Students

ANTH701 – Core Issues in Anthropological Theory I

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Professor
Michael Jackson
Australian Hearing Hub Level 2 North Wing
Please email Professor Jackson to set up an appointment. Use his advised email.
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The core unit in the Master of Research specialisation in anthropology provides a grounding in theoretical, methodological and interpretive issues that are currently being debated by anthropologists. These issues will vary from year to year according to contemporary developments in anthropology and the interests of the course convenor. Others may be more enduring, such as the theoretical issues related to kinship, to politics and power, the "writing culture" debate, "Orientalism" the problem of the "other," cultural relativism, and and the relationship between individual and society. This year the ANTH 701 seminar will focus on the last of these ‘enduring’ issues. The works of Bourdieu, Jackson, Castoriadis and Rapport focus on different aspects of this relationship: on social reproduction and domination; on the creation of subjectivity through intercultural encounter; on the self-institution of society; and on the individual as creator of their world beyond their conditioning by pre-existing cultural frameworks.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Major Essay 60% No Friday, June 22.
Seminar Participation 30% No Friday, June 14
Minor Essay 10% No Thursday, May 31

Major Essay

Due: Friday, June 22.
Weighting: 60%

This essay counts for 60% of your grade and is required to be approximately 5,000 words in length. The essay should relate, compare and critically assess the work of two or more of the authors to the major themes of the unit – cultural creativity, agency (agents), and world-making. In your essay, critically focus on where the authors identify sources of creativity or change, and how the texts articulate society and the individual – or in what terms. This essay is due on Friday, June 22nd. Two typed copies must be submitted on this date. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Seminar Participation

Due: Friday, June 14
Weighting: 30%

Over the duration of the seminar, each student will give one or two brief introductions to the week’s reading(s), drawing out its main themes and selecting a number of questions or puzzles for the seminar to discuss. These introductory remarks are intended merely to get the seminar rolling – students might wish to focus on something interesting, maddening or confusing about the reading for example.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Minor Essay

Due: Thursday, May 31
Weighting: 10%

Students will write a draft of their major essay


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Delivery and Resources

There will be a required list of reading and recommended resources that will be made available in iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Seminar Participation
  • Minor Essay

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Seminar Participation
  • Minor Essay

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Seminar Participation
  • Minor Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Seminar Participation
  • Minor Essay

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in the field of social theory.
  • to utilize and reflect on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments.
  • to synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources.
  • to articulate clearly a coherent argument in written and oral form. Students will develop a high level of oral and written skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline.
  • to be ethically aware and be able to appreciate the impact of their ethnographic writing for social justice and inclusion, related to national and global issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Seminar Participation
  • Minor Essay

Changes since First Published

Date Description
01/05/2018 Please approve it Lisa/Payel