MB689/789/889:
Issues in Anthropology/ Tutorial Seminar (8 units)
R. Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and Translation
Fall 2006 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 for ten weeks. 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: If you have previously read
any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the
recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.
Barrett, S. R. Anthropology, A
Student’s Guide to Theory & Method. U. 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 Press, 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.
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.