Macquarie University

Identity and Difference: Introduction to Anthropology - ANTH150

The fundamental goals of anthropology are to explore and understand human diversity and the variety of perspectives on what it means to be human. This unit introduces students to the field of sociocultural anthropology and the cultural diversity present throughout the world. This course will emphasise how to study, think about, and represent culture through examining topics such economic systems; kinship; reproduction; magic and rituals; race, ethnicity and inequality; illness and healing; globalisation; and sex and gender. The unit will also offer perspectives on community and international development and demonstrate the relevance of applying anthropological thinking to your career and personal lives. We will closely examine how anthropologists conduct ethnographic research (fieldwork) and consider what makes anthropology unique and effective for looking at humanity from a holistic perspective. Ultimately, though the exploration of other cultures we will learn more about our own culture and begin to see and understand others and ourselves from a different perspective.