Introduction to Anthropology & Indonesian Culture

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to: Explain key concepts in anthropology and humanities; Review basic qualitative research methods, concepts and tools: ethnography, participant observation, representation; Explain and identify different cultural elements in Indonesian daily life: social organization and kinship, language, economy, politics, religion, art and aesthetic; Elaborate arguments about personalities and contemporary culture; Explain cultural changes and their relation with history and development of various cultural identities in Indonesia; Produce simple ethnographic film or essay on people and culture; Capture the essence of identity, people and culture clearly and objectively.

Topics

This class introduces students to anthropological basic assumptions, from cultural relativism (versus stereotypes that leads to racism, ethnocentrism, and chauvinism), followed by the introduction to ethnography and visual anthropology, and continues to understanding of cultural values, norms, knowledge and believes, followed by elements of culture. The class is also introducing concepts related to culture such as identity, representation, ideology, social class, cultural imperialism, globalization, and cultural policies. In discussion, students use mainly cases of cultures, ethnic groups and societies in Indonesia.

Pre-requisite: None