Anthropology: Digital Anthropology

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Pre-req: ANTH 1100; Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations. PACE students with permission and override

What does anthropology look like in a contemporary moment where human experience and social life are increasingly mediated by digital technologies? This course takes a broad view of what the “digital” means within digital anthropology, exploring both how anthropological theory and method can deepen our understanding of digital technologies, practices, and infrastructures, and how digital tools and approaches can, in turn, transform the practice of anthropology. Students will read classic anthropological work and we will examine the social and cultural dimensions of digital phenomenon—from memes to algorithmic governance—through the lens of these foundational texts and concepts. Students will also read notable and recent publications specific to the field of digital anthropology. Through our engagements with this work throughout the course, we will discover and debate what studies of online communities, socio-technical systems, and social media activities can contribute to wider anthropological conversations about what it means to be human. Alongside these discussions, we will consider the potentials and challenges of digital approaches to anthropological inquiry. From #hashtag ethnography to ethnographically-grounded computational discourse analysis, we will explore the methodological and ethical considerations of an anthropology that leverages digital tools or centers digital subjects. Altogether, this course provides an exploration of both how anthropology can study the digital, as well as how the digital might offer opportunities to reimagine what anthropology is and can be.

Course meetings will consist primarily of discussions and activities, with some lectures. Consequently, consistent attendance is required. Students will also be expected to complete readings for most course meetings, as well as additional activities and writing assignments outside of class that will prepare students for upcoming in-class discussions and/or further their understanding of the material.

Student grades will be based on attendance and participation, comprehension checks, and a variety of writing assignments and presentations.