ASIA 360 - Problems in Cultural Analysis

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Covers a variety of current issues in modern anthropology in terms of ongoing discussion among scholars of diverse opinions rather than a rigid body of fact and theory.

May be repeated for credit if topic has changed.

Topic for 2023/24a: Decolonizing Rituals. (Same as ANTH 360 ) Focusing on political rituals of the decolonization era, this course examines the power of symbols in shaping world history. While referring to classic works on ritual, the course draws its theoretical questions from scholarship on ritual and agency (with special attention to the anthropology of new rituals) and from scholarship on decolonization and the nation-state. Following a section on colonial rituals, the course considers six kinds of decolonizing rituals: anti-colonial rituals, independence and national rituals, end of empire rituals, rituals of global governance, rituals of rights struggles (for example activist rituals and NGO rituals) and rituals of emerging world powers ( for example corporate and anti-corporate rituals and state rituals). The course thus also includes study of specific histories of colonialism and postcoloniality, particularly in East, South and Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the island Pacific. It comparatively considers transformations in the former British empire generally, and also considers new and emerging rituals of global scope. Students may address areas and decolonizing ritual histories of special interest to them through research papers and group class presentations. Martha Kaplan.

Prerequisite(s): Previous coursework in Asian Studies, Anthropology, or permission of the instructor. Interested juniors and seniors from many majors are welcome.

One 3-hour period.

Course Format: CLS