Keeping the Body in Mind (ANTH20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject introduces a wide range of anthropological interests in the human body from a comparative ethnographic perspective. It explores topics such as body image and eating disorders, trans/gendered bodies, sporting/dancing bodies, body modifications, consciousness and the body/mind continuum, commodified bodies, disabled bodies and body healing. We will investigate how the human body is individually and culturally constructed and socially experienced through a critical examination of a range of ethnographic and theoretical literature, as well as through the student's own bodily experiences and their exploratory field research.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:

 

  • Appreciate how a critical comparative perspective and a tradition of ethnographic enquiry can inform developments in theories of the body.
  • Articulate an understanding of a range of debates on the relations between bodies, minds, and the social, cultural and physical environments in which they circulate.
  • Be able to communicate effectively in a variety of written and oral formats.
  • Work reflexively and independently to appreciate the huge diversity of bodies in the world as well as a large (and sometimes challenging) range of beliefs, ideas and experiences people have with bodies and their parts.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Level 1 Anthropology or Development Studies

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ANTH10001 Anthropology: Studying Self and Other
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
DEVT10001 The Developing World
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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A report

  • 1500 words
During the teaching period40%

An essay

  • 2500 words
During the examination period60%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend one 4 hour interactive body practice workshop and 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.During the teaching periodN/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: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorsCynthia Sear and Tamara Kohn
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursA two hour interactive lecture or panel presentation/discussion with visitors and a one hour tutorial per week. The interactive lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester. A 4 hour interactive body practice workshop on a selected topic is also required.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    tkohn@unimelb.edu.au

    cynthia.sear@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025