Spring 2024

Anthropology and Theater:  A Conversation

Listed in: Anthropology and Sociology, as ANTH-305  |  Theater and Dance, as THDA-305

Faculty

Deborah B. Gewertz (Section 01)

Description

Anthropology and Theater each explore human behavior through close observation. A primary meeting point for these two disciplines is ritual. Both disciplines distinguish daily behavior from extra-daily behavior and both are concerned with their relationship. Theater people must observe the world to produce a credible and compelling performance of a reality not their own. Anthropologists must observe the world to produce a credible and compelling description of a reality not their own. This course concerns the differences and the similarities between the methods used in theater and anthropology to get the empirical story correct and convincing to their various audiences.

How to handle overenrollment: Seniors and juniors will have precedence.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: close reading, analytic writing, engaged discussion. Assessment: class attendance; three 8-10 page papers, class participation.

ANTH 305 - LEC

Section 01
Tu 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM FAYE 113
Th 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM FAYE 113

This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
The Humbled Anthropologist The Wadsworth Modern Anthropology Library) First Edition Phillip Devita Amherst Books TBD
The Empty Space Peter Brook Amherst Books TBD
Tales of the Lost Formicans Constance Congdon Amherst Books TBD

These books are available locally at Amherst Books.

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Spring 2025