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Department of Anthropology
Anthropology 200-010
Introduction to the History of Anthropological Theory
Fall 2009
Instructor: Dr. Donna Budani
Class Time: 11:15am-12:05pm
Classroom: 219 Smith Hall
Dr. Budani’s Office: Department of Anthropology, 138 Munroe Hall
Office Hours:
Web Page: http://www.udel.edu/anthro/budani
Voice Mail: 831-1859
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Why should I take a course in the History of Anthropological Theory? First, theories
structure anthropological inquiry and define what is important. Theories determine what
questions should be asked, what concepts are important and what are the best
explanations for the phenomenon under consideration. Theories provide the most
comprehensive way of knowing, understanding, and explaining the ways humankind
organize their living. Second, as anthropology majors it is important that you know the
history of theory in anthropology because you will learn the history of anthropology. You
need to understand the social and historical contexts in which theories came into
prominence and why they were replaced with other theories. In this course, we will
examine key ideas, thinkers and theoretical movements in British, American, and French,
anthropology from the mid 19th century to the present. The course takes as its starting
point the conviction that ideas are manifested by human actors within ever-broadening
circles of context (Stocking 1992: 115). Thus, the course places major theorists and their
foundational theories within a number of historical frameworks: a history of ideas,
schools of thought, and/or national tradition as well as within contemporaneous political
and cultural currents.
The aim of this course, following Richard Handler, is to discover “why at certain
moments, in certain contexts, one interpretation is seen as unimpeachable and super
in comparison to others which are dismissed or highly questioned” (p. 457). The
readings for this course include not only primary sources but also secondary sources that
will help us approach this question and give us a sense of a historical moment’s
“structure of feeling.” What are the research questions that have guided anthropological
inquiry since its beginning? What are the research questions that guide social cultural
research today? By focusing on the research questions, we will explore the history of
ideas and theories that inform contemporary practice of social cultural anthropology.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, students will be able
 To describe and evaluate the major theoretical perspectives in cultural
anthropology from the 19th century to the 21st century
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To formulate your own ideas about social cultural theory
To examine and debate the utility of theory in anthropology given some of the
premises of postmodernism.
PART I
INTRODUCTION
HOW TO MANAGE THE WORKLOAD OF THIS COURSE
Below I make a number of suggestions about reading, note taking and ways to organize
your work. I urge you to take these suggestions seriously for they will make your work in
this course easier to manage.
Once a week—most likely a Friday or Saturday—preview the syllabus for the upcoming
week to determine the amount of reading required. Count pages. Make a schedule of how
much reading you will do when and keep to that schedule. Keep in mind when making
your schedule that you will have a written assignment for each class meeting. Estimate
the time it will take you to prepare a typed Reading Critique. Make a schedule for your
time and keep to it.
The reading load for this course is heavy, though not impossible. However, I do expect
that at some point in the term you will be a little behind in the readings. Try the 75% rule:
read 75 % of the readings for any class and after class read the 25% that you did not read
for class. I am aware that you all have many demands on your time including other
course work, employment and family and personal obligations. If you find yourself
having trouble with keeping up with the reading assignments, and written work, come
and see me as soon as possible. We can work something out to ensure that you receive a
good grade in the course.
AIM OF THE COURSE
Here are some of the questions that the course attempts to answer: What are the theories
that underlie anthropological research through time? What are the strengths and
weaknesses of the various anthropological theories prominent in the past 150 years?
What did these anthropological theories attempt to explain? How did these
anthropological help us to know, understand and explain the ways humans organize their
living? What are the criticisms of these particular anthropological theories? Keep in mind
that you are reading ideas expressed in words, phrases and sentences that have a
particular meaning in a social historical context. Therefore, you should not assume that
any word or term you come across has the same meaning as it has today.
CAN YOU READ?
My question is serious. As most students, you are likely to be a passive readers—i.e., you
listen to the voice in your head which is telling you something. If you think what you
hear is important, you reach for a highlighter and turn the printed page into a yellow or
blue page. You need to be Active and Critical Readers to do well in this course. When
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you read, think of it as a conversation between you and the author. What are your
impressions of what you are reading? Always ask the question “WHY?” Ask yourself
what is it that the author is telling you about? Is it important? Why? Is this something I
should know? Annotate your text—write in the margins of your books and
photocopies or use post-it notes or keep a separate book for reading notes but do not
highlight the text. Highlighting a text is a passive activity. All you accomplish is
coloring the page. Before you reach for a highlight pen ask yourself: Is this section
important? Why? Then write about it in the margins. As with any conversation, you
will interrupt the author with questions and you want explanations. Write these kinds
of things in the margins and make them the basis of your reading critique. Ask
yourself what you know about the assigned reading/theorist. You will probably know
very little. Use this ignorance to devise a list of what you need for the author/theorist to
tell you in order for you to become informed. Above all, the rhythm
of reading should be read, annotate, reflect , annotate and begin again with read.
READING ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY
You read anthropological theoretical material in order to learn the main ideas of the
theoretical perspectives. Also, you read anthropological theory to be aware of the context
in which the theory rose to predominance. What are the main concepts of the particular
theoretical perspective? What problems did it solve? What were the key problems with
the theory? What are ethnographic examples of the theoretical perspective? Ultimately,
your purpose is to know and understand all the different theories that have shaped
anthropological research.
