Regional Studies of Culture: 2

SOAN10352 Regional Studies of Culture: 2 20 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 1 Julia Perczel Unit coordinator Sebastien Bachelet Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' First part HE study/Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 10.0 This course is an introduction to the anthropology of two selected ethnographic regions. It comprises two consecutive sections, each consisting five lectures plus guided reading and dealing with a particular region.    Region 1 -  Contemporary Middle East (Dr Michelle Obeid)This section of the course is designed to critically interrogate some of the longstanding stereotypical images and representations of the Middle East region, with a specific focus on Arab-majority societies. The course relies on comparative anthropological approaches to examine contemporary issues that emerge in everyday life and that shed light on what it means to live in or be connected to this ever-changing region. The sessions will weave together themes that explore the concept of ‘modernity’ in its specific cultural contexts, not least by challenging the enduring dichotomy of ‘tradition and modernity’. We will explore changing gender relations and emergent moralities by exploring women’s relationship to Islam and transforming masculinities in different contexts. The course will also explore the ways that people from the Middle East have experienced displacement, particularly through the ‘refugee crisis’ in Europe. By focusing on ethnographic approaches, the course aims to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the heterogeneity of the region and the diversity of its peoples.Region 2 - Native North America (Dr Sonja Dobroski)In this section of the course, we turn to the Anthropology of Native North America with a special focus on material and visual culture. Anthropologists have historically held a contentious relationship with Native American people as the work of Anthropology has been implicated in the erosion of tribal sovereignty through its entanglement with colonial political agendas. The course examines the history of this engagement and its intersections with Indigenous ways of knowing surrounding notions of temporality, territory, community, and kinship. Through an examination of the art and material culture of Indigenous people(s) the course aims to reimagine earlier anthropological works within Indigenous pasts, presents, and futures. Aims for Regional Studies of Culture•       Students will gain an overview of the anthropological studies of each region from historical and contemporary perspectives.•       Students will understand the key themes and theories that have shaped a regional study.•       Students will learn to read ethnographic texts critically, and develop the skill of close reading and analysis of anthropological texts.•       Students will be able to recognize the anthropological arguments developed from comparisons between different studies and different cultures, and why they matter in wider anthropology.•       Students will develop skills in writing analytical and well-structured answers to essay questions. Lectures and Weekly Tutorials 0 Other 100% <ul><li>Final 1,500 word essay (75%);</li><li>4 x 250 word writing tasks (25%);</li></ul> Personalised electronic feedback SOAN10322 Intro to Ethnographic Reading Co-Requisite Compulsory SOAN10321 Key Ideas in Social Anthropology Co-Requisite Compulsory SOAN10352 requirements N There will be weekly discussions of required readings in tutorials.    Lectures 20 Tutorials 10 0 170 Information Length of Course: 12 weeks over one semester