SOSANT2120 – Regional Ethnography: Africa

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

This course gives a critical introduction to the anthropology of one broad traditional anthropological `region`, with a particular emphasis on current research interests related to that region, and how these are shaped by historical the legacy of colonialism and the global political economy. The course reflects critically about regional ethnographic knowledge-making, and provides thereby the basis for a productive engagement with the tradition of `comparative ethnography`.

In the beginning, the students will be given a brief overview of anthropological research traditions and themes related to the region and their historical context. The main part of the course will then focus on recent and current subject matters that shape contemporary anthropological research on and from the region, and on on-going debates about the discipline`s place in the region.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • Overview of the region’s contribution to anthropology
  • Familiarity with some recent and current themes in regional anthropology
  • Critical reflection about the history and contemporary conditions of anthropology of and from the continent

Skills

  • Competence in regional ethnography and familiarity with some main themes in the region’s contemporary anthropology

Competencies

  • Ability to engage with and communicate contemporary social anthropological Insights
  • Understanding and respect for social and cultural, as well as historical variation, as well as for theoretical and methodological differences between regional anthropological approaches
  • Critical reflection about the role and responsibility of anthropology and the anthropologist in the context of a particular region

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Basic knowledge in social anthropology.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

Lectures take place throughout the semester.

Examination

Summative assessment:

8 summary papers of around 500 words (+/-50 words), to be handed in before lectures 3-10 for feedback by the lecturer and subsequent revision for the exam (see below); if summary papers are submitted late, no feedback will be given.

Exam:

4 summary papers submitted in Inspera as one single document.?Students are to choose what they consider their 4 strongest summary papers, revised after feedback by the lecturer, and submit these as their written exam.

Previous exams

Examination support material

All exam support materials are allowed during this exam. Generating all or parts of the exam answer using AI tools such as Chat GPT or similar is not allowed.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.

Also see?Grading guidelines in social anthropology.

Resit an examination

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) May 6, 2025 7:33:10 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

The course is offered irregularly.

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

SV-info