Anthropology of Latin America (L6096)
Current Themes in the Anthropology of Latin America
Module L6096
Module details for 2021/22.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
The aim of this module is to provide a framework for understanding current social, cultural and political issues in Latin American. Throughout the module we will engage with anthropological understandings of a number of key ideas including indigeneity, race, gender, colonialism, nation states and the environment. Each week will be centred on ethnographic pieces that offer interesting reflections on contemporary issues as well as anthropological theory.
We begin with a basic history of the continent that sets up some of the key issues that underpin the current cultural and social diversity of the region. This includes both the dichotomy between the European `conquerors' and indigenous groups, as well as the introduction of African slaves and notable distinctions based around urban and rural living and nation states and their peripheries. In doing this the emphasis is on including both European based understandings of events and ideas but also local, alternative understandings of the world, particularly in the form of Amazonian cosmology and ideas of perspectivism.
This cultural and historical knowledge then gives us the foundations from which to look at key contemporary issues including race and identity; rural to urban migration; cities, slums and current attempts to `pacify' and control them; music and festivals; the Latin American diaspora and the creation of transnational cultures and communities.
Throughout the course we emphasise the heterogeneity of Latin America while giving you some basic ideas and theoretical approaches to the continent and its people that will then allow you to find a topic or idea that interests you and that can form the core of your essay.
Module learning outcomes
To demonstrate an awareness of key themes in the anthropology of Latin America.
To locate such themes within wider anthropological theoretical discussions and debates.
To apply theoretical insights to historical and ethnographic accounts of the region.
To apply an anthropologically critical perspective to local, national and international, political, economic and social issues in the Americas.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Evan Killick
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/248956
Dr James McMurray
Assess convenor
/profiles/244445
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
/profiles/214700
Miss Susan Chater
Assess convenor
/profiles/336740
Miss Camila Supervielle
Assess convenor
/profiles/535431
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