Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
offered by Oxford University

Public University
1 Campus
Estd. 1096

Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
at
Oxford University
Overview

Develop the ability to discuss and debate issues of anthropological significance in a critical but sensitive manner

Duration	10 weeks
Total fee	₹26,500
Mode of learning	Online
Course Level	UG Certificate

Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
at
Oxford University
Highlights

Earn a certificate of completion from Oxford university

Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
at
Oxford University
Course details

What are the course deliverables?

An overview of the key fields of research in social anthropology
An overview of the historical development of social anthropology, and an awareness of how anthropology related to contemporary society
An overview of key theoretical trajectories in social anthropology
An overview of the primary methods of anthropological research (ethnography)
The strengths and limitations of anthropological research
Develop the ability to think 'anthropologically': making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange
Develop critical thinking skills
Develop the ability to analyse ethnographic data

More about this course

This course provides an exciting and dynamic introduction to the world of social anthropology
In brief, social anthropology is the study of how humans give meaning to the world through different social norms, values, practices and means of organisation
Through critical, sensitive debate and analysis, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to see the world in an anthropological way to make the strange familiar, and the familiar strange
Over the duration of the course, students will explore a wide range of topics spanning many of the key themes of research in social anthropology
This course aims to introduce students to the discipline of social anthropology, presenting key themes, theoretical debates, the historical development of the discipline, and ongoing questions of anthropological inquiry that remain crucial to our understanding of contemporary culture and society

Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
at
Oxford University
Curriculum

An introduction to social anthropology: key concepts

Culture, society, identity

Your culture, your society

Dealing with difference

Evaluating human developments and differences

Representation and derivation: anthropology of whom, from where, and why?

Kinship: given, or made?

Understanding kinship: an introduction to key ideas and terminology

Kinship diagrams: exploring your kinship

Case studies: Australia and the UK

Wombs for rent and dead sperm: New reproductive technologies and kinship in the twenty-first century

Witchcraft, religion and science: making sense of the world

Witchcraft and rationality: how do we make sense of misfortune?

Scientific rationality and the rationality of witchcraft

Case study: The Azande

Structural functionalism: What is the social function of witchcraft in Azande society?

Reflecting on your worldview

Gift exchange: is there such a thing as a free gift?

Gift giving in your culture

Understanding the structure of gift exchange

Case study: Malinowski and the kula ring of the Trobriand Islands

Analysing your own circles of gift exchange

Ritual and rites of passage: defining social status

Ritual and rites of passage: defining the terms

Understanding ritual

Circumcision, rites of manhood and coming of age

Anthropological theories for understanding ritual: structural functionalism, symbolism and the case study of the Ndembu

Analysing your own rites of passage

Political anthropology: power, authority and patterns of social organisation

Understanding the politics of your society

Anthropological perspectives of power and political organisation

Case studies: The Nuer and Melanesia

Case studies: The Nuer in the present

Build-your-own political structure

Humans and the environment: the anthropology of landscape

An ethnographic view of landscape

Nature and culture: the environment from an anthropological perspective

Multiple meanings of landscape

Anthropocentricity and consuming the landscape

Individual experiences of landscape

Personhood: what defines the category 'person'?

What makes a person?

Understanding personhood

Case study: The Gahuku Gama

Personhood and human rights: forum debate

Sex and gender: biology, identity and society

Markers of gender: the 'female-form

Feminist anthropology and the anthropology of gender

Case study: Third genders

Discussion: is biological sex also socially constructed?

The female form -revisited

Ethnicity and globalisation: understanding hyperdiversity

Globalisation and ethnicity: defining the terms

Understanding ethnicity and globalisation

Does globalisation make ethnicity more or less important?

Globalisation: social implications

Reflections on the course

Social Anthropology: An Introduction (Online)
at
Oxford University
Faculty details

Dr John Loewenthal

Dr John Loewenthal is a social anthropologist working in the fields of education and youth studies. His research explores what young adults want to do with their lives and how such ideas are produced, negotiated, and revised over time.

Dr Alejandro Reig

Alejandro Reig (DPhil, MPhil in Social Anthropology: Oxford 2014, 2006; Philosophy BA Universidad Central de Venezuela 1989) is a researcher, teacher, consultant and applied researcher focused on Society-Environment interactions, from the perspectives of Social and Environmental Anthropology.