ANTH2050 Themes in Anthropology I

Topics

The details for the course, Themes in Anthropology I (ANTH2050), apply to all of the following topics. Specific descriptions for Syllabus and Proposed Assessment that apply to each topic are detailed below.

Visual Anthropology in a Digital World

Syllabus

ANTH2050 Visual Anthropology in a Digital World

Interested in learning how to apply an ethnographer’s eye using a digital camcorder, digital camera or mobile phone? Want to apply the methods of anthropology to visual materials? Want to hone your critical visual literacy skills? Like the idea of submitting something other than an essay for assessment? In this new undergraduate course we introduce the practice and critical scholarship of visual anthropology, encouraging students to take familiar technologies and turn them into research tools. The course is designed to give students a solid grounding in visual techniques used in anthropological research, such as observational filmmaking, as well as a broad overview of the range of issues associated with using visual methods in social research.

In order to be eligible to enrol in this course you must be able to supply and have a sound knowledge of your own equipment:

• digital video camera (SD or HD), digital still camera, or mobile phone with video capture

• laptop with basic editing software: Apple I-movie; Windows Moviemaker; Adobe Photoshop Album; or FinalCut Pro.

Indicative Assessment

Proposed assessment:

The “Single Shot”: one observational shot (20%); “Representing the Other”: a video-based portrait (30%); 2,500 word research essay (30%); in-class presentations and participation (20%)