DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the changing nature of families from anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics and themes examined include descent systems; marriage practices; connections among households, markets, and states; gender relations; sexuality; reproduction; parenting; personhood; and culture, power, and agency. The primary objective of this course is to critically examine our own assumptions about what is ‘natural’ and inevitable in discussion and debates about families. Thus, we will interrogate heteronormative biases in kinships studies and we will examine the systems of intersectional inequalities in which families are embedded.

COURSE READINGS:

• CouseLink and ARES

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:

• In-class midterm 1 (20%)
• Take-home Midterm 2 (30%)
• Response papers (15%)
• Final exam (35%)

* Requirements and methods of evaluation are subject to change.