Overview:
This paper is designed to introduce students to the theory and methods characteristic of social anthropology, supplement their understanding of the discipline as a whole and assist in the design of the projects they will undertake for their dissertation. It is unassessed, but attendance at lectures and seminars, along with relevant preparation, will be essential to excelling in the other papers.
The lecture series ‘Anthropological Modes of Enquiry’ introduces students to some of the ways that social anthropology has theorised society and outlines the distinctive analytical moves the discipline continues to make. It seeks to draw attention to what has unified anthropological thought, regardless of theoretical paradigm. It is therefore envisioned as a description of the ‘stakes’ of the discipline and designed to offer students a foundation from which to approach their other papers.
The SAN3 lectures ‘Schools and Styles of Anthropological Theory’ give a comprehensive overview of the most influential theoretical approaches throughout social anthropology’s history. Students are encouraged to incorporate material from this course into their essays, supervisions and dissertation.
The Research Design Workshops are a series of seminars in which students will be instructed on the key methodologies employed by social anthropology. Topics will include interview technique, note taking, ethics, risk assessment and other essential skills. Students will be asked to employ these methods for short tasks in advance of the seminars.
The MPhil Dissertation Workshop, running in June, is an opportunity for students to present their dissertation research to the Department as a whole. It will be held early in the ‘writing up’ process, and so will provide an invaluable impetus to bringing research ideas into a more tangible form.
Anthropological Lives explores the lives of anthropologists who made striking and distinctive career decisions and/or unexpected use of their anthropological material.