Economic Anthropology

Economic anthropology is a classic field of anthropological study that has experienced a recent revival making it more relevant than ever. With global economic challenges such as the COVID-19, climate and financial crises, it has become increasingly important to question prevalent economic understandings and to discuss the implications of economic logics for social relations and lived lives around the world. This course provides an opportunity to rediscover classic texts, explore contemporary political, cultural and moral economies, and to develop and discuss analytical approaches to the anthropological study of economies.

The course has several overall goals. First, It aims to expand the students’ knowledge of classic and new economic anthropology.  Second, we will develop curiosity, overview and understanding of the field. Third, it aims to encourage experimental use of the acquired knowledge in analyzing own empirical data, planning fieldwork, and developing theoretical discussions. Finally, the course seeks to engage students actively in participation in planning activities of the course, and in exploring new themes.

During the course we will cover a wide range of themes, concepts and discussions, including: exchange, gifts, global markets, money & debt, forms of capitalism, value, reciprocity, precarization, inequality, and more. Students will also be able to influence part of the course content as part of the syllabus will be formed according to student interests. More specifically, students will be involved in planning and arranging a full day seminar with a theme of their own choosing, where other students (and staff) from the Department are invited.