As of February 27th, this course is still open!
ANTH-E 400
Visual Anthropology: Media and the Postcolony
IU Spring 2008
T Th 4:40-6:55pm SW 218
This introductory course in visual anthropology considers the anthropology of media and new media of ethnographic representation including film, Internet sites, exhibitions, photography and narrative and experimental ethnography. Students will consider ethical and methodological questions concerning the study of media, film, television and radio in the postcolony as well as consider the use of media as a mode of representation.
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: 1) use visual forms of communication to tell stories about how facts travel in the world, 2) creatively and artistically explore issues of anthropological concern, 3) explain a variety of theoretical approaches to the visual and 4) comprehend and compare the process of constructing media representations.
Foundations for Assessment and Evaluation
1. Critical Reading and Seminar Participation 50%: Please maintain a set of reading notes, which will help you make sense of all the materials we read (noting author, title, basic ideas raised, broader connections to the course, and questions you have). Readings and themes build progressively through the term and your notes will be useful for class discussion and your two seminar papers. Participation in the seminar discussion is a requirement as is regular attendance and together constitute 50% or your final grade. If you have to miss class please email me ahead of time, save of course in unforeseen circumstances.
a. Leading the seminar: Lead one seminar meeting as part of a group (25%)
b. Reading Responses: Turn in a 1 page double spaced paper responding to the readings each for class (25%)
2. Writing Assignments 50 %: You will be asked to demonstrate your mastery of the readings through two in class writing exercises (25% each, 50% total)
3. Extra Credit: Attend five events related to Africa during the course of the semester and write up one page (double spaced) describing the event and your reactions and your final grade will be raised 1/3.
Texts ordered for purchase
NOTE: One copy of each text will be on 2 hour reserve in the Geography & Map Library, Student Building
Ginsburg, Faye, Lila Abu-Lughod, Brian Larkin eds. 2002. Media Worlds: Anthropology on New Terrain. Berkeley: University of California Press. (available electronically through IU Library)
Jackson, Michael. 2004. In Sierra Leone. Duke University Press.
