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SA3055   Anthropology and History

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

Ethnohistory is the study of native and/or non-Western peoples from a combined historical and anthropological viewpoint, using written documents, oral literature, material culture and ethnographic data. Ethnohistory uses both historical and ethnographic data as its foundation. Its historical methods and materials go beyond the standard use of books and manuscripts. Practitioners recognize the utility of maps, music, paintings, photography, folklore, oral tradition, ecology, site exploration, archaeological materials, museum collections, enduring customs, language, and place names. It incorporates the critical use of ethnological concepts and materials in the examination and use of historical source material. Axtell has described ethnohistory as essentially, the use of historical and ethnological methods to gain knowledge of the nature and causes of change in a culture defined by ethnological concepts and categories (Axtell 1979). Ethnohistory takes into account the people's own sense of how events are constituted, and their ways of culturally constructing the past. It is a holistic, diachronic approach that is often most rewarding when it can be joined to the memories and voices of living people. This module will present readings, lectures and discussions about the relationship of history and anthropology. Topics examined include but are not limited to: microhistory; language and translation; ethnohistory and archaeology; writing systems; archival research; working with images and material objects; and ethics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass SA2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture, 1 seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination or Take-Home Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination or Take-Home Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr S Hyland