AANB05081U Political Anthropology

Volume 2013/2014
Content
Political Anthropology is concerned with the way resources, power and authority is distributed in different societies. More specifically it explores the negotiation of social possibilities and limitations, the constructions of social categories and positions as well as differentiations- and discrimination processes. From studies of close relations to analyses of global constellations, political anthropology investigates ideas and ideologies of community and society and illuminates people's attempts of realising, upholding, and preventing these. Hence, Political Anthropology is concerned with both the global and the local. It considers national policies and political decisions as well as unofficial connections, international networks and illegal organisations. The unique methods of anthropology makes us capable of both illuminating the official "visible" policy and its consequences as well as the unofficial and "invisible" political positions and processes. In this way Political Anthropology elaborates our knowledge of the world's political diversity and constructions of power. The aim of this basic course is to introduce and discuss key theoretical and thematic developments in Political Anthropology. The course will depart from classical anthropological studies of stateless societies and go on to engage with themes such as states and governance; authority and political forms; constructions of political identities; and social transformations and reconfigurations. A crosscutting subject throughout the course will be the ways in which political forms and practices are situated in local as well as global contexts.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course the student will:

  • Have an understanding of classical contributions and standpoints in the field of political anthropology
  • Be able to draw upon the key debates and concerns of political anthropology in identifying manifestation of the political across different domains 
  • Be able to choose and apply relevant theoretical tools for analysis
Literature
BSc-, Credit-, Open Education and all international students: 500 pages obligatory literature. 
MSc students: 500 pages obligatory literature + 200 pages of literature chosen by students.

Literature chosen by students must be relevant to the course’s subject matter. 

Course literature will be available in Absalon on the course website.

Combination of lectures, discussions, and student presentations.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Course Preparation
  • 147
  • Exam
  • 35
  • Total
  • 210
Credit
10 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio
Obligatory portfolio assignments: The course lecturer determines the number and length of portfolio assignments. A minimum of 75% thereof will be assessed as the exam. At the end of the course, the lecturer will announce upon which portfolio assignments the assessment will be based.
Exam registration requirements
The Student must participate actively in class, through for example class presentations, in order to be eligible to take the course exam. The course lecturer stipulates the specific requirements for active class participation.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
There is appointed a second internal assessor to assist with the assessment when the first assessor finds this necessary
Re-exam
1. & 2. Re-exam
For written exams:
A new essay/portfolio with a revised problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
For oral exams:
A revised synopsis with a new problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The students must hereafter participate in a new oral exam at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
See description of learning outcome. Formalities for Written Works must be fulfilled, read more: MSc Students
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio
Obligatory portfolio assignments: The course lecturer determines the number and length of portfolio assignments. A minimum of 75% thereof will be assessed as the exam. At the end of the course, the lecturer will announce upon which portfolio assignments the assessment will be based.
Exam registration requirements
The Student must participate actively in class, through for example class presentations, in order to be eligible to take the course exam. The course lecturer stipulates the specific requirements for active class participation.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
There is appointed a second internal assessor to assist with the assessment when the first assessor finds this necessary
Re-exam
1. & 2. Re-exam
For written exams:
A new essay/portfolio with a revised problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
For oral exams:
A revised synopsis with a new problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The students must hereafter participate in a new oral exam at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
See description of learning outcome. Formalities for Written Works must be fulfilled, read more: MSc Students/ BA students (in Danish)/ exchange, credit and Open University students