anthropology, 2) associate key anthropologists with their theoretical traditions, 3) discuss some of the contemporary theoretical traditions that have dominated our field in the last 20 to 30 years, 4) discuss the ways in which theoretical traditions often build upon or reject the assertions of earlier theories, and 5) recognize which contextual factors were influential in a theoretical models growth or decay. Additionally, this course connects with the department s focus on student s ability to 1) demonstrate a proficiency in theory, concepts, and methods of the field and 2) demonstrate an understanding of the application of anthropological theory in research. Textbooks: McGee, R. Jon, and Richard L. Warms Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. Readings outside your required text will be placed on ERes in PDF files. ERes password: cloud.nothings Participation, Class Activities, and Attendance: Based on the objectives established for this course, you are required to complete the readings prior to each class and actively participate in class discussions. We will explore the literatures together and as such it will be conducted in a seminar style. You must come to class prepared to talk. While I do understand that speaking in class may be intimidating, please do not feel so. And if you are having a problem with something, it is a good bet that others are in the same 1

2 boat. So please speak up. Of course, keep in mind that you cannot participate if you are not present. Therefore attendance is mandatory. Absences negatively affect your grade. At three absences you lose one letter grade, with an additional letter grade for each day thereafter. Lastly, throughout the quarter we may have class activities such as breaking into groups to discuss a particular reading or perhaps writing a small synthesis in class on the reading(s) for the day. In order to complete such activities, your preparation for class is required. Missed class activities cannot be made up for any reason. Critical Analyses and Responses: Each student will be randomly assigned to prepare a critical analysis to a set of readings and present your analysis to the class (5-8 minutes). You will prepare such an analysis for three class periods. Additionally, each student that presents an analysis will be paired with another student that will offer a response/commentary on her or his analysis. While the presenter will know their days ahead of time, the responder will be called on in class to offer their response/commentary. Therefore, each student in class will offer three critical analyses and three responses. If you are absent on a day where I had chosen you to respond (decisions are randomly made before class), you cannot make up your response. A grading rubric on these activities will be distributed the first week of class. Presentations: One objective of this course is for you to demonstrate an understanding of the application of anthropological theory in research. To accomplish this objective, during the last week of class you will be assigned a theoretical tradition that you must apply to your research interests and then present to the class (roughly 15 minutes). It is possible that you will be assigned one of the theories you critically analyzed in class. Exams: There will be two exams throughout the semester. Exams are in-class and/or take home. The exams will consist of short essay and definitions. Final Course Grade: Your final grade will be based on all the above requirements and weighted as follows. Participation / Class Activities 100 Syntheses and Responses 240 Presentation 100 Exam Exam A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = C- = D+ = D = D- = F = 599 and below Some of the Fine Print: A Culture of Honesty: Plagiarism, cheating, using old exams or previous students notes, and dishonesty are serious academic offenses and carry a range of penalties from failure of the course to suspension from the University. By enrolling in this course and in Santa Clara University you have agreed to comply with the university s policies on academic honesty. If you are caught cheating in any way, you automatically fail the course and your name will be forwarded to Student Affairs for possible further action. Please take 2

3 this seriously. It is increasingly a problem among students. If you are in doubt about something, ask. For the complete policy visit: Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that requires a classroom or test taking accommodation please see me as soon as possible, either after class or during the scheduled office hours. Additionally, you must register with the Coordinator of Disability Services. Information collected from the Office of Disability Services is strictly confidential. For any accommodation to be made during this course notification must be received by the Office of Disability Services. Late Assignments and Missed Activities: Any late work (if accepted) loses one letter grade per day. Missed activities cannot be made up for any reason. Lecture Schedule and Readings: Throughout the semester the Lecture Schedule and Readings may be changed, ignored, or even occasionally abused. Any changes will be announced in class. It is your responsibility to keep up with any changes. I. HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS 19 TH AND EARLY 20 TH CENTURY January 7: Introduction to the Course and Syllabus January 9: Organic Analogies, Facts, and Savage Abuse Early Attempts at Order/Understanding Spencer, Herbert The Social Organism. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Boston: McGraw Hill. Durkheim, Emile What is a Social Fact? In In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Boston: McGraw Hill. January 14: Establishing American Anthropology Boas, Franz The Methods of Ethnology. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Boston: McGraw Hill. Kroeber, A.L Eighteen Professions. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Whorf, Benjamin L The Relation of Habitual Thought and Behavior to Language. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp January 16: British Social Anthropology and the Colonial Context Malinowski, Bronislaw The Essentials of the Kula. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp

