Anthropology

Anthropology through films: Ethnographic Films and Beyond

Module code: L6102
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Film, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

In this module, you are introduced to the discipline of anthropology through the medium of film from the early twentieth century to the present-day.

You gain an overview of the discipline and its history through film, and addresses some of the central concerns of social and cultural anthropology, including:

  • fieldwork and ethnography
  • sameness and difference
  • religion and ritual
  • kinship
  • gender
  • race/ethnicity
  • migration
  • globalisation.

You become acquainted with different regional contexts and central theoretical debates in the discipline, through a selection of ethnographic films - produced in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, Canada, Bali, Papua New Guinea, India, Britain, France and along the migratory routes from Afghanistan to Turkey.

In this module, you produce a short film as part of group work, as well as undertaking a written assignment.

Module learning outcomes

  • Have an understanding of the practice of ethnography and how different theoretical perspectives can influence styles of filmmaking.
  • Display a broad knowledge of anthropological themes and different regional contexts introduced through the medium of film.
  • View and analyse ethnographic films with an appropriate degree of critical awareness and with reference to the film and anthropological literature.