Skip to main content

ANT1001 Culture and Society

Level 1
Semester 1
Dr Graham McFarlane

This module introduces students to social anthropology through a consideration of the principles which underlie aspects of family life, kinship, sexuality and gender relations, as well as  gaining a livelihood, in different parts of our complex world. Topics covered include: folk theories of reproduction and kinship systems; the impact of modern assisted conception techniques on kinship systems in ‘the west’; how sex, sexuality and gender are culturally constructed; why societies tend to avoid incest; food and social identification; the social consequences of food shortage; the social consequences of tourism, including sex tourism; and how anthropology can contribute to debates about such issues as ‘development’, warfare and other public policies and engagements ‘at home’ and abroad.

The  module will demonstrate that the defining features of anthropology are the diversity and richness of its subject matter, its theories and methods centred on ‘ethnographic’ research (backed up with a promiscuous blend of other research techniques), and its comparative scope

Teaching: 4 hours - 2 lectures and 1 tutorial/workshop per week. In addition there will be a one hour film screening each week.
    
Assessment:  Examination (65%), tutorial attendance and participation (10%) and 2000-word Assessed Essay  (25%)