SOAN 296 | Anthropological Theory

Anthropological theory sees the world through a disciplinary lens that focuses on culture -- shared understandings -- while looking broadly and holistically at the human condition across a broad range of times and places. This course invites students to "think anthropologically" as they become familiar with the various lines of thought that have characterized anthropology since its earliest days to the present. In addition, students learn to grapple theoretically with contemporary problems and articulate their thoughts on them in terms of relevant anthropological theorists. The course involves heavy reading demands and is conducted seminar style with students expected to lead and contribute to class discussions on a daily basis.