IS THEORY DIFFICULT TO READ?
You are reading material that ranges from 150 years ago to the present. There are a
number of different styles of writing, some more dense and difficult to read than others.
On the other hand, the more contemporary material is very easy to read and to
understand. I expect you to have problems understanding the readings. If you have
difficulty, say something about your difficulty—others in class probably are having the
same problem. I expect you to come to class prepared to acknowledge that you did not
understand the assigned readings. Do not to be concerned for if you have difficulties
understanding the readings because others in the class are also having difficulties. Simply
raise your hand and say, “I do not understand what Lewis Henry Morgan is talking
about!” An effective way to deal with difficult reading is to ask yourself pre-reading
questions so you know what to look for. What is the reading about? What are some of the
topics/subjects the author writes about? What are the main points of the reading? Why
was the reading assigned?
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Some of your readings are placed on reserve (traditional and electronic reserve) at Morris
Library, Reserve room. However, since I am restricted by copy right regulations as to
how much of a book I may put on reserve, I use an alternative method. I use a feature
found on the Google Search page under the category MORE. On Google’s Web engine
Page, you will find many features listed across the top of the page toward the left side of
your screen. Click on the “MORE” feature and scroll down to books. Click on books and
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you will find yourself in a very large library. When I want you to access a book found in
the Google “Library”, I tell you to go to Google book search page (accessed via the
MORE feature) and I give you the name of book that I want you to access. I will also tell
you the chapter or the section of the book I want you to read. It’s very easy to do but if
you have any questions, just send me an email. Be aware that all books accessible via the
book search engine on Google are not complete i.e., some pages are missing. Though
pages are missing, the number of missing pages is small and therefore your reading is still
worthwhile.
It helps to be somewhat familiar with a theorist before you begin to read his/her work.
I recommend that students do some Internet research on the theory/theorist/ theory before
you begin the assigned reading. It is often the case that biographical and background
research helps put the theorist and theory in perspective. For example, before we study
Social Evolution, you might do an Internet search (Google) on Lewis Henry Morgan and
Edward Tylor. Before we study American Culturalism, do an Internet search for Franz
Boas and Historical Particularism. Before we study British Social Anthropology, you
ought to do an Internet Google search on Bronislaw Malinowski, A.R. Radcliffe-Brown,
E. E. Evans-Pritchard to name a few British Social Anthropologist. I will give you the
names of the important anthropologist but you should also do research on key concepts
that we will study, such a “social structure” a meant by Radcliffe-Brown and “Culture” as
meant by Ruth Benedict and Clifford Geertz and Marvin Harris. I strongly suggest that
you use the web site listed below that has all the material about a particular theory and
theorist that will help you as you read about Anthropological Theory. Read this material
first before you read the assignment that introduces the theory because you will find it
helpful to know what to look for in the theory under study and why certain
anthropologists are notable. Also, feel free to do searches in the on line resource
encyclopedia which will give you a comprehensive view of both the theorist and theory.
Theory Internet Resources: Do a Google search on “Theory in Anthropology” or/and
“Anthropological Theory”. Look for the entry that says “Anthropological Theories: A
Guide by Students Prepared by Students” at
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm. You will find student summaries
for all the major theories we will study. This material may and should be used to help you
understand the basics of a particular theory. Book mark the page and read the essays
about the theories or print out the essays about the theories. Refer to this resource when
we study a particular theory. I advise that you read the informative essays first before
you do your reading assignment. Although a good reference, these summaries in no way
substitute for the reading assignment and your own critical thinking and reflection. I
suggest you either book mark the page or when we study a particular theory, print a copy
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PART II
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED BOOKS
1. Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory. Paul Erickson and Liam D.
Murphy, editors Second Edition
2. A History of Anthropological Theory. Paul Erickson and Liam D. Murphy, authors
Third Edition
Please note: I am aware that the cost of books for this class is excessively high. I urge
you to buy used books and search out used book stores (besides Amazon.com and Barnes
& Noble) on the Internet. Also, it is perfectly okay to buy the first edition of Erickson and
Murphy Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
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Written (Typed) Reading Critiques based on a selection of the assigned reading
due on MWF
In Class Annotated (handwritten) Reading Critiques at the end of class
Class Participation in Discussion
Two Take Home Exams
A one page two single spaced paragraph reflection on the course.
1. READING CRITIQUES VALUED AT 35 POINTS PER CRITIQUE
Reading Critiques are based on your reading notes for the assigned readings. Reading
Critiques are due in class every MWF. See course syllabus for specific assignments.
Reading Critiques are typed with one inch margin all around. Use no font larger than 12.
Place your name and the date in the upper left hand corner. Begin your reading critique
with a two to three sentence introduction which summarizes your reading critique. Use a
bullet point format. Bullet point paragraphs should be single spaced; skip two spaces
between bullet point’s paragraphs and then continue with your reading critique. Be sure
to identify by title and author the particular reading your are commenting about. The
length of a reading critique depends on how comprehensive your comments are. As a rule
of thumb, I think a reading critique should have no less than 4 bullet point paragraphs.
