Time Schedule:
Jose A Lucero
SIS 202
Seattle Campus
Cultural interaction among societies and civilizations, particularly Western and non-Western. Intellectual, cultural, social, and artistic aspects; historical factors. Offered: Sp.
Class description
The study of politics and economics is always already the study of culture. Culture, understood as the dynamic processes of constructing the identities, categories, and understandings that constitute our world, is an integral part of political and economic systems. Using cultural critique and ethnographic sensibilities, this course examines the themes of violence, state formation, and development in the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia. This course will draw upon anthropological, sociological and other interpretive approaches from the social sciences and humanities to understand the symbolic, performative, and affective dimensions of global politics.
Student learning goals
• Learn the terms, concepts, and theories after "the interpretive turn" in the social science.
• Understand cultural approaches to political and economic processes.
• Develop the ability to use ethnographic and anthropological frameworks.
• Develop and improve the ability to synthesize and analyze different ideas and theories about contemporary political and social problems.
General method of instruction
• Lectures and section discussions
Recommended preparation
Recommended: SIS 200, 201
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will involve reading, quizzes, short response papers, an ethnographic essay and an in-class final exam.
Grades will be based on participation, exam, and writing assignments.
