In this course, we will examine the multidimensionality of social and
cultural anthropology through an exploration of ethnographic research
and writing.  Our organizing theme for the course will be, "Seeing the
Two Sides of Things."  Students will read five ethnographies written
by anthropologists who work in different parts of the world on various
topics of crucial importance to anthropological inquiry, especially as
it relates to our theme of "seeing the two sides."  Such topics
include social memory; language and discourse; gender politics;
identity politics and ethnic/religious conflict; and illness, disease,
and healthcare. Geographical areas covered include Northern Ireland,
the United States (Hmong in California, and Western Apache in
Arizona), Egypt (Awlad 'Ali Bedouins), and former East Germany.
Students will view several ethnographic films and videos in
conjunction with class readings and discussions.  Major course
requirements are timely completion of the readings, participation in
class discussions, several mini-field projects, and essay summaries of
these projects. The following are the required books for the course:

Keith H. Basso, Portraits of "The Whiteman:" Linguistic Play and
Cultural Symbols among the Western Apache
Anne Fadiman, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child,
Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
William F. Kelleher, Jr., The Troubles in Ballybogoin: Memory and
Identity in Northern Ireland
Lila Abu-Lughod, Writing Women's Worlds: Bedouin Stories
Daphne Berdahl, Where the World Ended: Re-Unification and Identity in
the German Borderland