Keep in mind that Reading Critiques are valued at 35 points per each class so I have a
certain expectation that your reading critiques cover the readings, show critical reading of
the material and are a true reflection of your impressions of the readings. If your Reading
Critique is more than one page, on the second page be sure to insert your name and the
date in the top left corner of the page and staple the pages together. As a matter of policy
I do not accept work turned in late or sent to me via email. In a few—very few cases—
cases, I may make an exception. If you will not be in class due to illness, contact me as
soon as possible. If you are absent due to religious events or university affairs, turn in
your work the very next class session you attend. If you are experiencing a problem
keep current with reading and writing assignments, notify me as soon as possible
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CRITICAL READING
In order to write a a very good Reading Critique, you must first do a very thorough
critical reading of the assignment. To do a good critical—meaning analytical reading—I
advise you to read with questions in mind. Here are some questions as examples for you
to keep in mind while you read. For example, a question you might ask yourself while
reading or after you have read is what are the main point(s) in the assigned reading? What
theory is the reading associated with? What is the reading about? What is the theorist
attempting to explain? What are the topics and/or subjects the theorist discusses? Does
the theorist introduce any concepts in the assigned reading that you are unfamiliar with?
What are they? What do you think are some of the theorist’s key ideas? What do you not
understand? Does the author use words, terms, concepts you do not understand? What are
they? Does the theorist assume you understand the terms and concepts? Give an
example. Does the theorist offer any explanation of the terms and concepts? What
questions remain about the work after you have finished reading? What is your own
assessment of this theorist or/and her or his work? What does the theorist say that you
just do not understand? What are the impressions you formed about this theorist and
his/her ideas? Does the theorist provide important information about the social/historical
context? You do not have to address all these questions when reading. The questions
should serve as a guide for you when you read the assignment. The content of the
Reading Critique is based on your reading notes.
READING NOTES
Reading Notes are the source of your comments when you write your Reading Critique.
Reading Notes are primarily about the information and knowledge you gained as a result
of your doing the reading assignments. Keep the questions mentioned above and those
that follow in mind as you read and annotate your reading assignment. What were your
first impressions of what you read? Can you summarize the author’s main points in one
or two paragraphs? What did you understand and did you not understand? What words or
phrases or concepts did you not understand? What did you get out of the readings and
what do you need explained? Identify the specific subject/topics the author writes about.
What question(s) does the theorist ask? You might also want to think about how this
reading fits into the course. Why did I assign this reading at this point in the course?
What is the topic on the syllabus? How does this reading provide an answer or
information for this topic? What are some of the claims made by the author? What value
judgments does the author make? What values does the author assume readers will share?
What assumptions does theorists make that may be challenged. What constitutes evidence
in this reading? Know the author's arguments by finding them in, or constructing them
out of, sequences of sentences. Can you summarize the author’s main points in one
paragraph? What did you not understand? What do you need more information about?
After you have completed your reading, look over your notes and select what you think
are the most important comments, observations, and questions you want to include in
your Reading Critique. Try this because it really helps especially when the reading is
difficult
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2. IN-CLASS WRITING ANNOTATION OF READING CRITIQUES VALUE
15 POINTS PER READING NOTES
10 Minutes before the end of class, you will be given time to write as a means of moving
your thinking forwards. In other words, you may revise, expand, comment on, rethink, or
elaborate your ideas or ask new questions, based on class lecture discussion, on what you
originally wrote in your Reading Critique. These annotations are wide open and you may
focus on one particular idea or may synthesize a number of ideas. You should feel free to
write in response to any of the questions that were posed during the class, including
responding to the ones you have posed in your own reading report. You should also
amend your report by inserting information and/or comments. Turn in your Reading
Critique with annotations at the end of each class for grading. Total points for In-Class
annotation are 15 points. Total Points For Reading Critique and In-Class Writing is 50
points per class
3. CLASS DISCUSSION 200 P0INTS
I expect that students in this class come prepared to discuss the reading assignments. To
be prepared means that you have given the assignments a thorough and comprehensive
reading. Preparation also means that you have a Reading Critique; you are prepared to
discuss your Reading Critiques and you are prepared to identify any part of the assigned
readings that you did not understand. Class Discussion is a good time to raise questions
and comment on observations made by yourself and others in the class. Students must be
so thoroughly prepared for class that, if called upon, they can give a comprehensive
overview of their understanding of the reading assignment. On the other hand, if you are
confused about the material or have little understanding about the assignment, I expect
that you will say you need guidance as to how to understand the assignment. In either
case, students called upon should have a demanding and tough question to pose to the
class.
All students must be prepared to actively participate in discussion by listening carefully,
commenting on the responses of others and drawing others into the conversation. For
example, you may have a question about the material, even one as basic as “How am I to
understand what I read?” or, “I have read the assignment but I do not understand it. For
example, when x says y, what does he/she mean” “I have read the material and this is my
understanding: . . . My question is why would people believe such a thing?” Why is it
important for me to know this? “Why are anthropologist still concerned about this? “Are
they still concerned about this? I do not think I understand the relationship between the
social/historical contexts of this perspective. Can anybody explain it to me? Questions are
addressed to others in the class. For example, I understand x of what Tyler says do you
agree? Why? Thus, students must be prepared to pose and answer this sort of question.
