MB689/789/889: Issues in Anthropology/Tutorial
Seminar (8 units)
R. Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and
Translation
Winter 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
Contemporary missiology is facing monumental worldwide changes with
increasing urbanization, pluralism, and the rapid spread of majority world
missions. Contemporary anthropology is also undergoing radical change as it
faces the de-tribalization of remote cultures and seeks to apply
anthropological principles to the “tribalization” of nation states, in a
context of post-modernity, and globalization. At this stage in the development
of both anthropology and missiology, it is essential that we understand the
interface between the two and seek to apply cultural theory and method to the
development of missiological theory and method that helps scholars and
practitioners deal with cultural issues in this new century. This tutorial
seminar seeks to assist students who wish to apply anthropological theory to
the research and writing of dissertations that bring the concerns and
approaches of anthropology to doing mission. This tutorial seminar will be most
advantageous to those seeking to combine research in cross cultural and
pluralist contexts with missiological issues crucial to doing mission in our
day.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
•
Ability to integrate anthropological theories and/or issues to doctoral
research interests.
• Ability to present an argument
showing the relationship of anthropological theory and practice to missiology.
COURSE FORMAT:
The seminar will meet once a week. Interaction with
the reading will precipitate discussion as it applies to each student’s
particular research interests. Presentations will be discussed and critiqued
using the doctoral seminar format.
REQUIRED READING:
Barrett, S. R., Anthropology,
A Student’s Guide to Theory & Method. University of Toronto, 1996.
Salzman, P.C., Understanding Culture: An Introduction to
Anthropological Theory. Waveland Press, 2001.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Available on Library Reserve Shelf:
Borofsky, R. (ed.), Assessing Cultural
Anthropology. McGraw Hill, 1994
Garbarino, Merwyn S., Sociocultural
Theory in Anthropology. Waveland, 1983
Kaplan, D. & R. A. Manners, Culture
Theory. Waveland, 1986
Langness, L. L., The Study of Culture, Chandler
& Sharp, 1987.
McGee, R. J. & R. L., Warms (eds.), Anthropological
Theory, Mayfield, 1996. (Reader)
Supplementary Reading from “classics” as well as
contemporary anthropologists who may contribute theoretically to a student’s
research interests and needs will be encouraged. Anthropological reading
pertaining to each student’s research interests should total at least 3000
pages.
ASSIGNMENTS:
An
annotated bibliography along with classroom discussion, and a critiqued
presentation will be the focus of assignments. Each student will be expected to
focus on an anthropologist, theoretical school or issue they deem most helpful
in pursuing their doctoral research. The presentation should relate their
chosen theory or focus to their doctoral research showing the rationale, theoretical
objectives and missiological application.
Ideally
students should plan to complete the research and reading necessary to apply
anthropological insights to their missiological materials within the term
limits. Actual incorporation of critique and final write-up may be beyond the
normal ten-week term, but students should plan on turning in a completed
tutorial no later then the end of the following term.
PREREQUISITES: MB520/MB522 or equivalent and
MB560 or equivalent—i.e., students should have a basic awareness of and
rationale for the use of anthropological insight and how to go about collecting
and analyzing data. The focus of this seminar is to apply theoretical issues to
a student’s data.
Th.M. Students admitted by advance permission of instructor only.
RELATIONSHIP TO
CURRICULUM: Serves as
an eight-unit tutorial and satisfies one half of the required Doctoral Seminars
and one of two presentations necessary for all doctoral students.
FINAL EXAM:
None