Anthropology
Anthropology through films: Ethnographic Films and Beyond
Module code: L6102
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Film, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework
In this module, you are introduced to the discipline of anthropology through the medium of film from the early twentieth century to the present-day.
You gain an overview of the discipline and its history through film, and addresses some of the central concerns of social and cultural anthropology, including:
- fieldwork and ethnography
- sameness and difference
- religion and ritual
- kinship
- gender
- race/ethnicity
- migration
- globalisation.
You become acquainted with different regional contexts and central theoretical debates in the discipline, through a selection of ethnographic films - produced in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, Canada, Bali, Papua New Guinea, India, Britain, France and along the migratory routes from Afghanistan to Turkey.
In this module, you produce a short film as part of group work, as well as undertaking a written assignment.
Module learning outcomes
- Have an understanding of the practice of ethnography and how different theoretical perspectives can influence styles of filmmaking.
- Display a broad knowledge of anthropological themes and different regional contexts introduced through the medium of film.
- View and analyse ethnographic films with an appropriate degree of critical awareness and with reference to the film and anthropological literature.