It is a good idea to bring to class a short list of questions, your own or those
mentioned above. The questions need not be typed. Questions help students to be
fully engage in each class discussion. Take every opportunity to demonstrate your
knowledge of, and critical thinking about, all the articles assigned for a particular day.
Your participation grade will also be based on how carefully you listen and therefore
respond to others’ ideas. There are many ways to engage each other in discussion.
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Another way to participate is to pose a question about something you are not sure about
and address it to the class. Grades for class discussion are awarded on the basis of
frequency and quality of your participation, being prepared with Reading Critiques and
the degree the student engages others to participate.
3. TWO TAKE HOME EXAMS Total of 200 points
Two essay 1 or 2 question exams will be given during the course of the term. Essay
exams are take-home. Students will self select the one or two questions out of a possible
3/4 question. All exams must be typed. Instructions for each exam will be distributed in
class. See course schedule for dates that the exam will be distributed in class and the date
the exam is due in class.
4, BRIEF REFLECTION PAPER
A brief—two or three page double spaced—paper in which you reflect on the course and
what you have learned. The paper is due on the last day of the class.
PART III
MY POLICIES
ATTENDANCE AND LATE PAPERS, LATE READING CRITIQUE
AND LATE READING NOTES
Consistent consecutive attendance is required. Attendance will be taken regularly at each class session
and recorded per student for the class session. The material presented in lecture is not easily learned
from someone else's notes. To do well in this course, you will need to attend class regularly. Absences
due to prolonged illness, university affairs, religious observance or family obligations will be dealt with
on an individual basis. Please let me know as far ahead of time as possible if you are unable to attend
class. If you miss class without having obtained my permission, you will jeopardize your standing in the
course and may be asked to withdraw from it. If you are absent from class without my permission and
without good reason, you will suffer a penalty of 8 points deducted from your final grade per each
absence.
As stated elsewhere, as a matter of general practice, I do not accept late work. However, there are
times when, through no fault of your own or a situation beyond your control happens, you find yourself
unable to come to class or to complete an assignment. Here I refer to cases when you are unwell, have a
family or university affairs event, obligation to your family and others or unforeseen situations—your
car breaks down. In such cases, students should contact me immediately in order to obtain my
permission to hand in work past the due date. I tend not to give permission to submit work that is late
unless the student provides me with a very good reason. Keep in mind that my standards are very high.
If a student is sick, the student must provide me with a doctor’s note and/or copy of prescription given to
the student by his or her doctor.
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STUDENT CLASS PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
When I am evaluating your daily participation in the seminar, I ask the following
questions about individual participants:
 Is prepared having read and thought about reading assignment?
 Writes a good critique and poses questions that probe and explore the reading
assignment with rigor?
 Cite reasons and evidence for their statements?
 Listen to others respectfully
 Talk to each other about ideas and discoveries made while reading the
assignment?
 Ask for help to clear up confusion?
 Support each other? Questions other in a civil manner
 Listens to and builds on one another’s comments
 Moves conversation forward and brings others into conversation
REQUIRED READING ON ELECTRONIC AND TRADITIONAL
RESERVE Please note that on your course schedule where daily reading assignment
are listed there are some readings label On Electronic and Traditional Reserve. You are
responsible for these readings. I will give you the class code so that you will be able to
access readings electronically or if you want, the readings are available at the Reserve
Desk in Morris Library
CLASS BEGINS
Students are expected to arrive in class promptly. If there is a valid reason for lateness,
please speak to me as soon as possible. Repeated tardiness will result in a deduction of 40
points per occasion for repeated tardiness.
CLASS ETIQUETTE
The University is a place for adults. I expect that students will act accordingly.
 Turn off Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices before Class begins. If a phone rings during class, I
will answer the phone.
 Sitting in class doing work for another class or being otherwise engaged [sending or receiving text
messages] will result in an “F” for the class for that day.
 .Important matters, such as missing classes, must be discussed with me in person, either after class or
during office hours but NOT VIA EMAIL
 Once class begins, I expect your attention to be placed on lecture and class discussion Also; I expect all
socializing to cease and no speaking to each about matters that have nothing to do with class.
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PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism occurs when you take the words and ideas of another without giving credit to
the original author. Even if the paper uses original language but the ideas belong to
another, it is still plagiarism. If I find instances of plagiarism in your written material, you
will receive a failing grade. It is easy to avoid plagiarism: do your own work, use your
own words and give credit to the sources of your ideas whether that source is an author of
a book or article or any information you obtain from the Internet. Do a Google search to
find examples of criteria to apply to evaluate web based sources and apply the most
rigorous model you find.
EMAIL
I often send emails about class matters including assigned readings or changes made in
the syllabus. I will send emails to the class which will be forwarded to your individual
mailboxes. It is important that you check your email listing often.
