This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theories, methods, data, and references of Social and Cultural Anthropology in ways that are exciting and informative. Its aim is to enable students to “make sense” of the behavior and cultures of peoples unlike themselves, as well as gain insight into their own behavior and society. This way they will develop critical understanding of cultural diversity, and the ability to recognize the preconceptions and assumptions of their own social and cultural environment. Through the comparative study of human cultures we will explore a wide range of issues such as language and communication, adaptive strategies and economic systems, kinship, political systems, gender or religion from a cross-cultural perspective.
- Instructor: Christos Aliprantis