Course Description

Course Name

The Challenge of Culture

Session: VCPF3123

Hours & Credits

30 Host University Units

Prerequisites & Language Level

Two of AXL2402F/S (was SAN2015F/S), AXL2404S (was SAN2017S), AXL2403S (was SAN2024S), AXL2401F/S (was SAN2026F/S), AXL3401F (was SAN3015F); or by permission of the Head of Section. Semester Study Abroad students must be able to demonstrate understanding of the principles of the comparative approach of Social Cultural Anthropology, including Cultural Relativism and its limitations.

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

Third year, first semester course, five lectures per week.

Theories of culture and their historical evolution as they pertain to the development of Anthropology and the epistemology of its contemporary perspectives, including post-modern approaches and critiques thereof. The course uses a range of ethnographic examples, drawn comparatively from around the world to demonstrate how theory has been applied. It includes atleast one small field research project/exercise.

DP requirements: All essays, assignments and projects, plus a satisfactory tutorial attendance.

Assessment: Continuous assessment (essays, projects, class tests) counts 50%; one three-hour examination counts 50%, provided a sub-minimum mark of 50% is attained for the examination and that at least half the examination questions required to be answered have been awarded marks of 50% or more.

Re-examination: Students will be entitled to re-examination in the period directly after the examination if they have attained a raw overall aggregate of at least 50% for the course but have failed to meet the requirement for the examination and have achieved at least 48% for sub-minimum the examination.

*Course content subject to change