SOC07011 2022 Culture, Comparison and Context
Full Title
Culture, Comparison and Context
Transcript Title
Culture, Comparison, Context
Code
SOC07011
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
SOC - Sociology
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
07 - Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Karin White
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics
Description
This module will present a wide range of classic case studies studying people's universes both 'at home' and 'abroad'. By attempting to explain people's diverse ways of living we may develop an empathetic understanding of what at first seems strange or bizarre to us, and additionally develop awareness and a questioning mind in relation to our own societies and beliefs. Investigating different cultures, placing them into context and comparing them, this module will challenge ideas of what is considered natural about 'human nature' and look with a fresh eye on what is being taken for granted, with a view of developing a critical perspective on the challenges currently faced by humans in contemporary societies. We will investigate systems of categorisation and kinship, explore concepts such as pollution, beauty and aesthetics, rituals and religion, law, order and social control, and also take a critical look at ideas of liminal spaces and rites of passage, witchcraft, magic and sorcery.
We will familiarise ourselves with ethnographic methods and discuss relevant theories and concepts using ethnographies and other works by Douglas, van Gennep, Maus, Leach, Evans Pritchard, Rosaldo, Cohen, Malinowski, Herzfield and others.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate skills in cross-cultural understanding, translation and comparison, which will be of advantage in a broad range of professional settings.
2.
Demonstrate some facility in the use of the repertoire of key concepts and approaches of cultural analysis.
3.
Display the ability to question cultural assumptions.
4.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of cultural relativity in relation to people's experiences of living.
5.
Display empathetic understanding of, and reflection on, the impact of ethnocentrism and provide alternative perspectives.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Students will be introduced in lectures to classic ethnographies and case studies addressing individual concepts in the study of culture. Students will apply those to their own studies presented in tutorials.
Module Assessment Strategies
There will be weekly student led seminars to assist the acquisition and assessment of the learners' understanding of key concepts of the module. Furthermore, students will present their own studies in paired/individual presentations.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Project will be based on failed component(s).
Indicative Syllabus
Demonstrate skills in cross-cultural understanding, translation and comparison, which will be of advantage in a broad range of professional settings.
Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of different cultural perspectives, values and practices and how to respond within a cultural sensitive framework. (LO1)
Demonstrate some facility in the use of the repertoire of key concepts and approaches of cultural analysis.
Students will apply their learning from classic ethnographic writings to their own study of diverse cultures.(LO2)
Display the ability to question cultural assumptions.
Students will explore their own attitudes towards diverse cultures, beliefs systems and concepts in order to recognise and question their own cultural givens. (LO3)
Demonstrate a critical understanding of cultural relativity in relation to people's experiences of living.
Students will consider cultural determinants of perspectives on sexuality, goals and values, economy, law, ethics, kinship, beliefs and more.(LO4)
Display empathetic understanding of, and reflection on, the impact of ethnocentrism and provide alternative perspectives.
Students will endeavour to create awareness of their own cultural biases and how to address those biases in a meaningful manner.(LO5)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | student-led seminars | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | Week 8 | 2 |
| 2 | ethnographic project plus annotated bibliography | Project | Individual Project | 80 % | Week 12 | 1,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Tiered Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Tutorial | Flat Classroom | tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | independent learning | 3.5 | Weekly | 3.50 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
1976 Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic among the Azande Oxford, Clarendon Press
1976 Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic among the Azande Oxford, Clarendon Press
Recommended Reading
1995 Small places, large issues: an introduction to social and cultural anthropology London, Pluto Press
1995 Small places, large issues: an introduction to social and cultural anthropology London, Pluto Press
Recommended Reading
2000 The perception of the environment: essays on livelihood, dwelling and skill. London, Routledge
2000 The perception of the environment: essays on livelihood, dwelling and skill. London, Routledge
Recommended Reading
1985 Peotics of manhood Princeton
1985 Peotics of manhood Princeton
Recommended Reading
1983 Traveller-Gypsies Cambridge Univerity Press
1983 Traveller-Gypsies Cambridge Univerity Press
Recommended Reading
1987 Whalsey. Symbol, Segment and Boundary in a Shetland Island Community Manchester University Press
1987 Whalsey. Symbol, Segment and Boundary in a Shetland Island Community Manchester University Press
Recommended Reading
1980 Knowledge and Passion among the Ilongot Head Hunters Cambridge University Press
1980 Knowledge and Passion among the Ilongot Head Hunters Cambridge University Press
Recommended Reading
2005 Myth and Meaning Cambridge Univerity Press
2005 Myth and Meaning Cambridge Univerity Press
Module Resources
Additional Information
None