James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

AN4006 - Anthropological Theory

Available only to students admitted to the BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons).

Subject Description

A lecture program and directed reading seminar on anthropological theory. Students are required to undertake intensive reading and discussion of key concepts in anthropological thinking and the nature of anthropological knowledge. We explore the ideas of scholars who have been influential in the history of anthropological theory, by focusing on the theoretical perspectives informing a number of classic ethnographic studies. We consider how these different perspectives provide complementary, or competing interpretations of social and cultural processes among particular peoples. An important aim of the subject is to guide students towards recognising and developing their own theoretical frameworks for their thesis projects.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire the skills required to engage in research associated with higher degree research projects
• cultivate a critical understanding of key debates in areas of research theory and/or methodology
• demonstrate knowledge of the nature of anthropological thought and the history of ideas in the discipline

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Presentations - (50%)
• Non-Invigilated > Essays - (50%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  AN4001, AN4002, AN4003, AN4004, AN4005

Availabilities