Anthropological Writing

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Practices critical reading and writing skills through the study and discussion of anthropologically relevant literature. Examines various styles and formats of anthropological writing, treating the discipline as an ongoing conversation and discourse community. Develops writing proficiency necessary for professional participation in anthropology and related career paths, including the interpretation, critique and evaluation of scientific papers. Emphasizes effective peer review and the capacity to accept constructive criticism. Cultivates clear communication strategies for discussing complex anthropological topics with both academic and broader audiences. Organizes written work using careful and critical thought. TOPICS AND THEMES. Considers common citation styles, including the appropriate inclusion of primary sources. Analyzes the scientific publication process and Reference Management Software (RMS) usage. Studies professional writing, including personal statements, cover letters, CVs and resumes, prepared as part of an application packet for jobs, internships or graduate school. Explores writing clearly and concisely for diverse audiences, including rewriting scholarly work for non-academic audiences and developing an original research paper on a topic of the student’s choosing. Examines various styles of scientific papers, including research articles, review articles, programmatic essays, ethnographies and popular media. Practices peer review techniques and critical analysis of complex texts. Verbal communication and synthesis of anthropological research in small group settings and an individual oral presentation. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.