Anthropology: Political Anthropology

Exploration of the cultural aspects of political institutions, structures, and processes in societies from around the world. Prerequisite: ANTH 1100.

Prereqs enforced by system: ANTH 1100 PACE students with permission and override

This course explores the cultural aspects of political institutions, structures, and processes in societies from around the world. We will examine the meaning of political labels using historical documents, as well as broader issues such as power, sovereignty, freedom, and the rule of law. As a result, this is not a course about politics. Anthropology is the study of people, and people are not politics. However, people may pay (more or less) attention to politics, they may be (more or less) involved in politics, and they may be (more or less) affected by politics. Which means that the course will study equally people like you and Aristotle, and what is political about your lives. After looking at classical works of political study and their value or shortcomings, we will focus on which problems can be solved by politics, what politics can do to solve problems, and finally, how to use politics to deal with everyday problems.

This course is designed to identify, explain, and put into historical context the big ideas of politics. This includes fundamental concepts, modes of analysis, and central questions in political anthropology, but also citizenship, international studies and peace studies. Students will demonstrate their proficiency in using this knowledge both theoretical and practical. In this course, students aim to: • Introduce key theories and ethnographic works in political anthropology. • Develop critical analytical skills for interpreting contemporary political life. • Examine political practices and experiences wherever they occur. • Explore how ideas about politics shape perceptions of self, family, society, and belonging.

Weekly conversations and final essay