Final Grades
35 points Per Reading Critique
15 points Per In Class annotation
200 points for Exams
200 points Class Discussion
100 points Refection Paper
A = 93% plus of the total
A- = 90% of the total
B+ = 87% of the total
B = 84% of the total
B- = 80% of the total
C+= 77% of the total
C = 74% of the total
C- = 70% of the total
D+ = 67% of the total
D = 64% of the total
D- = 60% of the total
F=59% or below failure
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*Course Schedule
Anthropology 200-010
Introduction to the History of Theory in Anthropology
Fall 2009
* Please note: This schedule of lectures, readings and exams is subject to change. If
for pedagogical reasons, I decide to change or amend any part of the course
schedule, I will give students ample time to make the required changes and
adjustments...
Wednesday, September 2
Review of the Syllabus and Introduction to the Course
Review of Assigned Books
Why Study the History of Theory in Cultural Anthropology?
Friday, September 4
Lecture Topic: The Early History of Anthropological Theory
1. Read: In History of Anthropological Theory
Anthropology in Antiquity through the Rise of Positivism and
2. Go to Google Search Web page; Select from menu [at top of page to your left]
category “MORE” then click on “BOOKS”. You are now at Book Search Page. Insert in
Book Search Engine the book entitled, “Theoretical Framework in Qualitative
Research”. Click on CONTENTS and scroll to page8 read “My Use of Theory” and
scroll to section “Theory and My Research Role” and read.
Wednesday, September 9
Lecture Topic: Marx and Engels
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm.
Use above link to access theory site. Print and Read Marxist Anthropology
Read: In History of Anthropological Theory
1. Marxism
2. Access http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_materialism
Read: Historical Materialism and be sure to click links within the text and read. Scroll
down and access & read the following:
Marx Materialism
The history of historical materialism
Historical Materialism in Marxist Thought
Recent Versions of Historical Materialism
Criticisms
*Reading Critique Due in Class
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Friday, September 11
Lecture Topic: British Victorian Anthropology
Read:
1. On Reserve in Morris Library: (electronic and reserve reading)
Read In,* Victorian Anthropology George Stocking, author. Chapter 1 The Idea of
Civilization Before the Crystal Palace. Pages 8-45
Read In, ** Victorian Anthropology George Stocking, author Chapter 3 Travelers and
Savages: The Data of Victorian Anthropology.
2. Alternative Access to Victorian Anthropology by George Stocking, Jr.
*Go to Google Book page by selecting MORE from Menu on top of page at Google
Search Page. Scroll down and select BOOKS; This will take you to Google Book Search
Engine page; insert the book, entitled, “Victorian Anthropology” Click on CONTENT;
Select chapter entitled The Idea of Civilization before the Crystal Palace and the chapter
entitled Travelers and Savages: The Data of Victorian Anthropology. Read Chapters
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Monday, September 14
Lecture Topic: The late 1800s Practice of Anthropology
Film: Strangers Abroad Series Film: W.H. Rivers
Wednesday, September 16
Lecture Topic: Founding Theory 19th/early 20th century of Social/ Cultural Evolutionism
Read: in Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1. Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, “The Science of Culture”.
2. Lewis Henry Morgan, “Ethnical Period”
3. Herbert Spencer, “The Organic Analogy Reconsidered”
*Search Wikipedia and other sites on the web for biographical information and for
information on their key works listed above
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Friday. September 18
Lecture: Social/Cultural Evolutionism Continued
1. Use URL address below to access Theory page& Select and Read “Social
Evolutionism
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm.
2. Go to Google Menu at top left of screen at Google Site. Select “MORE”& scroll down
to “Books”; Click on BOOKS and this will take you to the book search page. Insert in
book search engine the book entitled, Anthropology: A Student’s Guide. Click on
CONTENTS and select Theory. Read pages 47-52
*Reading Critique Due In Class
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Monday, September 21
Lecture: Beginnings of French Structuralism
Read in: A History of Anthropological Theory
1. French Structuralism
2. Read about Marcel Mauss: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Mauss
Be sure to click on links within the text and read material.
3. Go to Google Site and select MORE from menu above on left side of your screen.
Scroll don and select “BOOK”. This will take you to book page. Insert in Google Book
Search engine “The Gift Marcel Mauss” This will take you to the book “The Gift” To the
left of the page find “CONTENTS” Click CONTENTS; Read Introduction and
Conclusion
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Wednesday, September 23
Lecture: Late 19th-early 20th Century Durkheim’s contribution to Anthropological
Theory
Foundations of Social Theory in France
Read;
