ANTHR 4235

ANTHR 4235

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

Res ipsa loquitur -- the thing speaks for itself. This common expression captures a widespread belief about objects' roles in human lives, but deciphering what objects have to say is actually a complex cultural process. An object rarely has a single meaning; they are read variously in different cultural settings, and even by different individuals within a cultural system. How does one know, can one know, the meanings of an object? How are objects strategically deployed in social interaction, particularly in cross-cultural interactions where each side may have radically different understandings? How does one even know what an object is? We will explore the history and variety of ways that material culture and its meanings have been studied, using archaeological and ethnographic examples.

When Offered Spring.

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: juniors or higher.
Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: at least one course in anthropology or archaeology.

Breadth Requirement (GHB)
Distribution Category (HA-AS)

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Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ANTHR 7235ARKEO 4235ARKEO 7235

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17445 ANTHR 4235   SEM 101

    • M McGraw Hall 150
    • Jan 23 - May 9, 2023
    • Gleach, F

  • Instruction Mode: In Person