Anthropology of the Body (L6065)
Anthropology of the Body
Module L6065
Module details for 2021/22.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module explores the body from an anthropological perspective, and considers how different societies and cultures conceptualise and experience the human body. In recent years, anthropologists and other academics have become increasingly interested in the body, including authors such as Foucault and Bourdieu. Some draw upon Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological approach with its emphasis on the senses, while others attempted to resolve the tensions between experience and agency. The module asks how the body represents a challenge for anthropological research, and explores recent ethnographic contributions to this field. We consider the body as a site on which social and cultural processes are inscribed, where power relations converge and are articulated, and as a site where agency is performed. Materials are drawn from both non-Western and Western societies.
Module learning outcomes
To demonstrate understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the body
To demonstrate coherent knowledge of how different cultures conceptualise and experience the human body
To have a systematic understanding of the key methodological issues of researching and representing bodily experiences and practices
To be able to critically analyse and assess anthropological approaches to the body
To be able to construct and present arguments about the body and society in written form, using theoretical and empirical data
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (7000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
/profiles/214700
Dr James McMurray
Assess convenor
/profiles/244445
Prof Margaret Sleeboom-Faulkner
Convenor
/profiles/192052
Miss Camila Supervielle
Assess convenor
/profiles/535431
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.