Political Anthropology
ANT3128 A
Beatriz Oliver
Fall 2014
COURSE OUTLINE
Class schedule:
Mondays 13:00-14:30
Wednesdays 11:30-13:00
VNR 5070
Professor’s office hours:
Wednesdays 13:15-14:30 or by appointment (FSS10054)
E-mail*:
bolive2@uottawa.ca
On virtual campus:
Yes
*All questions sent by e-mail should receive a response within two working days or by the next
class if it takes place within the 48 hours following receiving the email.
OFFICIAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
Comparative analysis of the political systems of various societies situated at different levels of
political organization.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES
In this course we will study political systems and power from an anthropological perspective.
Drawing on ethnographic research in diverse societies, anthropology provides valuable insights
into political phenomena but also raises important questions. Early in the course we will trace
the history, debates and contributions of different approaches in political anthropology, from
typologies of political organization with special focus on comparing egalitarianism and hierarchy,
to reflexive texts that scrutinize power dynamics within ethnography itself.
We shall then examine some key studies in political anthropology, weaving linkages between
how power is used and contested in overt political structures and conflicts as well as in more
hidden ways through symbols, discourse and individual strategies. Issues examined will include
colonialism and neo-colonialism, households and gender inequality, state policies and
indigenous peoples, and market capitalism and peasant struggles.
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SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course you should be able to:
1. Identify diverse forms of political organization;
2. Describe types of power and key strategies to maintain or contest authority;
3. Critically discuss at least two ethnographies in political anthropology, including their
contribution to broader knowledge and debates.
TEACHING METHODS
The course will consist of lectures with periods for discussion and learning activities. Full class
attendance is expected. Readings should be completed ahead of the class as indicated on the
schedule below. Please avoid using laptops and other devices for purposes other than class
notes as this is distracting to everyone.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Grades will be based on the following assignments and exams. Please keep copies of all work
submitted. (Les travaux peuvent être remis en anglais ou français.)
In-class exam (20%): The exam will consist of short-answer and essay questions relating to the
subjects and case studies covered in class and the readings.
Quizzes (5% each): There will be two quizzes on the readings during the semester consisting of
multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Essay (40%): You will be asked to write a paper on an ethnographic study in political
anthropology (a list of suggestions will be provided). The text should be 10-12 pages in length
(not including the bibliography), double-spaced with 12 pt font. Further information will be
provided in class. Please also review the “Writing and Style Guide for University Papers and
Assignments” of the Faculty of Social Sciences for guidelines (a link will be provided). Essays are
due in class on November 19.
Take-home final exam (30%): The exam will be handed out on the last day of class. It will consist
of short and long-answer questions relating to the material covered in class and the readings. It
is due between 11:30 and 14:30 on Monday, December 8 at my office.
Components of Final Mark
Evaluation format
In-class exam I
Quizzes (2)
Essay
Take-home final exam
Weight
20%
5% each
40%
30%
Date
October 1
Sept. 22 and Nov. 10
November 19
December 8
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POLICY ON ATTENDANCE, LATE SUBMISSIONS AND LANGUAGE QUALITY
Attendance is required for the successful completion of this course. Absences must be justified,
and unauthorized late arrivals carry a penalty.
Absences from exams and the late submission of assignments must be supported by a medical
certificate. See the University policy on this matter.
http://www.uottawa.ca/governance/regulations.html#r36
Absences for any other serious reason must be justified in writing to the professor or to the
academic secretariats of the Faculty within five business days following the date of the exam or
the assignment deadline. The professor or the Faculty reserves the right to accept or refuse the
reason put forward. Justifications such as travel, jobs or the misreading of the examination
timetable are not acceptable.
We suggest that you advise your professor as early as possible if a religious holiday or a religious
event will force you to be absent during an evaluation.
Late assignments will be penalized 5% for each subsequent day (including weekends) following
the due date if the justification is not acceptable.
You will be judged on your writing abilities. It is recommended to take the appropriate measures
to avoid mistakes such as spelling, syntax, punctuation, inappropriate use of terms, etc. You may
be penalized up to 10%.
SCHEDULE
Week
Subject
Readings
Sept. 3
Introduction and course overview
Sept. 8
Sept. 10
History of political anthropology I
History of political anthropology II
Kurtz, Pp. 9-17
Subramanian (review)
Sept. 15
Sept. 17
Approaches to studying power
Legitimation strategies
Kurtz, Pp. 21-38, 39-51
Kurtz, Pp. 53-65
Sept. 22
Sept. 24
QUIZ 1/ Political organization I
Political organization II
Lewellen, Pp. 15-41
Sept. 29
Oct. 1
Kinship and marriage strategies
IN-CLASS EXAM
Kurtz, Pp. 70-80, 81-98
Oct. 6
Oct. 8
Colonialism
Essay objectives and topics
Kurtz, Pp. 99-112
Study week (Oct. 12-18)
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Oct. 20
Oct. 22
Political Economy I
Political Economy II
Kurtz, Pp. 113-131
Kurtz, Pp. 133-149
Oct. 27
Oct. 29
Political change
Anthropology of the State
Kurtz, Pp. 149-167
Kurtz, Pp. 169-186
Nov. 3
Nov. 5
Cultural hegemony
Development discourse
Lewellen, Pp. 181-194
Lewellen, Pp. 206-213
Nov. 10
Nov. 12
QUIZ 2/ Gender and equality
Indigenous Rights
Scott, finish book by Nov. 26
Nov. 17
Nov. 19
Peasant studies
ESSAY DUE/ Resistance and revolts
Nov. 24
Nov. 26
Transnational movements
Weapons of the Weak debate
Dec. 1
Review and distribution of take-home exam
Dec. 8
Take-home EXAM DUE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following are required readings. Optional readings and resources will also be put on reserve.
Books (available at the university bookstore and on reserve at the library)
Kurtz, Donald. 2001. Political Anthropology: Power and Paradigms. Boulder: Westview
Press
Scott, James C. 1985. Weapons of the Weak: Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance.
New Haven and London: Yale University Press (also available online through the library)
Coursepack/ Photocopies (on reserve at library)
Lewellen, Ted C. 2003. Political Anthropology: An Introduction. Third Edition. Westport,
CA: Praeger Publishers, Pp. 15-41, 181-194, 206-213
Online annotated bibliography (available through the library website)
Subramanian, Ajantha. 2012-. Political Anthropology. Oxford Bibliographies Online
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and anyone found guilty of this behaviour is liable to severe penalties.
Here are some examples of academic fraud:
 Plagiarizing or cheating in any way;
 Presenting falsified research data;
 Submitting an assignment of which you are not the sole author ;
 Presenting the same work from another course without written permission from the
professors concerned.
With the development of the Internet these past years, it has become much easier to detect
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For more information on fraud and how to avoid it, you can refer to the Faculty web page, which
offers tips to help you with your studies and the writing process for university-level projects at
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Persons who commit or try to commit academic fraud, or who are accomplices in fraud, will be
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 A grade of F for the assignment or course in question;
 The imposition of three to 30 more credits as a condition of graduation;
 Suspension or expulsion from their faculty.
To consult the regulation, go to: http://www.uottawa.ca/governance/regulations.html#r72.
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