1. Use link below to access Emile Durkheim’s, What is a social fact?
http://media.pfeiffer.edu/lridener/DSS/Durkheim/SOCFACT.HTML
2. Use link below to take you to Wikipedia’s discussion of Durkheim’s meaning of the
term “Social Fact”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_fact
At Wikipedia site, make sure to click on links within the text and
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Friday, September 25
Lecture: Continuation of Durkheim
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
Emile Durkheim, Introduction: The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life
1. Access Project Muse (access DELCAT full text database; browse through journals)
Select journal entitled Social Forces; Search Social Forces for Vol. 82 #1 September
2003; Scroll down until you reach Book Reviews. Find Morrison’s review of Durkheim’s
The Elementary Forms of Religion
Read: Ken Morrison Review of “The Elementary Forms of Religion”
*Reading Critique Due In Class
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Monday, September 28
Lecture: Weber’s Theory
1. Access:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Protestant_Ethic_and_the_Spirit_of_Capitalism
Select “Book Contents” and “Spirit of Capitalism” Read; be sure to click on terms within
document and read
2. At Google web page select MORE and then select BOOK; click on Book. At Google
Book page, insert Max Weber in search engine. Select the book entitled The Protestant
Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Read Foreword and Chapter 1Religious Affiliation
and Social Stratification
At Reserve Desk Morris Library & Electronic Reserves
Read “On Protestantism and Capitalism,’ excerpt from The Protestant Ethic by Max
Weber
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Wednesday, September 30
Lecture: Foundation of American Anthropology
Read In; A History of Anthropological Theory
American Cultural Anthropology
1. Access link below and read about Boas. Read All sections Under Contents Be sure to
click on terms embedded in the text
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Boas
2. Go to Google book site page; Insert the book entitled Anthropology: A Student’s
Guide; Click on CONTENTS & select Theory. Scroll down to #2 Historical
Particularism pages 52-59. Read
3. FILM STRANGERS ABROAD SERIES V.2 Franz Boas VH
*Reading Critique Due in Class
Friday, October 2, 2009
Lecture: Boasian Cultural Anthropology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Use the above Link to Access Theory “Historicism”
Print and Read; Book Mark the page
1. Read In: Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
Franz Boas, “The Methods of Ethnology”
2. For Franz Boas, author” The Limitations of the Comparative Method in
Anthropology” in Race, Language and Culture Pages 270-280 use link below:
http://www.anthrobase.com/Browse/home/hst/cache/bocomp.html
3. Go to Google Web Search page; Select “MORE”& then select “BOOK” Insert in
Google Book Search engine the book entitled Anthropology in Theory, [Henrietta
Moore and Todd Sanders, authors]. Click on “CONTENT” and Select and Read “Aims
of Anthropological Research” page 26. Franz Boas, author.
4. for Franz Boas, author “The Study of Geography” Do Google Book Search for book
entitled Human Geography: An Essential Anthology, [John Agnes, David N.
Livingstone and Alisdair Rogers, authors]. Click on Contents and select Chapter 9
“The Study of Geography” Franz Boas, author *Reading Critique Due in Class
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Monday, October 5
Lecture: American Cultural Anthropology and Boas’s Students
Do Google Search on Lowie and Kroeber for biographical information and information
about their anthropological work
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1. Robert Lowie, author, ‘Conclusion” (Primitive Society)
2. Alfred L. Kroeber, author “What Anthropology is about”
3. For Lowie do a Google Book search for book entitled “Primitive Society” Robert
Lowie, author. Click on Contents and Select Chapter 1 Read Chapter 1 entitled
“Primitive Society”
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Wednesday, October 7
Lecture: American Cultural Anthropology and Boas’s Students
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Benedict
1. Access above link to Ruth Benedict; Read Contents especially “Patterns of Culture”
and “Chrysanthemum and the Sword” Be sure to click on all link words embedded in the
text and read all the terms.
2. Do a Google Book Search for the book entitled “Patterns of Culture” [Ruth Benedict,
author]; Click on “Contents” and select Chapter 3 Integration of Cultures; Read
Chapter 3.
3. Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
Ruth Benedict, author “The Individual and Patterns of Culture”
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Friday, October 9
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mead
1. Access above link to Margaret Mead; Read Contents Be sure to click on all link words
embedded in the text and read.
2. Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
Margaret Mead, author” Introduction” in Coming of Age in Samoa
3. Electronic and Traditional Reserve in Morris Library
American Anthropologist Vol.90 (no.3) 1988. “Margaret Mead and Samoa: Coming of
Age in Fact and Fiction.” Pages 656-663 (Article is available through JSTOR full text
database Morris Library. Select Browse through Journals; Go to Anthropology and find
American Anthropologist and search for Vol. 90 #3 Find article)
4. Use link to access article entitled “Rereading Sex and Temperament
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/anthropological_quarterly/v076/76.4lipset.html
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Monday, October 12
FILM: STRANGERS ABROAD SERIES Margaret Mead
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Wednesday, October 14
Lecture; Intertwined Lives: Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
1. Use above link to Theory Site to access “Culture and Personality” theoretical approach
2. Read: Select “More” from Google menu (left side of screen along the top) &scroll
down to books. Click on books and insert in search engine “Intertwined Lives” without
the quote marks. Once the book page appears, click on ‘Content’. Select and read the
following three chapters: Creating Friendships, Ruth Benedict, and Sex and
Temperament.
