Critical Social Inquiry 0124 - Ethnographies of Power

Cultural anthropology helps us better understand processes of power -- interrogating structural inequality and injustice, resistance and identity, whether local or global. It does this through its principle method, ethnography: the on-the-ground investigation of practices and meanings in people's daily lives. In this course, we will critically analyze ethnographies on a range of intersecting topics (including class, race, gender, and global migration). We also will explore the power of ethnographic representations and the ethnographic method itself. Students will be expected to participate actively in discussions, write analytic essays, and conduct an independent research project and presentation.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.