Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - SA 359 E100

Special Topics in Anthropology (A) (4)

Anthropology of the Senses

Class Number: 2338

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores a topic in Anthropology not regularly offered by the department.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course surveys sensorial Anthropology, looking at the history, methods, and significance of the sensory to cultures and to representations of culture. The production, circulation, and reception of cultural representations are examined with reference to photography, ethnographic films, and museum exhibitions. Issues of ethics and representation will figure prominently. Students will apply and demonstrate their learnings through two ‘fieldwork’/fieldtrip projects.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of the course, the successful student should be able to:

  1. Trace the history of visual bias in western culture and disruptions of visual bias enabled by sensory anthropology theory and practice.
  2. Identify and critically examine ethical and methodological issues entailed in sensorial anthropological research and representations.
  3. Compare textual and audio-visual representations of the same or similar cultural phenomena
  4. Examine film, video and photography as technologies that both enable cultural representations and reflect the cultural and historical contexts of their production.
  5. Discuss anthropological theories of representation, identity, production, collaboration, distribution, consumption, power, and post-coloniality through examination of sensorial media.
  6. Historicize and critique some stylistic conventions of documentary and ethnographic films AND museum installations.

Grading

  • Class Participation 10%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Quotes + Question (4 x 5%) 20%
  • MOA Report 25%
  • Sensorial ANTH Project 30%
  • - Visual Presentation (15%)
  • - Write-Up (15%)

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved! Follow them on Instagram!

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Cost:

Museum of Anthropology [MOA at UBC] entry fee ($22 with SFU student card)

REQUIRED READING:

Bell, Darrin. 2023. The Talk. Henry Holt and Co. (~$33)

All other course material will be available on Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.