Course syllabus

 

ANTHRO 352:  Special Topic: Applied Anthropology

SEMESTER TWO, 2019

15 points

 

Well-Being Always Comes First We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there. For more information, look at this Canvas page, which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.

Contacts

Teacher:

Dr Alex Pavlotski:

HSB 810
alex.pavlotski@auckland.ac.nz:
+64 9 923 4652
Consultation time:

Course Co-ordinator:

Dr Mark Busse

HSB 848
m.busse@auckland.ac.nz
+64 9 923 5162

Class Representatives:

To be announced

 

Course Delivery

Two Hour Lecture
Date/Time: Friday, 1 - 3pm
Location: CaseRoom3 260-055
One Hour Tutorial
Date/Time: Wednesday 11 - 12pm
Location: 201E-704

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 

Course Description 

The basic toolkit of anthropology is comprised of research methodologies, critical and reflexive thinking, interview and observational skills and a holistic worldview. As we learn these skills become inherent, part of the way we see the world. One doesn’t learn anthropology, when done right, one becomes and anthropologist.

Because this process is gradual and transformative the skills described above can be easy to take for granted. For many undergraduate students, anthropology can appear to be highly theoretical or exotic. However, the skills anthropology teaches have many practical applications.

This paper will examine how Anthropology has been used in interventions that effect people’s lives, and how Anthropology has contributed to public policy and public discourse. It will consider ethical methodological and theoretical complexities of Anthropology’s engagement in development and advocacy. Finally, it will consider how anthropologists fit into the bigger picture of transnational governmentality, policy and economy.

The course is split into three sections: research, design and interact. The first is about ethnographic methodology. The second is about creative application of these methods. The third is about the critical and ethical complexity of big projects.

 

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the course, students are expected to:

• demonstrate an understanding of basic perspectives, concepts and questions in applied anthropology, and their relevance to understanding everyday life;
• show an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in applied anthropology;
• demonstrate an ability to find, evaluate and use sources of information that are relevant to applied anthropology;
• demonstrate that they can write an essay that draws on sources of information that are relevant to applied anthropology; and
• demonstrate general reading and writing skills at an appropriate level.

 

Assessment Summary

Observation Report and Map (1000 words, 20% of total grade)

Select a public location you pass by often (one or more a week is ideal). Make sure it has a good level of human traffic. Observe the differences in how this place is used at each visit. Map this location and make notes on its use. Present a report in which you point out points of interest like flow of traffic, places of congregation, socially significant markers, differences in use, etc.  Make an anthropological statement about the social expectations that influence behaviour in this place.

Assess and Design (2000 words, 35% of total grade)

Write a two thousand word essay that does the following: Describe a location that holds significant cultural meaning. This meaning might have been intended (as with art) or acquired (like the site of a mojor event). This can be a local spot (a local cafe), a digital space or a prominent international case study (e.g. The Eiffel Tower). Drawing on anthropological sources explain what makes this location culturally significant. What message does this location broadcast? How does this influence behavior?
Drawing on anthropological theories and methods design a space (real or digital) based on the case study you offered that might serve as a hub for a community. It might be an arcade, a public park, a web forum, a social media profile. Describe your target group, how will you a create a space that might facilitate the growth of that community? 

Research Essay (3000 words, 40% of total grade)

Find a case study of rapid social transformation. This might be a historical moment, a 'disruptive' technology or a cultural/ideological transformation.  Use anthropological theory to analyse this event. Consider its material and ethical implications. Bring in a cross-cultural case study to test your analysis. 

Participation (5%)
Participation will be assessed on engagement with Canvas (yes, we can see that data), tutorial discussion and engagement, and timely assessment submissions and the level of communication with teacher (consultation, updates and email contact). 

Extensions can be secured with good reason and/or medical documentation. If you feel like circumstances are getting in the way of coursework come and have a chat. Good planning is appreciated. Last second extensions without documentation will not be given. 

A late penalty of 3% per day will be applied to all submissions handed in after the due date without approved extensions. 

All assessments are to be submitted via turnitin.

Weekly topics 

Week One: Introduction to applied anthropology
 - Part one - Research -
Week Two: Ethnographic Method
Week Three: Space and the social aesthetic
Week Four: Visual Methods
Week Five: Participant Ethnography

 - Part Two - Design -
Week Six: The Digital
Week Seven: Anthropology at War 
Week Eight:  Cancelled due to protest action

 - Part Three Interact - Readings:
Week Nine: Business and Institutions
Week Ten: Indigeneity and heritage
Week Eleven: Activism and imagining alternatives
Week Twelve: Closing

Disabled Students

Please let me know early in the course of any difficulties you may have or assistance I may reasonably render. Information about Disabilities Services can be found here:https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/student-support/personal-support/students-with-disabilities.html. They can be contacted via: disability@auckland.ac.nz.

Workload:

The expected workload commitment for a 15-pt course is approximately 10 hours/week throughout the semester, inclusive of classes and study break. You should therefore be dedicating about seven hours/week, independently of face-to-face classes, to reading, preparing for assignments and revising your notes. This course is predicated on this workload.

Course Non-Completion; Coursework Non-Submission

Occasionally things just don’t work out. In such cases, it maybe possible to apply for aegrotat consideration for individual pieces of coursework, provided you have solid grounds for which you can provide evidence to the university: https://uoa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2716/p/212;213/kw/Aegrotat%20and%20compassionate%20consideration%20for%20exams (Links to an external site). Links to an external site. This seems to largely apply to tests and exams, but I have occasionally seen cases in which it has been presented for other coursework. Or, if you find yourself unable to remain in the course after the two-week deadline for amending enrolment and have solid reasons for this, you may be eligible for a late deletion: https://uoa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1464 (Links to an external site). Links to an external site. I can sometimes help with this for students who have kept in touch with me during the course.

Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:          

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details