Anthropology 310: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Anthropology

This course will explore how anthropological ideas and theories, both traditional and contemporary, appear in genres of writing not usually associated with anthropology, such as novels and memoirs. We will consider the strengths and weaknesses of different genres of writing for communicating anthropological findings and ideas, discuss questions of truth and knowledge in ethnographic writing, and consider the implications of our discussions for so-called 'public' anthropology. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101 or 201 or consent of instructor.