SYMBOLS AND SOCIETY
ANT2SAS
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Human culture is often said to be communicated through the use of symbols. In this subject, students are introduced to the major issues involved in the understanding of culture as a symbolic system. Students will encounter a range of ethnographic examples of symbolic systems. Students can expect to achieve an understanding of how ideas are represented in symbols, how symbolic systems are configured, and how symbolism is related to social life, power, consciousness and the unconscious.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Nicholas Herriman
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: ANT2SPS
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The Forest of Symbols | Preliminary | Turner | ITHACA, CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1967 |
| Readings | The Interpretation of Cultures | Preliminary | Geertz | HUTCHINSON, LONDON, 1983 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically evaluate key texts related to the anthropology of symbols.
- Activities:
- Multiple choice questions, in-class assessments.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
02. Write a critical and coherent essay that demonstrates awareness of benefits and shortcomings of various anthropological theories.
- Activities:
- Essay.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
03. Present a sustained written argument in Anthropology
- Activities:
- Major Essay.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
04. Engage with anthropology ideas relating to symbols.
- Activities:
- Online forums and readings.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Online, 2018, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicholas Herriman
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2000-word essay | 50 | 02, 03 | |
| Weekly in-class assessments (1,000-word equivalent) | 25 | 04 | |
| Weekly multiple choice questions (1,000-word equivalent) | 25 | 01 |