This course explores key anthropological concepts through the analysis of visual media representations of anthropological issues throughout the world and across time. The visual media we analyze will include films (both documentary and fictional), still images, and other forms of media. We will examine issues such as race, language, colonialism, inequality, conservation, evolution, biodiversity, and provenance. This course will highlight the ways in which visual media can serve as both a research method for anthropologists as well as a medium for the representation of anthropological ideas. We will examine contemporary and historical sources created by a range of scholars and filmmakers, not all of whom are anthropologists, but whose work is central for understanding how anthropology around the world is understood and communicated via media.

There is no textbook for this course. Readings and other media will be posted to Canvas. You may sometimes be asked to pay for access to films, especially if you are unable to attend scheduled film viewings, which will sometimes occur outside regular class times.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Understand how film and other forms of media function as tools for the study and communication of anthropology.
• Evaluate media through an anthropological lens.
• Create your own media to communicate ideas and themes relevant to anthropology.

Coursework

Film Viewings.

It is difficult to view full-length films within a class period. For that reason, I have requested the Theater in the Sharwan Smith Center for one Wednesday evening a month. I will show films relevant to the class at those times. If you are unable to attend the film viewings, you will have to arrange to watch the film on your own time separately before the next class period. Sometimes this may involve paying for access to stream the film, arranging to borrow the film from me, etc. On days when we have film viewings, we will not have our regularly scheduled class. These dates are tentatively outlined in the schedule below. I will remind you of film viewings and canceled classes in advance.

Notebooks.

You should complete the reading associated with each class period before class that day. As you read, you are expected to take notes. In addition, you are expected to take notes during class lectures, discussions, and films. These notes can contain your reflections, relevant points you would like to remember, connections to the assigned reading, and questions you would like to discuss with the class. Your notes should be sufficiently detailed to assist you in our class discussions, which are an important part of this class. About once per week (typically on Friday), at the end of class, I will check your notebook to ensure that you have been keeping up with readings and class material. To receive full credit, you need to clearly demonstrate that you have been completing readings and viewings and paying attention in class. There will be 13 notebook checks, worth 15 points each (total = 195 points). You may upload your notes to Canvas instead of doing an in-person notebook check. There will not be a notebook check in Week 1.

Participation.

Participation is critically important in this course. You are expected to participate actively and knowledgably in class discussions. Discussion contributions should demonstrate knowledge of the course content, including information from classes as well as your readings and viewings. You are also expected to follow the rules of classroom conduct outlined below:

• Keep an open mind.
• No ad hominem attacks. If you disagree with someone, discuss the reasons for your disagreement rather than attacking the character of the person with whom you disagree.
• Avoid dominating the conversation. Make sure that you allow others to talk.
• When someone is speaking, listen carefully. You might take notes to help you remember relevant points as you formulate a response. Scrolling on your phone shows you are not engaged and can prevent you from contributing meaningfully to the classroom environment.
• Avoid making assumptions about your classmates based on superficial characteristics.
• Commit to learning rather than debating.

You are expected to have good attendance and strong participation in discussions. Discussion participation is worth 150 points total, split into two 75-point grades (for the first and second halves of the semester). Participation for the first half of the semester will be assessed through February 20th. Discussion for the second half of the semester will be assessed through April 20th. Attendance at both the final class and the final exam period (regardless of when your presentation is scheduled) will be factored into your participation grade.

Film Reviews.

Twice per semester you will be asked to complete a film review outside of class. You will review a film of your own choosing and reflect on the anthropological significance of the film, guided by several questions that will be provided on Canvas. Your reviews should be 600-800 words in length. In addition to your written film review, you will be asked to briefly share a summary of your review with the class. Each film review is worth 150 points. A rubric for the film review will be provided on Canvas. Film reviews are worth 300 points total (150 points each x2). Reviews are due on February 20th and March 27th.

Visual Anthropology Assignment and Presentation.

In this assignment, you will use photography or short-form ethnographic film to explore and communicate an issue of anthropological significance. The goal is to use visual media not simply to document, but to analyze and interpret social life—demonstrating how images can function as anthropological arguments. You will choose an issue, practice, space, or relationship that is anthropologically meaningful (e.g., labor, ritual, archaeological ethics, migration, identity, inequality, human-environment relations, memory, kinship, technology in everyday life, human-animal relationships). Using either photography or film, create a visual project that highlights how this issue is experienced, enacted, or contested in a specific context. You may choose one of two options: 1) a photo essay of 10-12 images or 2) a short film (5-8 minutes long). Regardless of which format you choose, you should prioritize observation over staging and aim to show patterns, contrasts, or moments that reveal broader meaning. Alongside the visual component, you need to submit a 1,000–1,200 word essay that explains the anthropological significance of the chosen issue, describes the context and methods used to create the images or film, reflects on ethical considerations (consent, representation, power, anonymity), and analyzes how visual choices (framing, sequencing, sound, editing) shape interpretation. As we will discuss in class, any human subjects appearing in your media need to consent to being photographed and having their image shared. The visual and written component of this project is worth 280 points. A detailed grading rubric will be provided on Canvas.

You will present your photo essay or ethnographic film at the end of the class (either on the last day of class or during the final exam period, slots will be randomly assigned). Your presentation should be around 10 minutes long and should share your final product as well as some of the context for your images/film that you shared in your essay. The presentation component of this assignment is worth 50 points. A detailed grading rubric will be provided on Canvas.

Grading

Your grade will be based on your performance on 13 notebook checks worth 15 points each (13 x 15 = 195 points), class participation (150 points total, graded in two 75-point segments), two film reviews worth 150 points each (300 points total), several in-class sharing assignments (25 points total), and a visual anthropology assignment (280 points) and associated presentation (50 points). There will be a total of 1000 points in the class.

Grades will be assigned as follows:

* = major assignment due

Late Work and Missed Work

Face to Face Class

Use of AI

You are expected to have good attendance and strong participation in discussions.

Attendance at both the final class and the final exam period (regardless of when your presentation is scheduled) will be factored into your participation grade.

Courses in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences are assigned a program fee of $4.00 per credit hour.