Critical Anthropological Theory

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

PLEASE NOTE, THE AUGUST 2016 TEACHING AVAILABILITY IS CANCELLED.

170 hours

Anthropology at Levels 1 & 2

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

While ethnography as method is the most distinguishing feature of anthropology, ethnographic practice has always taken place in continual conversation with theory. Just as theoretical and philosophical considerations sometimes guide and generate particular ethnographic orientations and issues, sometimes ethnographic practices generate theoretical developments that have had repercussions well beyond anthropology. This subject explores various important moments in the ethnographic generation of theory that has occurred throughout the history of anthropology. It examines in some details the ethnographic texts where the theories were first developed.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Develop a critical appreciation of the way key theories have been generated through ethnographic practice;

• Acquire the capacity to capture and appreciate layers of theoretical depth while reading academic texts;

• Communicate complex theoretical ideas orally and in writing;

• Demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources.

• A summary of 1000 words (25%) due in the 2nd week of the intensive teaching period.
• A research essay of 3000 words (75%) due 3 weeks after the conclusion of the intensive teaching period.

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.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

A reading pack will be made available to students

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.