Democracy: Ethnography & Soc Theory (Anthro)

SW870, Section 001

This seminar offers new ways of viewing democracy by exploring the intersection of theoretical currents and ethnographic research. Students will read a series of rich ethnographic accounts on themes including participation, international aid organizations, globalization, social movements, and electoral
processes. The ethnographies will also generate discussion about engaged research and the work of indigenous intellectuals. We will relate these accounts to theoretical currents including governmentality, hegemony, deliberative democracy, public sphere, civil society, and transnationalism. Readings will cover many parts of the world, and are intended to interest students working in the United States as well as internationally. Classes will primarily involve discussion of assigned texts. Requirements include active participation in class discussion, a presentation of the readings (one week), weekly on-line response papers, and a final essay or take-home exam.

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