The Body and Culture
This course examines how culture shapes how the human body is understood, categorized and used, and it also examines how bodily experiences shape culture and society. Drawing on cultural anthropology, it analyzes diverse cross-cultural examples, possibly ranging from body decoration among Amazonian indigenous people, to plastic surgery, childbirth, or sports.
Outcomes: Students will learn how socio-cultural forces shape human bodies; understand how cultural anthropology examines the body; and examine classic social theories about bodies, gender, social class and subjectivity.
Outcomes: Students will learn how socio-cultural forces shape human bodies; understand how cultural anthropology examines the body; and examine classic social theories about bodies, gender, social class and subjectivity.