Anthropology, being traditionally defined as “the study of the cultural Other” (Karl-Heinz Kohl), has contributed to the colonial imagination of “the West and the rest” (Stuart Hall). However, anthropology as a dynamic discipline has developed a self-reflexive interest in deconstructing the geography of imagination that it has co-produced. Moreover, anthropology is also well placed to revitalize itself by seeking new approaches to adapt to a postcolonial world and its “process geographies” (Arjun Appadurai). “Critical Europeanization Studies”, as proposed and developed at our Institute, is actively partaking in this self-reflexive anthropological turn.
In this course, we will look at the possible contributions anthropology can make to deconstruct and revise the illusion of fixed boundaries and areas (whether disciplinary or geographical). We will examine the (un)making of anthropological geographies, as represented in the divided histories of Volkskunde and Völkerkunde. We will inquire into possibilities to transcend disciplinary and geographical divisions, to adapt to global transformations and contribute to an emerging net of world anthropologies. We will also look at and imagine possible research fields in which to further develop this cosmopolitanized anthropology.
The class will be conducted in both German (Römhild) and English (Bockaj), although your participation, oral as well as written, can be in the language in which you feel most comfortable with.
Active participation in terms of reading and preparing inputs/presentations is expected. Particular requirements are:
- - - one input on one theme of a particular class session;
- - OR a presentation connecting a particular concern of the class to your emerging/evolving MAP or MA project (how did the class change your thinking about framing your project?)
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