This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
This advanced module explores in depth critical topics in the interface of the Anthropology of Contemporary Politics and the Anthropology of Environmental Movements. The module is designed to be team-taught by various members of staff with expertise in Political and Environmental Anthropology. The lectures of the modules will provide a foundation in core concepts and theories that facilitate the analysis of contemporary political and environmental debates. Indicative topics include ethnic conflicts and post-conflict recovery, urban protest, Brexit, climate change activism, debates about resource sustainability, and the local repercussions of the environmental crisis. The topics covered will also provide in depth anthropological case studies from timely anthropological research, including research-led teaching.
18
Spring Term
Essay 1 - 1500 words (50%)
Essay 2 - 1500 words (50%)
Kapferer, B. and Theodossopoulos, D. 2018. Democracy's Paradox: Populism and is Contemporary Crisis. London: Berghahn.
Ton Salman. 2017. 'Anthropology and the Study of Social Movements.' In C. Roggeband and B. Klandermans (eds) Handbook of Social Movements Across Disciplines. Cham: Springer.
Gupta, A. 2012. Red Tape: Bureaucracy, Structural Violence and Poverty in India. Durham; London: Duke University Press.
Bovensiepen, J. and Nygaard-Christensen, M. 2018. 'Petroleum Planning as State Building in Timor-Leste'. In Bovensiepen, J. M. and Nyg eds. Megaprojects and National Development Models in Timor-Leste 19:412-431.
Farmer, Paul. 2003. Pathologies of Power. Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. Berkeley, Los Angeles and London: University of California Press.
Biner, Z. (2019). States of Dispossession: Violence and Materiality in Southeastern Turkey. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Pina-Cabral, J. (2018). Familial Persons in Dark Times. Social Anthropology [Online] 26:376-390.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Use anthropological theories and perspectives to understand complex issues such as the roots and consequences of political and environmental crisis.
2. Interpret key texts and empirical case studies in the anthropology of political and environmental crisis in a manner that reflect a a critical awareness of current theories and debates
3. Critically apply advanced anthropological theories and perspectives in the presentation of information and argument.
4. Devise questions for research and study which reflect originality in the application of knowledge, as well as a practical understanding of how established anthropological techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
5. Perceive the way in which cultural assumptions may affect the opinions of others and oneself.
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