4 Radcliffe-Brown, A.R On Joking Relationships. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp January 21: Martin Luther King Day No Class II. MID 20 TH CENTURY - THE RETURN OF METANARRATIVES January 23: Neoevolutionism Steward, Julian The Concept and Method of Cultural Ecology. In The Environment in Anthropology: A Reader in Ecology, Culture, and Sustainable Living. Nora Haenn and Richard R. Wilk, eds. Pp New York: New York University Press. White, Leslie Energy and the Evolution of Culture. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp January 28: French Structuralism and the Duality of Thought Levi-Strauss, Claude Four Winnebago Myths: A Structural Sketch. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Ortner, Sherry B Is Female to Male as Nature is to Culture? In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp III. LATE 20 TH CENTURY LEGACIES OF MARX AND SHIFTING POWER January 30: Cultural Materialism and the Rise of Environmental Anthropology Harris, Marvin The Cultural Ecology of India s Sacred Cattle. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Wolf, Eric Peasantry and Its Problems. In In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Boston: McGraw Hill February 4: Purity, Pollution, and Symbolic/Interpretive Anthropology Comaroff, Jean, and John L. Comaroff Naturing the Nation: Aliens, Apocalypse, and the Postcolonial State. In Sovereign Bodies: Citizens, Migrants, and States in the Postcolonial World. Thomas Blom Hansen and Finn Stepputat, eds. Pp Princeton: Princeton University Press. 4

5 (Note: Skim this article) Geertz, Clifford (2001). Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture. In Contemporary Field Research: Perspectives and Formulations. Robert M. Emerson, ed. Pp Prospect Heights: Waveland Press, Inc. February 6: The Feminist Critique Stacey, Judith Can There Be a Feminist Ethnography? Women s Studies International Forum 11(1): Stoler, Ann L Making Empire Respectable: The Politics of Race and Sexual Morality in Twentieth-Century Colonial Cultures. American Ethnologist 16(4): February 11: Exam One February 13: Postmodernism and the Writing Culture Debate Abu-Lughod, Lila A Tale of Two Pregnancies. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp Rosaldo, Renato Grief and a Headhunter s Rage. In Anthropological theory: An introductory history, fifth edition. R. Jon McGee and Richard L. Warms, eds. Pp February 18: President s Day No Class V. EXAMINING CONTEMPORARY MOMENTS AND MOVEMENTS February 20: Neoliberalism, Governmentality, and Democratic Flux Trouillot, M.R The Anthropology of the State in the Age of Globalization. Current Anthropology 42(1): February 25: Globalization and Urban Anthropology (Note: Skim this article) Low, Setha M The Anthropology of Cities: Imagining and Theorizing the City. Annual Review of Anthropology 25: Sassen, Saskia The Global City: Strategic Site/New Frontier. American Studies 41 (2/3): February 27: Population (Im)mobility and Transnational Identities Mills, Mary Beth Thai Mobilities and Cultural Citizenship. Critical Asian Studies 44 (1): Ong, A Government and Citizenship. In Buddha is Hiding: Refugees, Citizenship, the New America. Pp Berkeley: University of California Press. 5

6 March 4: Environmentalism, Anthropology, and the Application of Theory Peet, R., and M. Watts Liberating Political Ecology. In Liberation Ecologies: Environment, Development, Social Movements. R. Peet and M. Watts, eds. Pp London: Routledge. March 6: Reunifying or Diversifying Anthropological Theory and Praxis? Singer, Merrill The Development of Critical Medical Anthropology: Implications for Biological Anthropology. In Building a New Biocultural Synthesis. A. Goodman and T. Leatherman, eds. Pp Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. March 11: Student Presentations March 13: Student Presentations Final Exams Week: Exam Two due 18 March, by 09:00, hardcopies only. Late exams lose one letter per grade. 6