Anthropology and human identity

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 109 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

This course explores the foundations of human society and social identity, looking at the ways different cultures think about and create group identity and belonging through a range of practices, including kinship, ritual and gift-giving. To this end, the course also looks at the question of what it means to be human, and how – if at all – this relates to behavioural differences between humans and other species. These issues are explored from an anthropological perspective, which involves examining the varied forms of human sociality (and what it means to be a part of a social group) from a cross-cultural and evolutionary perspective. To this end, the course also investigates some of the ways that different cultures construct ideas regarding sameness and difference, and thus touches upon issues relating to race, ethnicity and nationalism as some of the contemporary ways that people think about social inclusion and exclusion.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
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Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how contemporary anthropologists investigate ideas about group
belonging
- Evaluate key anthropological and evolutionary theories regarding human culture and the foundations of human
sociality
- Demonstrate knowledge about a wide range of cultural beliefs, understandings and practices concerning kinship,
gift-exchange, personhood and ritual
- Apply a critical awareness to some of the problematic assumptions people often hold in relation to cultures
different from their own, and demonstrate an understanding of the value of ways of life other than your own as well as
an awareness of the importance of cross-cultural communication.
- Apply a critical awareness of some of the social and psychological processes that underpin contemporary
problems such as racism and other forms of social exclusion
- Clarify your own ideas and values through participation in group discussion.

No additional costs. Please bring pen and paper (or electronic equivalent).

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Subjects

  • Perspective

Course programme

The course will explore the following three topics in detail:

- What Does It Mean to be Human?
- ‘Insiders’ and ‘Outsiders’: Social Boundaries, Personhood and Group Belonging.
- Kinship and the Family
- Exchange, Gifting-Giving and Social Alliances
- Religion, Ritual and Social Solidarity.

The sessions will include lectures as well as ample time for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Videos and articles by leading anthropologists will be used to illustrate the themes. You should be prepared to try and read one recommended article each week outside of the class, and be prepared to contribute to small and large-group discussions and good natured debate.

Additional information

HA005 Anthropology of art. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

See related categories

Anthropology and human identity

£ 109 VAT inc.

The best Sociology courses

See all

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