Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit centres on the relationship between body, mind and culture. At the core of the unit is the question of how culture shapes understandings and aspects of mind and body. The unit may focus on these issues from either a psychological anthropology perspective or a medical anthropology/sociology perspective. A psychological anthropology focus include looking at issues such as emotion, cognition, perception and dreaming from cross-cultural perspectives, and approaches considered may include psychoanalytic anthropology, ethnopsychology, cognitive anthropology and neuroanthropology. Where the unit is taught to a medical anthropology/sociology specialty the emphasis will be on considering the biomedical tradition from anthropological/sociological, and cross-cultural perspectives; issues such as Western conceptions of illness, healing, and the body, and whether contemporary Western biomedical interventions reinforce colonial or imperial power in the effort to promote global health.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Not available in 2024OnlineOnline timetabled
Not available in 2024OnlineOnline timetabled
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in a contemporary subfield of either psychological anthropology or medical anthropology/sociology; (2) develop a clear understanding of key concepts, theories and debates in either specialised subfield; (3) demonstrate an ability to understand the role of culture and social context in shaping aspects of mind and body and/or approaches to them; (4) demonstrate an ability to understand the interaction of micro and macro processes in human behaviour; and (5) demonstrate an ability to communicate anthropological and sociological ideas, principles and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of formats (written, oral, visual etc.).

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) an in-class test; (2) a major essay; and (3) lectorial participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Gretchen M Stolte
Unit rules
Prerequisites
any Level 2 ANTH unit.
any first year psychology unit.
Incompatibility
ANTH2228 Health and Illness in Australian Society, ANTH2408 Psychological Anthropology
Contact hours
lectorials: 20 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.