Anthropology and the Environment, Introductory course

Course content

In this course the main objective is to explore the interface between nature and society. Even though anthropology has mainly focused on social life and social relationships, it has also made a significant contribution to the analysis of the intertwinement of natural and social processes. With the global concerns about climate change and environmental challenges of many other kinds, such analysis is ever more pressing.

Through the presentation of ethnographic cases, and by allowing ample time for discussion of various analytical and theoretical viewpoints, the ambition is to show how it is no longer possible to think of ‘nature’ as outside of social life. In turn this opens up for a new dialogue with natural sciences.

Learning outcome

At the end of the course, students must be able to display the following

a) skills:

- an ability to identify central themes in environmental anthropology;

- an ability to analyse concrete cases of environmental change;

- an ability to explain how nature impinges on society in concrete cases;

b) knowledge:

- a mastering of theories of nature/society relations;

- a deep sense of anthropology’s contribution;

c) competences:

- an ability to apply the acquired analytical skills on new cases:

- an ability to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Classes, presentations of ethnographic cases, theoretical discussions

BSc students and MSc students: 500 pages obligatory literature.

The teacher will publish 200-300 pages of supplementary literature.

Course literature will be available through Absalon.

Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Portfolio exam
Length: The portfolio exam can be taken individually or in groups of maximum four students. The portfolio exam consists of 2-7 submissions. The number of submissions is set by the lecturer. The total length of all of the submissions must not exceed 30,000 keystrokes for a single student. For groups of two students the maximum is 40,000 keystrokes. For groups of three students the maximum is 45,000 keystrokes and for groups of four students the maximum is 50,000 keystrokes.
For groups writing together it must be clearly indicated which parts of the assignment each of the students has written.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Criteria for exam assessment

See learning outcome

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 138
  • Exam
  • 30
  • English
  • 210