ANTH 305 Syllabus

Section 01–4:00-5:20pm (TR)

Visual expression or image making is found worldwide.  From Europe to Australia, paintings and engravings on rock surfaces have been dated to 40-60,000 years ago.  We still find similar techniques employed in contemporary settings.  What do we mean by visual expression? Or, simply, what is “art”?  If we acknowledge a certain aesthetic, how does it differ from area to area? Are these differences defined culturally, environmentally, etc.?  This course takes a comparative approach to the arts in different cultural traditions, from small-scale societies to contemporary urban ones.

We will explore some of the explanations to these questions through a comparative examination.  Incorporating research from Tanzania, we will examine rock art through a well-defined body of ethnographic studies with respect to a specific society.  We will compare this with graffiti and street art, with which most of us are familiar and have encountered.

The format of instruction is a combination of lecture and seminar-style discussion.  For this reason, students are to be fully prepared (readings/videos) in order to participate.  This participation accounts for 20% of the grade. The rest of the grade will consist of: film response or field trip response (15%), an opinion piece (5%), in-class project (25%), an annotated bibliography (10%), and a presentation or poster (25%). The latter two items are based on the same topic; this is to encourage you to work on your chosen project from the start. It also allows you to be graded in stages in order to get feedback on your work. Topics for posters or presentations must be approved (Week 6, October 12).

Not attending an exam or submitting an assignment will result in an “F”;
your final grade is based on completing ALL course work.

Required text:
There is no comprehensive book covering this topic; readings will be from online resources.

Please read the assigned chapter(s) prior to the week’s lecture to facilitate discussion.

NOTE:

• Use of technology: Cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices must be turned off in class and laptops are permitted during class ONLY for note taking. Recording is only permitted by request as authorized by Disability Services. Please contact Disability Services if you are in need of academic support and accommodation.
• If there are exceptional and/or extenuating circumstances, such as illness or a death in the family, that prevents you from meeting an assignment deadline or being present for an exam, please notify me immediately so that other arrangements can be made. (See VIU General Regulations.)
• Should you need counselling at any time during the semester, contact Student Affairs. Drop-in counselling is available. If immediate support is needed after hours, call the Crisis & Information Line: 1-888-494-3888. As well, you can contact Cowichan Valley Mental Health and Substance Use Services Intake, 3088 Gibbins Road, Duncan: 250.709.3040. In Nanaimo, there is a Walk-in Counselling Clinic, Brooks Landing (203-2000 Island Highway North), Nanaimo: 250-739-5710. For general health and wellness queries, go to bc211 or dial 211; it’s free and confidential.
• If you appear to be experiencing difficulties, you might be identified to VIU Student Affairs through the Early Alert System (EAS). EAS is a campus-wide program to connect students with resources that may help their success.
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Last updated 2018-09-04