Entrer en anthropologie

Course Description

Welcome to "Entrer en anthropologie," an engaging and eye-opening course that invites you to explore the fascinating world of anthropology. This intermediate-level course, offered by LouvainX, is designed to challenge your perspective on human societies and cultures, encouraging you to think critically about the world around you.

In this six-week journey, you'll delve into the core principles of anthropological research, examining how humans organize themselves into societies, what constitutes "families," and how they are formed. You'll gain insight into the anthropological perspective on kinship systems, symbolism, politics, and religion. The course also introduces you to prospective anthropology, which helps us understand and anticipate phenomena that transform our contemporary ways of life.

What students will learn

• Explain the key aspects of the anthropological approach and its areas of focus
• Question major aspects of our changing societies
• Compare your point of view with different cultural references
• Think about today's world and your position as a social actor through research questions
• Understand the basics of kinship, political anthropology, religious anthropology, and digital anthropology
• Analyze concrete case studies from various parts of the world

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, a curious mind, openness to new perspectives, and a willingness to engage in critical thinking are essential for getting the most out of this learning experience.

Course Content

• Introduction to anthropology and the anthropologist's profession
• Basics of kinship and family structures
• Political and religious anthropology
• Anthropology of virtual worlds
• Anthropology of the body
• Case studies from various cultures (e.g., Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan)
• Virtual marriage and the commodification of social relationships
• An anthropologist's experience in World of Warcraft

Who this course is for

• Anyone curious about human societies and cultures
• Students interested in social sciences, particularly anthropology
• Professionals looking to gain a broader perspective on human behavior and social structures
• Individuals who want to understand their own society better and explore unfamiliar cultures
• Those interested in contemporary social issues and how they relate to cultural practices

Real-world Applications

• Developing a more nuanced understanding of cultural differences in personal and professional settings
• Improving cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Analyzing social trends and their impacts on communities
• Applying anthropological perspectives to problem-solving in diverse fields such as business, healthcare, and social services
• Enhancing critical thinking and observational skills for research and analysis
• Gaining a deeper understanding of one's own cultural background and biases

Syllabus

1. What is anthropology?
   • The anthropologist's profession
   • Myths about anthropology
2. The basics of kinship
   • Theoretical concepts
   • Long-distance family relationships
   • Kazakh kinship
   • Virtual marriage
   • The commodification of social relationships
3. Anthropology of politics and religion
   • Case study #1: Burkina Faso
   • Case study #2: Cape Verde
4. Anthropology of virtual worlds
   • An anthropologist in World of Warcraft
5. Anthropology of the body

By enrolling in "Entrer en anthropologie," you'll embark on an intellectual adventure that will transform your understanding of human societies and cultures. Join us in this exciting exploration of the diverse and complex world we live in!