Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Anthropologists working among diverse communities have had to take into account the different ways in which people's identities, cultural practices, and sources of livelihoods have been increasingly shaped by global changes and inter-ethnic conflicts. This unit examines the impact of cultures upon each other, in particular, due to the development and spread of capitalism, colonialism, nationalism and globalisation. The focus will involve looking at the social transformation of societies, cultures and identities as ongoing processes in light of these forces of modernity.

Objectives

Students in this course can expect to:

1. formulate and critically evaluate concepts for understanding the experiences of modernity;

2. understand the relevance of anthropology to seeking solutions to such problems as racism, inter-ethnic

3. gain a comparative understanding of processes of socio-cultural change in other societies;

4. develop the critical and expressive skills required to write clear, coherent and original responses to various questions posed through exercises and essays.

Assessment

Tutorial Work (2000 words): 40%
Essay (2000 words): 40%
1 hour exam (500 words): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Max Richter

Contact hours

3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Anthropology