MB689/789/889: Issues
in Anthropology/ Tutorial Seminar (8 units)
R.
Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and Translation
Spring 2005 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
Contemporary missiology is facing monumental worldwide changes with
increasing urbanization, pluralism, and the rapid spread of majority world
missions. Contemporary anthropology is
also undergoing radical change as it faces the de-tribalization of remote
cultures and seeks to apply anthropological principles to the “tribalization”
of nation states, in a context of post-modernity, and globalization. At this stage in the development of both
anthropology and missiology, it is essential that we understand the interface
between the two and seek to apply cultural theory and method to the development
of missiological theory and method that helps scholars and practitioners deal
with cultural issues in this new century.
This tutorial seminar seeks to assist students who wish to apply
anthropological theory to the research and writing of theses or dissertations
that bring the concerns and approaches of anthropology to doing mission. This tutorial seminar will be most
advantageous to those seeking to combine research in cross cultural and
pluralist contexts with missiological issues crucial to doing mission in our
day.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Ability to
integrate anthropological theories and/or issues to field research interests.
• Ability to present an argument showing the relationship of anthropological
theory and practice to missiology.
COURSE
FORMAT:
The seminar will
meet once a week. Interaction with the
reading will precipitate discussion as it applies to each student’s particular
research interests. Presentations will be discussed and critiqued using the doctoral
seminar format.
REQUIRED
READING:
Barrett, S. R. Anthropology, A Student’s Guide to Theory
& Method. U. Toronto, 1996.
Salzman, P.C. Understanding Culture: An Introduction to
Anthropological Theory. Waveland Press, 2001.
(Pre-Read Salzman first, then Barrett and write a two page Book review of each,
Due at first class meeting) These two books provide the conceptual basis of
reading for the remainder of the term.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Available on Library Reserve Shelf:
Borofsky, R. (ed), Assessing Cultural
Anthropology. McGraw Hill, 1994
Garbarino, Merwyn S. Sociocultural Theory
in Anthropology. Waveland, 1983
Kaplan, D. & R. A. Manners, Culture
Theory. Waveland Press, 1986
Langness, L. L., The Study of Culture, Chandler
& Sharp, 1987.
McGee, R. J. & R. L. Warms (eds.), Anthropological Theory, Mayfield, 1996. (Reader)
Supplementary Reading from “classics” as well as contemporary anthropologists
who may contribute theoretically to a student’s research interests and needs
will be encouraged. Anthropological
reading pertaining to each student’s research interests should total at least
3000 pages.
ASSIGNMENTS:
• An annotated
bibliography along with classroom discussion, and a critiqued presentation will
be the focus of assignments. Each
student will be expected to focus on an anthropologist, theoretical school or
issue they deem most helpful in pursuing their research interests. The presentation should relate their chosen
theory or focus to their proposed research showing the rationale, theoretical
objectives and missiological application.
• In order to make the presentation and have sufficient theoretical background
for critique of other student’s papers, students should plan to complete the
research and reading necessary to apply anthropological insights to their
missiological materials within the term limits. Presentations will be made during the last four weeks of the
term. Though actual incorporation of critique and final write-up may be beyond
the normal ten-week term, students should plan on turning in a completed
tutorial no later then the end of the following term.
PREREQUISITES: MB520/MB522 or equivalent and MB560 or equivalent, i.e.
students should have a basic awareness of and rationale for the use of
anthropological insight and how to go about collecting and analyzing data. The focus of this seminar is to apply
theoretical issues to a student’s data.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Serves as an eight-unit tutorial and
satisfies one half of the required Doctoral Seminars and one of two presentations
necessary for all doctoral students.
FINAL EXAM:
None