SANb2004 Exhibiting Anthropology

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Irena Kašparová, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Sonya Darrow (assistant)
Ing. Soňa Enenkelová (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Irena Kašparová, M.A., Ph.D.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites
Interest in multi-disciplinary approach of data presentation and data collection, interest in social anthropology
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to 1) try out collective biography research method 2) create primary data via the method of collective biography 3) learn about various ways of data presentation in current anthropology 4) to prepare a public exhibition, combining the primary data and one approach to data presentation. Thus: This course explores alternative ways presenting anthropological data. As such, it closely connects to SANb1003 and SANb1004. Traditional way of presenting academic anthropological data is a monograph, occasionally accompanied by few black and white photographs of poor quality. Such medium allows for in-depth report, packed with rich details and traditional analysis of exotic phenomenon or culture. Despite the fact than most of us academics still contribute to this mode of thought reproduction, there are numerous other possibilities, how academic knowledge may be introduced to general, as well as scholarly public. The course aims to explore these possibilities. Together we will look at various forms of research result presentation. At the end of the course, students will undertake the challenge to try an innovative way of data presentation themselves through the method of their own choice. The course aims at two things: 1) to explore various methods of data presentation as stated above and 2) to explore the method of collective biography as source of qualitative data, which will also be our pool of data for final presentation. In order to achieve this, we will work together, in various groups and teams first to collect and to prepare the data, later to present them in the modality of one´s choice/preference. Attendance is therefore vital for the course, as well as the willingness to participate in teamwork and to share parts of personal histories (with the intensity of your choice). Our primary data will be our collective biographies, woven around our memories from childhood. Out of the personal memory, we will create a collective memory, which will be usable as data for further exploitation and exhibition in various forms. Participation of each member is vital and necessary in order to conclude the course successfully. We will practice the method of collective biographies through out the course, especially in it first half, during each lecture. Final exhibition will be based upon our collective data, with the modality of one´s choice/group choice. Writing and re-writing of personal stories will be required.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be aware of how to use and do collective biography research method, what are various possibilities of data collection in current anthropology and will be able to work in a team upon minor data presentation exhibit.
Syllabus
  • 1. Voice and voiceless: selection of power Introduction to methodology and data selection 2. How do (hi)stories come about? Methodology and data selection continued 3. Life as a story or life as a puzzle? Reason and senses examined 4. Worlds as written texts: books, magazines, slogans 5. Art as life, life as art 6. Mind maps, Apps, mobiles and portable exhibitions 7. Reading week – no contact lectures 8. Museums, galleries and human senses revisited 9. Human ZOO: exhibiting people 10. Documentaries, films and reality shows 11. Festivals as rituals, folklore as performance 12. Exhibiting thoughts: university open days 13. Exhibition opening: student project preparation 14. Public exhibition opening (space of FSS)
Literature
  • Baert, Barbara, Ann-Sophie Lehmann, Jenke van den Akkerveken (eds.) ; with the collaboration of Niels Schalley. 2011. New perspectives in iconology : visual studies and anthropology. Brussel : Academic & Scientific. Collins, Samuel Gerald, Matthew During
Teaching methods
Collective writing, lectures, seminars, discussions, team project work
Assessment methods
50% collective essay 50% final exhibition
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught: every week.
Teacher's information
Please, follow current syllabus
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Spring 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2025/SANb2004