Anthropology 227 - Activism & Anthropology

This course begins with an examination of the relationships between social justice, activism, and academic anthropology.  As a discipline, Anthropology once deprecated what was called “applied anthropology” as lesser than “pure” practice. However, over the past 50 years, anthropologists have challenged this hierarchy, and the course will consider why and how those at the forefront of effecting this change made it happen. Students will also learn of the moral, political, and methodological tensions, challenges, and contradictions that arise today in the practice of what is now described as “social justice research” or “activist-centered research.” Their final project will be to design and justify a research project based on such approaches.    

Limited to 35 students.  Spring semester.  Visiting Professor H. Cole.