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Friday, October 16
Lecture: The Development of British Social Anthropology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Use the above link to access at Theory Site “Functionalism” and “Manchester School”
Print and Read
Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory
“British Social Anthropology”
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropology
“The Subject, Method and Scope of this Inquiry” Bronislaw Malinowski, author In,
Argonauts of the Western Pacific Pages 1 – 25
On Electronic and Traditional Reserve
Read: “From Fieldwork to Functionalism: Malinowski and the Emergence of British
Social Anthropology” In, After Tylor, George Stocking author Pages 233 – 297
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Monday, October 19
FILM: STRANGERS ABROAD SERIES: MALINOWSKI VHS5435
Read:
1. Go to Google book search site; insert in book search engine the book entitled
Anthropology: A Student’s Guide; Click on CONTENTS &Select Theory; Scroll down to
#3 Structural Functionalisms. Read #3Structural Functionalism, pages 59-8
*Reading Critique Due in Class
Wednesday, October 21
Lecture: Social Anthropologists
Read:
Go to MENU on Google web site. Click Menu and Scroll down to BOOKS. Click on
BOOKS; insert in book search engine Visions of Culture; click on CONTENTS; select
and read the following: The Functions of Culture/Bronislaw Malinowski; The Structures
of Society/A.R. Radcliffe-Brown
*Reading Critique Due in Class
**Take Home Exam 1 Distributed in Class
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Friday, October 23
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1“Social Structure” A. R. Radcliffe-Brown
2“Introduction in African Political Systems” Meyer Forbes, E.E. Evans-Pritchard,
authors
3. Use link below to access article on E.E. Evans Pritchard‘s ethnographic study of the
Azande
http://ssr1.uchicago.edu/NEWPRE/CULT98/Evans.html
*Search for biographical information on above noted anthropologists
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Monday, October 26
Lecture: American Materialism and Cultural Ecology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Use the above link to access and print “American Materialism” Read analysis of this
theoretical approach
Read:
1. Go to Google Book site. Insert in search engine the book entitled Visions of Culture,
[Jerry D. Moore, author] r. Click on button Contents and select Julian Steward, Cultural
Ecology and Multilineal Evolution
2. Go to Google Book site. Insert in search engine the book entitled Anthropology in
Theory, [Henrietta Moore & Todd Sanders, editors]. Click button CONTENTS and
select #9 entitled The Concept and Method of Cultural Ecology” Julian Steward, author
3. Go to Google Book site. Insert in search engine the book entitles The Rise of
Anthropological Theory, Marvin Harris, author. Click on Content and select Cultural
Ecology. Read selection. Do Search for Biographical information about Julian Steward
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Wednesday, October 28
Lecture: Marvin Harris and Cultural Materialism
Use this link to access theory “Cultural Materialism”. Print and Read
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory
1. Cultural Neo Evolutionism
2. Cultural Materialism
3. Go to Google Book page; insert in search engine the book entitles Visions of Culture,
Jerry D. Moore, author. Click on Content and select Marvin Harris Cultural
Materialism
*Reading Critique due In Class
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Friday, October 30
Lecture: Marvin Harris on Cultural Materialism
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1. Epistemology of Cultural Materialism, Marvin Harris, author
2. Go to Google Book site; insert in search engine the book entitled, Theories of Culture
in Post Modern Times,[ Marvin Harris, author]. Click on Contents, Select the following
and read: (1) What are Cultures (2) The Boasians and (3) Cultural Materialism
**Exam 1 due in Class Today
Monday, November 2
Lecture: Structuralism and Claude Levi-Strauss
Use link to theory web site and access theory “Structuralism” Print and Read
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1. Edmund Leach, “Structuralism in Social Anthropology”
2. Claude Levi-Strauss, “The Scope of Anthropology”
3. Go to Google book site; insert in book search engine the book entitled, Anthropology
in Theory; click on CONTENTS and select 13. Social Structure, [Claude Levi-Strauss,
author.] Read Chapter 13
4. Go to Google Book site; insert in book search engine the book entitled, Anthropology:
A Student’s Guide. Stanley R. Barnett, author; Click on CONTENTS & Select “Theory”
scroll to page 142 #1 Structuralism. Read.
* Reading Critique due In Class
Wednesday, November 4
Lecture: Political Economy
http://www.wpunj.edu/newpol/issue27/gill27.htmhttp://www.wpunj.edu/newpol/issue27/
gill27.htm
1. Use above URL address to access site Anthropology and Political Economy. Read
Essay.
