Course Catalog

Home>Academic Catalog 2018-2019>

SOCIO-CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN1002)

Sociocultural anthropology is the comparative study of human societies and cultures. This course is designed to introduce students to central areas of anthropological inquiry, a range of key theoretical perspectives and the discipline’s holistic approach. Through field-based research projects, students will also gain familiarity with the discipline’s qualitative research methods (especially participant observation). While students will encounter the works of key historical figures in the discipline, they will also discover current debates on globalization and transnationalism. Finally, this course also strives to cultivate students’ ability to reflect critically on their own identities and cultures, thereby gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity and an improved set of intercultural communication skills.

POLITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN2003)

Using ethnographic case studies, considers issues of power and political institutions from the cross-cultural and holistic perspectives of anthropology. Discusses diverse definitions of power, authority, and charisma and relates them to the development of a variety of approaches in the field of anthropology, and the social sciences more generally.

TOPICS IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN2091)

Topics vary every semester.

MEDIA AND ETHNOGRAPHY (AN3049)

Explores how ethnography has been applied to a variety of media to understand how audiences receive media and respond to them. Examines how ethnographers and anthropologists use photography and film to explore 'cultures' and how they are re-appropriating media to express their own concerns.

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF FOOD (AN3060)

This course examines the intersection of food and the senses from an anthropological perspective. We will explore the intersection between food and culture; the impact of social, political and economic contexts on our foods and foodways; French food culture; and taste, cuisine and commensality as forms of inter-cultural communication. Students apply class readings and practice ethnographic methodologies in a few short study trips.

ANTHROPOLOGY OF CITIES (AN3061)

Presents an anthropological approach to the study of cities, providing students with theoretical and methodological tools to think critically about the meaning of urban life today. Approaches this topic from a cross-cultural perspective, with a number of readings focusing on Paris in particular. Students will undertake a Paris-based qualitative research project during the course of the semester.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN3080)

This course looks at how culture promotes connections between humans, their landscapes and ecosystems. We will be discussing the different ways humans use, interact, engage and manipulate the natural world that surrounds them. Central to an understanding of this relationship is the meaning people give to the concept of nature. This course will explore the leaning attributed to nature across different cultural contexts and religious traditions

TOPICS IN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (AN3091)

Topics vary. Using analytic skills learned in core courses, students work with an AUP faculty member, visiting scholar or professional in an area of current interest in the field to be determined by the instructor and the faculty of the Global Communications department.
“For the course description, please find this course in the respective semester on the public course browser: https://www.aup.edu/academics/course-catalog/by-term.”

INTRO TO DRAWING (AR1010)

A studio course, which provides an introduction to basic drawing problems for the beginning student interested in developing his or her drawing skills. Subject matter includes still life, portraiture, landscape, and the nude. Mediums introduced are pencil, charcoal, and ink wash.Please note that an additional fee will be charged for this course.