1. Written Activity #1: Your Past & Future Via Anthropology
This assignment is the first of a series of activities called “Public Anthropology” that we will do this semester. It is inspired by Margaret Mead’s engagement with wider publics – not just other anthropologists. The world, it seems, could benefit from a more anthropological perspective. What is anthropology, what kinds of questions or issues does it raise for you, and how are the skills applicable? What is the “Big Question” that interests you? This is what we are ultimately getting to.
Objective: To think about and synthesize your anthropological learning these past years, and to articulate to nonspecialist audiences the complexities of bringing an anthropological approach to a human problem.
Outcome: Discussing the ethics, benefits, and pitfalls of bringing an anthropological approach to wider publics.
First, read the following articles assigned:
a. Ingold (2018) Actions Anthropology for the Future;
b. Purcell (2000) Actions Public Anthropology-An Idea Searching for a Reality
c. Omohoro (1998) Actions Career Advice.
In one post of appx. 500+ words, answer the following questions (note 500 words is 1 page, single spaced in Word):
1). How would you articulate what anthropology as a discipline COULD be to other anthropologists? That is, how would you use the readings to argue for making anthropology MORE RELEVANT and UNDERSTANDABLE?
2). What are the benefits of bringing anthropological perspectives and methods outside of the academy? Discuss three specific points
3). You should use (and cite) the authors’ points and perspectives to substantiate your own point. When you cite and reference materials, use an in-text citation format (Author Year), and include a BIBLIOGRAPHY!
The standard Activities Rubric will be used to grade this exercise:
1. Anthropological Perspectives (4) Exhibits awareness and understanding of ethnocentrism, cultural relativity, contexts, and power in all activities;
2.Course Concepts (4) Directly and appropriately utilizes course terminology in all writing and activities;
3. Examples (4) Describes and utilizes appropriate examples from course materials (readings, films, individual fieldwork, media sources);
4. Follows Instructions (4) Is this a compare/contrast discussion? Did you find outside sources if required? Were you supposed to upload an image? Follow the directions!! And put in some effort;
5. Writing, Style, Organization (4) Writing is always important. So are citations and a bibliography. The writing can be indicative of your effort (see #4 above).
