ATS1255 - Encountering cultures: Introduction to anthropology 1 - 2017

Anthropologists seek understanding of how differences shape the world. They look beyond everyday explanations for realities of life and culture, and use their perceptions to create better futures for humans and their collectives. Students will explore case studies in: globalisation, mobility, poverty, development, environmental change, resistance, indigeneity, technology and online worlds, gender and sexuality, sex and reproduction, magic, spirituality and religion. Through these, students will be introduced to key concepts of ethnography and anthropology.

Students in the unit can expect to:

1. formulate and critically evaluate concepts for understanding difference;
2. develop awareness of how culture and difference are significant in the development of solutions for problems affecting individuals, collectives and their environments;
3. gain a grasp of anthropological concepts and methods;
4. develop the critical and expressive skills required to write clear, coherent and original responses to various questions posed through exercises and essays.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Narelle Warren

Anthropology