ANTH 260 - Current Themes in Anthropological Theory and Method

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

The focus is upon particular cultural sub-systems and their study in cross-cultural perspective. The sub-system selected varies from year to year. Examples include: kinship systems, political organizations, religious beliefs and practices, verbal and nonverbal communication.

May be repeated for credit if the topic has changed.

Topic for 2024/25a: Participatory Action Research. In this course, we learn about, and engage in, participatory action research (PAR) methods. Using Vassar College as a case study, students generate knowledge about institutional history and practice in order to promote cultural and organizational awareness and deeper understanding of practices that promote, or work against, a sense of inclusion and belonging among students on campus. Students teams select a topic of research to pursue throughout the semester, and go through the process of insight gathering, social analysis, and textual and oral representations of your observations and findings. The overarching aim is for students to gain a critical perspective on how to conduct PAR on social organizations, the knowledge of which can inform how scholars link research to action. Topics include historical and contemporary institutional practices, research ethics, and social science methodologies. Candice Lowe Swift.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS