2017-2018 / ANTH0048-1

Economic anthropology

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in anthropology (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in population and development studies (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in sociology and anthropology (60 ECTS)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Benjamin Rubbers

Substitute(s)

Guy Massart

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course will be based on the presentation of various ethnographical material concerning the mining sector in West Africa, the 2008 financial crisis, the health sector and/or the steel industry in Belgium, the cocaine economy in Latin America. These ethnographical materials will be shared through oral presentations of guests and multimedia materials. These presentations will allow us to reflect in class on key concepts in economic anthropology (market, consumption, gift, work,...) ; specific readings regarding these concepts will be provided. Students will form working groups, each group will choose an ethnography among an array suggested which they will present to the rest of the class.  

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

To introduce students to theories and methods in economic anthropology. At the end of the course students will be able to analyze from an original and critical point economic processes going on in our increasingly globalized world.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

To have an interest in rethinking economic analysis, and accordingly, in reflecting with new conceptual tools upon the economic and social changes of our time.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The course will be in seminar form

Recommended or required readings

Students must read one ethnography among an array proposed. They will also receive complementary readings at each class. These readings will be made available in paper form or sent in PDF form via MyULg. 

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading will depend on the oral presentation, the final essay, and class participation.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Details about the planning and the choice of the ethnography and group forming will be given during the first session.  

Contacts

The professor is available to meet students by appointment (email).