ANTH 460 - Meaning in a Material World

Description:
This course will introduce students to theoretical concepts within the anthropology of material culture that will enable them to develop critical analyses of objects. Course will be offered on odd numbered years (Spring Quarter).

Credits: (4)

Learner Outcomes, Activities and Assessments

Learning Outcomes	Activities	Assessments
Recognize and describe key theoretical concepts within the anthropology of material culture that help us understand objects as imbued with social, cultural, political, and economic meanings.	When given a material culture analysis, students will be able to recognize and describe the structure of its theoretical framework.	Reading reflections essays, seminar participation
Apply material culture theories to objects encountered in everyday life.	Students will choose an object, category of objects or collection of objects and will write a descriptive and analytical account that applies material culture theory.	Object ethnography #1 (essay)
Compare and contrast social, cultural, political, and economic perspectives of material culture.	When provided research on material culture, students will distinguish between social, cultural, political, and economic perspectives of material culture.	Reading reflections essays, seminar participation
Assemble a theoretical framework for understanding a category or collection of objects.	Students will develop a theoretical framework for understanding a collection or category of objects.	Object ethnography #2 (essay)
Critique an analysis of material culture.	Students will provide critical feedback to peer analyses of material culture.	Peer reviews of object ethnographies