Anthropology of space, place and the cultural landscape
Course Code: HA007
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
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What is the course about?
During this course we critically analyse a number of debates associated with the Anthropology of Space from different theoretical and philosophical perspectives. Initially we define Western concepts of space and place and the use of spatial metaphors which aim to challenge preconceived notions of the way we view our spatial world. Students will explore the meaning of home as a space of memory and lived experience, to a comparative understanding of colonial spaces of otherness and indigenous concepts of place and the landscape. Within our built environment how do houses communicate through ritual decoration, what do they say and to whom? Ever questioned who sits where and why? In the practise of everyday life, how do we define our personal space and boundaries? Within our expanding globalised world we shall additionally explore the increasing concept of marginalised non spaces to spaces and places of migration and cultural identity. Ethnographic case studies range from Europe to India, West Africa, South East Asia and Australia. The course will additionally include a group visit to a current museum or exhibition related to the various themes and concepts of Anthropology of Space.
What will we cover?
- Anthropology of Home - Poetics of Domestic Space
- 19th Colonial Space and Power
- Indigenous Spaces and the landscape
- Ritual decoration, meaning and symbolism of architecture
- Spatial Proxemics
- Gendered Spaces
- From Place to Placelessness.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Gain a critical understanding of key interdisciplinary theories and debates associated with the
- Anthropology of Space, Architecture and the Cultural Landscape.
- Explore socio-cultural approaches to the concepts of space, architecture and the landscape by introducing wide
ranging themes from a historical and contemporary cross cultural perspective
- Encourage the development of student analysis, criticism and study skills of the Anthropology Space and Place
during the course for academic, personal and professional use
- Provide a visual understanding of key themes through architectural visits, museum and exhibitions.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Due to the wide ranging anthropological theories, students should have ideally completed an introductory or beginners Anthropology course prior to registering on the Anthropology of Space, Place and the Cultural landscape module. Your enjoyment will be enhanced if you approach this course with an open and critical mind and a curiosity for learning. To maximise your experience students should read the assigned key readings on a weekly basis as this will fully enable you to participate in various class discussions with your peers. As anthropologists seek to raise awareness of the cross-cultural difference of human behaviour, overall you should be willing to re-evaluate your own understanding, perceptions and assumptions of art from cultures different to your own.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The Anthropology of Space, Place and Cultural landscape course will comprise of lectures, individual and group work, observing ethnographic films, seminar discussions and optional student presentations. There will also be a class visit to a museum or exhibition that complements the course content.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. Please bring writing tools for class work, a pen and paper or electronic equivalent.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Details of anthropology courses can be found on the City Lit website.
Yasmin completed a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology and an MA in the History of South Asian Art and Architecture which complemented her role as a museum educator and curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Her research interest in the social use of space, indigenous art and architecture was consolidated through ethnographic fieldwork in India, and latterly commenced doctoral research in the Anthropology of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University and UCL. Yasmin has lectured at various academic institutions including Birkbeck and University of Arts, and is currently based at City Lit and Goldsmiths University, teaching Anthropology modules including Intro to Anthropology, Anthropology of Art, Film and Photography and the Anthropology of Space, Place and the Landscape. She is currently involved in research at the UCL Media Anthropology Lab, working with digital research methods and indigenous Amazonian communities in South America. Yasmin has also curated a Tamil, South Indian community exhibition called the ‘Talking Streets’. ways. She is a freelance anthropology consultant, tutor and delivers a range of successful independent cultural workshops at Anthropology for all.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
