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Anthropology of Kinship and Family (ANTH30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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Kinship studies has a long, important and contentious history in Anthropology. Drawing on this historical legacy this subject applies both classic and contemporary anthropological theories of family, kinship and social relatedness to a range of ethnographic case studies. The subject addresses three inter-related themes. Firstly, there is an anthropological focus on the links that exist between kinship and the nation-state in terms of national identity, ethnicity, migration and state policy. Secondly, the subject considers yet complicates imaginings of blood ties and biogenetic substance by examining the influences of black magic, ghost marriages, Skype, spiritual conception, milk, guns, deities, surrogate mothers and medical practitioners in the shaping of kin ties today. Finally, there is a focus on continuity and social change and the ways in which the meaning of family, kinship and social relationships are transformed or otherwise by new reproductive and genetic technologies, polygamy, same-sex relationships, friendships and the influence of internet and mobile-phone based forms of communication.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Demonstrate a critical, cross-cultural understanding of anthropological perspectives on family, kinship and social relatedness
- Develop a reflexive appreciation of the meaning of family, kinship and social relations in the context of their own lives
- Develop an appreciation of the interplay between theory and ethnography inquiry
- Be able to communicate effectively in written and oral formats
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed ANTH30004 Anthropology of Kinship and Family are not permitted to enrol in this subject
Recommended background knowledge
Knowledge gained in completing any one (12.5 points) of the following subjects:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ANTH10001 | Anthropology: Studying Self and Other | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANTH20001 | Keeping the Body in Mind | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANTH20007 | Working with Value | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANTH20012 | Self, Culture and Society | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANTH20006 | Culture Change and Protest Movements | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
ANTH20008 | Anthropology of Gender and Sexuality | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ANTH20011 | Ethnic Nationalism and the Modern World | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SOTH20002 | Classical Sociological Theory | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SOTH20003 | Social Theory and Political Analysis | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
ANTH20012 | Self, Culture and Society | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A research essay
| During the teaching period | 50% |
A research essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Gender Studies Major Anthropology Specialisation (formal) Anthropology Specialisation (formal) Anthropology Breadth Track Anthropology - self and society - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 19 March 2024