Anthropology of the Body

Catalog description

Anthropology of the Body integrates theoretical approaches from cultural anthropology, sociology, psychology, psychological anthropology, and critical race theory to better understand, question, and critically think about the human body as the existential ground of culture and power. We will read ethnographic and theoretical texts to learn how people conceptualize the ways cultural meaning and values are inscribed on and in the body, through sporting practices to religious healing to fitness regimens to tastes and styles. The course will include a physical practice that links physical movement with theoretical learning.