History of Anthropological Theory (470-0-1)
Instructors
Robert Launay
847/491-4841
1810 Hinman Ave., Room #205, EV Campus
Office Hours: By appointment
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course will attempt the impossible--to survey the development of anthropological theory in a single quarter. Needless to say, it will not and cannot be exhaustive. Instead, it will focus on the careful scrutiny of a few primary sources by prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of the discipline, but who will also be taken as "representative" of various historical trends. The first part of the course will rapidly outline the prehistory of the discipline and focus more extensively on the notion of evolution central to 19th century social theory. The second part of the course will deal with the individual contributions of three "founding fathers": Marx, Durkheim and Weber. The final part of the course will cover a few of the numerous trends of 20th century cultural anthropology.
Teaching Method
The first session of each week will be devoted to lectures and filling in background material necessary for the evaluation of primary sources. The second session will be a class discussion of one particular source. Students are expected to read the sources carefully and critically before each such session!
Evaluation Method
Each student will be required to submit four short (5-7pp.) papers discussing the contribution to the development of the discipline different authors on the reading list.
Class Materials (Required)
1) L.H. Morgan, Ancient Society, 978-0816509249
2) K. Marx, Capital, Vol. 1, 978-0140445688
3) E. Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, 978-0199540129
4) M. Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, 978-0415254069
5) Launay, Foundations of Anthropological Theory, 978-1405187756
6) Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontent, 978-0393304510
Class Notes
Required course for cultural/linguistic anthropology graduate students.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.