http://www.anthropology.northwestern.edu/faculty/documents/WhataDifferencePolitical
EconomyMakes.pdf
2. Use above URL address to access site Political Economy and Feminist Anthropology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_economy
3. Use above URL address to access explanation what political economy is. Read all
sections in contents and term-links embedded within the essay
4. Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory “Political Economy”
*Reading Critique Due in Class
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Friday, November 6
Lecture: Political Economy and Anthropology
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
1. Eric Wolf, “Introduction [Europe and the People Without History]
2. Go to Google Book search page; insert in book search engine the book entitled
Anthropologies and Histories, William Roseberry, author. Click on Contents; Select and
Read Introduction and Chapter 1 Balinese Cockfights and the Seduction of Anthropology
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Monday, November 9
Lecture: Cognitive Anthropology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
1. Use above link to access theory site page. Print and Read Cognitive Anthropology
2. Go to Google Book search page; insert in search engine the book entitled
Anthropology in Theory; Click on Contents and select the chapter entitled Language,
Anthropology and Cognitive Science. Maurice Block, author
3. Repeat directions above; Click on Contents and select the chapter entitled Ordinary
Language and Human Action. Malcolm Crick, author
4. Read: in A History of Anthropological Theory “Cognitive Anthropology”
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Wednesday, November 11
Lecture: Feminist Anthropology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
1. Use above link to access Theory Page. Print and Read Feminist Anthropology
2. Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory “Feminism and Anthropology”
3. Go to Google Book site; Insert in search engine the book entitled Anthropology in
Theory. Click on CONTENTS and select the following:
The End of The Body? Emily Martin, author (starts page 336); So Is Female to Male as
Nature is to Culture, Sherry Ortner, author (starts page 3470
*Reading Critique Due In Class
Friday, November 13
Lecture: Feminism in Anthropology
Read:
1. Go to Google Book Site page; insert in search engine the book entitled “Feminism and
Anthropology” Click on CONTENT; Select and Read the following: “Explaining the
Position” [starts page 12] & “Understanding Women’s Work” [starts page 42]
2. Go to Google Web Page. Select from Menu “MORE” & Select “BOOKS’. Insert into
Google Book Search the book entitled, Women Writing Culture. Click on CONTENTS
and Select and Read “Another History, Another Canon.” [Louise Lamphere, author]
3. Go to Google Book Site page; insert in search engine the book entitled Fictions of
Feminist Ethnography. Click on CONTENTS; Select and Read the following: “Defining
Feminist Ethnography”
* Reading Critique Due in Class Today
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Monday, November 16
Lecture: Interpretive Anthropology
Use the URL address below to access theory web page. Select and Read Symbolic and
Interpretive Anthropology
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory “Symbolic and Interpretive
Anthropology”
Read: In Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
Victor Turner “Symbols in Ndembu Ritual”
Clifford Geertz “Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture”
Sherry Ortner “Theory in Anthropology Since the Sixties”
*Reading Critique Due in Class Today
Wednesday, November 18
Lecture: Clifford Geertz and Interpretive Anthropology
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rfrost/courses/MatCult/content/Geertz.pdf
1. Use the above link to access Clifford Geertz’s essay “Deep Play: Notes on the
Balinese Cockfight” [the essay is in pdf format; be sure to increase lens so you can easily
read the essay]
2. Use link below to access Geertz’s view of culture. Be sure to click on the terms
embedded in the text
http://www.wsu.edu/gened/learn-modules/top_culture/culture-definitions/geertz-text.html
3. Use link below to access essay on interpretive anthropology
http://aryankhadem.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!156B2D1FB1B5D556!790.entry
4. Go to Google Book web page; insert in book search engine the book entitled Local
Knowledge; Click on CONTENTS & select and read “Introduction”
* Reading Critique Due in Class Today
Friday, November 20
Lecture: Postmodernism in Anthropology
1. Use the link below to access Theory web page. Select, print and read
“Postmodernism”
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/anthros.htm
Read: In A History of Anthropological Theory
“Postmodernity”
Read: In, Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory
James Clifford, “Partial Truths”& George E. Marcus and Michael M.J. Fisher, “A
Crisis of Representation in the Human Sciences”
2. Use link below to access another theory site. At site down load and read
James Clifford, On Ethnographic Authority& Abu Lughod, Writing Against Culture
https://segue.southwestern.edu/index.php?&site=ANT3520301f08&section=17281&page=81901&action=site
**Take Home Exam 2 Distributed in Class *Reading Critique due in Class Today
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Monday, November 23
Lecture: Postmodernism Continued
Read:
1. Go to Google Book search page; insert in book search engine the book entitled
Anthropology: A Student’s Guide by Stanley R. Burnett; Click on CONTENTS & select
and scroll to #2 Postmodernism pages 150. Read
2. Use link below to access article “Feminist Anthropology in Postmodern Era”
http://www.anthropology.northwestern.edu/faculty/documents/WhataDifferencePolitical
EconomyMakes.pdf
*Reading Critique Due in Class
Wednesday, November 25
No Class Today
Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving Holiday—No Class Today
Friday, November 27
Thanksgiving Holiday—No Class Today
Monday, November 30
Lecture: Anthropology Theory for 21st Century
Read:1. Use link below to access article “Subjectivity and Cultural Critique” Sherry
Ortner, author
http://www.vibrant.org.br/downloads/v3n1_sacc.pd
2. Go to Google Book Site; insert in book search engine the book entitled “Writing
Culture”; Click CONTENTS; Select page 27, Mary Louise Pratt’s essay, “Fieldwork in
Common Places”.
*Reading Critique Due in Class
**Exam 2 Due in Class
Wednesday, December 2
Lecture: Anthropology for the 21st Century
1. Go to Google book search page; insert in book search engine the book entitled
Madness and Civilization; Click on CONTENTS; Select and Read
“The Great Confinement “and “Doctors and Patients”
2. Read in Reading for a History of Anthropological Theory “Birth of the Asylum”
3. Use link below to access page of Foucault’s key concepts
http://www.michel-foucault.com/concepts/index.html
Friday, December 4
Review and Evaluation of Course
Monday, December 7
No Class Today Final Paper Due in Department of Anthropology by 3:30pms
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Wednesday, December 9
No Class Today
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