AN101 One Unit
A History of Anthropological Theory
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Andrea Pia
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BA in Anthropology and Law, BA in Social Anthropology and BSc in Social Anthropology. This course is available on the BSc in Politics, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is freely available to General Course students. It does not require permission.
Course content
This course discusses important aspects of anthropological theory in relation to ethnographic research. It covers the development of anthropological thought from the second half of the 19th century to today. Anthropology is situated within its context, including the social conditions of scholarship, as well as the histories of empires, nation-states, and capitalism. The course is intended to give students a sound grasp of central theoretical concepts and of their significance for empirical research.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
The contact hours listed above are the minimum expected.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words)
Essay (1500 words)
Students are expected to prepare discussion material for presentation in the classes.
All students have the opportunity to submit one formative essay of up to 1500 words in the Autumn Term and one formative essay of up to 1500 words in the Winter Term.
Students based in the Department of Anthropology will be informed of their submission deadline by their academic mentor early in term. These students will receive feedback on their formative essays from their academic mentor.
Students based outside the Department of Anthropology will be informed of their submission deadline by email by the end of Week 3 of term. These students will receive feedback on their formative essays from the course teacher.
Indicative reading
Alan Barnard, History and Theory in Anthropology;
Matthew Engelke, Think Like an Anthropologist;
Adam Kuper, Anthropology and Anthropologists;
George W. Stocking, Observers Observed: Essays on Ethnographic Fieldwork.
Detailed reading lists are provided at the beginning of the course.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 180 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Anthropology
Course Study Period: Autumn and Winter Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 4
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 69
Average class size 2024/25: 14
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.