Belief,Thought and Language (SA0054)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-SABTL

The emphasis of this course will be on showing how anthropology and comparative studies have enriched understanding of the dynamic of language, and how engagement with the subject language and with other disciplines concerned with this subject, have historically influenced anthropological thinking beyond language. Students will be introduced to a range of different anthropological approaches to the study of language, and to a variety of interests that have led anthropologists to take an interest in language and literary activity. The course demonstrates that in addition to communicating social reality through diverse mediums and strategies (attention is drawn to description, illustration, evocation and performance; to speech and to writing), language plays a role in constituting social reality. Language has therefore relevance for a broad range of general concerns and specialized interest, and this applies for both scholarship and social and political action. Connections that will be explored include the intersections with processes of personhood, statecraft, political resistance, and institutions of justice.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will have advanced knowledge of the contemporary sociological concept of language.
The course will offer a good theoretical overview of the place of language in everyday social life and critical political innovation.
By the end of the course the students will have advanced knowledge of the scope and distinctiveness of anthropology's contribution to the analysis of language.
Students will have acquired significant capacity to inform the design and carry out empirical studies of language activity.