¹û¶³Ó°Ôº

This module provides an introduction to the study of how other societies are organised and how they have been studied by anthropologists.

Archaeological interpretation increasingly involves the use of ideas from anthropology because this discipline provides an insight into how people live their lives in other cultures.

The topics covered include

• kinship, marriage and sexuality, and
• the political and economic organisation of traditional societies.

There is much emphasis on the study of key anthropological texts, especially ethnographic accounts of other peoples. The module is taught through lectures and interactive tutorials. Emphasis is placed on the study of key anthropological texts, especially ethnographic accounts of other peoples.

Module Description

Social Anthropology is the comparative study of the ways in which people live in different social and cultural settings across the globe. Societies vary enormously in how they organise themselves, the cultural practices in which they engage, as well as in their religious, political and economic arrangements. This module will provide a general introduction to the main issues studied by social anthropology and explore their relevance to archaeologists. How do different societies classify the world and themselves? Are there any human universals? Where does nature end and culture begin? What is religion, ritual and beliefs (e.g., witchcraft, magic)? How ‘We/us’ relate to and interact with ‘Others’? How do people shape, and are shaped by, the material world around them?

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce the field of social anthropology and its relationship to archaeology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students should be:

1. Familiar with the major concepts and approaches to social anthropology;

2. Aware of contentious issues arising out of the anthropological study of the topics covered;

3. Able to engage critically with these topics and issues.

Ìý