Advanced anthropological theory

Description

Purpose Based on current issues of anthropology, a range of themes and theoretical debates of long-term significance for understanding the development and current discussions of anthropology are discussed. These debates and themes are placed in their general contexts within the social sciences and humanities, and are related to current issues. Through this process the student acquires insight into the mutual relationships and relevance of the various debates and themes, both theoretically and in relation to society. Academic objectives In the evaluation of the student’s performance, emphasis is placed on the extent to which the student is able to: Knowledge demonstrate knowledge of important current topics, issues and theoretical debates in anthropology based on leading international research in selected areas Skills relate anthropological theories and debates to theories and debates of other academic disciplines (e.g. philosophy, biology, sociology) master the use of key concepts of anthropology in the analysis of current anthropological issues clearly present a complex issue and discussion at a high academic level in writing Competences analyse, assess and reflect on anthropological debates and themes in the light of more general contexts of the humanities and social sciences independently construct an anthropological argument in a relevant and coherent manner Criteria for evaluating whether learning objectives have been achieved: In the evaluation of the exam performance, emphasis is placed on the extent to which the student is able to: independently identify a central debate/issue within the field, as well as identifying the positions occurring in relation to this debate (1, 2) construct a clear anthropological argument in relation to the chosen debate/issue (2, 6) place the chosen debate/issue in relation to fundamental discussions of the social sciences or the humanities, and able to discuss the particular contribution of anthropology (3, 6) explain and compare various anthropological approaches in the chosen issue, including identifying the strengths and limitations associated with these approaches (4)