HYM4950 - Hidden Transcripts: Cultural Approaches to the Past

Leader: Jane Drakard

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit examines new approaches in anthropology and history, specifically the development of 'ethnohistory', a theoretical perspective and growing body of work which attempt to understand the past through culture. This includes investigating the ways in which culturally oriented reading strategies have been used to uncover the 'hidden transcripts' encoded in texts, rituals and events. Particular emphasis will be placed on the way these strategies might be applied in the preparation of honours dissertations.

Objectives

This subject examines methodological approaches in anthropology and history and looks at the ways in which culturally oriented reading strategies have been used to uncover the 'hidden transcripts' encoded in texts, rituals and events. Students are expected to:

1. Think carefully about the relationship between anthropology and history and the nature and implications of attempts to work within and between these two disciplines.
2. Consider the concept of 'culture' and its uses as a tool for historical investigation.
3. Relate their reading to a set of general questions about what historians do, including the nature of historical evidence and the conclusions that may be drawn from it.

Assessment

Essay (5000 words): 60%
Additional essay (2000 words): 20%
Examination (2 hours): 20%

Contact hours

2 hour seminar per week

Prohibitions

HSY4950, HYM5950