This course deals with the way in which anthropology defines and approaches symbolism in general, as well as, more explicitly, the contributions from symbolic anthropology as a branch of anthropology. Combining theoretical approaches with specific ethnographies, we will explore the diversity of forms, functions and meanings that symbols adopt and their relationship with the production and reproduction of certain social systems.

General objectives:

1. To introduce students to symbolic anthropology.

2. To become acquainted with themes, concepts and main authors and their work.

3. To analyse aspects of socio-cultural reality through their symbolic system.

Specific objectives:

1. To understand how systems of meaning are constructed in a socio-cultural context and how they are related to structural systems.

2. To reflect on the role of symbols and rituals in diverse historical, cultural and social contexts.

3. Analyse the contributions of symbolic anthropology through specific ethnographic studies.

SKILLS TO BE AQCUIRED

- Awareness of the complexity and importance of symbolic systems in social organisation.

- Understanding of the development of symbolic anthropology and its importance within the discipline.

- Indepth knowledge of the contributions of relevant authors and comparison with other relevant authors.

- Acquisition of a critical perspective on the contribution of symbolic analysis to the social sciences.

- Ability to produce critical and informed analysis of texts or other media.

- Competence in the reading, analysis and presentation - both orally and in writing - of classical and contemporary anthropological texts, using anthropological terminology and appropriate language.

(I) INTRODUCTION TO SYMBOLIC ANTHROPOLOGY: CURRENTS, AUTHORS AND THEIR WORKS

(II) THE SYMBOLIC UNIVERSE OF RITUALS AND SOCIAL ORGANISATION

(III) 10-12. MATERIAL DIMENSION OF THE SYMBOL

(IV) 13-14. SYMBOLISM AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS, IDENTITY AND GENDER SYSTEMS

The methodology combines lectures with practical exercises.

A selection of compulsory and complementary readings, available in the egela, will be followed, and students will join in their presentation in class.

Students will work both in groups and individually and will also present their work in class.

In addition to the oral presentation of the bibliographical and ethnographic exercises, students will prepare and hand in written assignments, paying attention to the proper citation of sources.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 10
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 10
  • Individual works (%): 50
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 20
  • Exhibition of works, readings ... (%): 10

For those not attending class:

(a) A 4-page critical review (Times New Roman 12, 1.5 spacing) of one of the monographs cited in the obligatory bibliography to be brought on the day of the exam and as a pre-requirement for taking the exam.

b. A written examination of 3 questions, chosen from 4 provided. The questions may be on any subject included in the syllabus.

As above.

Egela
The readings specified in the egela.

Basic bibliography

BATESON G. ([1958] 2018) Naven, a Survey of the Problems Suggested by a Composite Picture of the Culture of a New Guinea Tribe Drawn From Three Points of View, Franklin Classics.

DOUGLAS, M. ([1966] 1973) Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo, Routledge Classics.

GEERTZ, C. ([1973] 2017) The Interpretation of Cultures, Basic Books.

LEACH, E. (1976) Culture and Communication: The Logic by which Symbols Are Connected. An Introduction to the Use of Structuralist Analysis in Social Anthropology, Cambridge University Press.

SPERBER D. (1979) Rethinking Symbolism, Cambridge University Press.

TURNER, V. ([1969] 1996) The Ritual Process. Structure and Anti-Structure, Routledge.

In-depth bibliography

Bordieu, Pierre, 1985 (1982). “Ritos de institución”, ¿Qué significa hablar Economía de los intercambios lingüísticos: 78-86. Madrid: Akal.
Cátedra, María. 1989. La vida y el mundo de los Vaqueiros de Alzada, Madrid: CIS.
Caro Baroja, Julio. 1988 (1961). Las brujas y su mundo. Madrid: Alianza.
Chevalier J. & Gheerbrant, A. 1984. Diccionario de los símbolos. Barcelona: Herder.
Del Valle, Teresa. 1988. Korrika. Rituales de la lengua en el espacio. Anthropos: Barcelona.
Descola, Philippe. 2005. Las lanzas del crepúsculo. Argentina: FCE.
Douglas, Mary. 1978. Símbolos naturales. Madrid: Alianza.
Douglass William. 1973. Muerte en Murélaga. El contexto de la muerte en el País Vasco. Barcelona: Seix-Barral.
Evans-Pritchard E. 1976 (1937). Brujería, magia y oráculo entre los Azande. Barcelona: Anagrama.
Favret-Saada, Jeanne. 1989 (1977). Deadly words. Witchcraft in the Bocage, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gluckman, Max; Douglas, Mary y Horton, Robin. 1988 (1944). Ciencia y brujería, Barcelona: Anagrama.
Harris, Marvin. 2011. Vacas, cerdos, guerras y brujas. Madrid: Alianza.
Hertz, Robert. 1990 (1909). La muerte y la mano derecha. Madrid: Alianza.
Izard M. y Smith P. 1989. La función simbólica. Gijón: Júcar.
Jimeno Salvatierra, Pilar. 2006. La creación de Cultura: Signos, símbolos, antropología y antropólogos. Madrid: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
Lakoff G. y Johnson M. 1991. Metáforas de la vida cotidiana. Madrid: Cátedra.
Lévi-Strauss, Claude. 1985. El pensamiento salvaje. México: FCE.
Lévi-Strauss, Claude. 1987 (1958). Antropología estructural. Barcelona: Paidós.
Rapapport, Roy. 1985. Cerdos para nuestros antepasados. México: S. XXI.
Segalen, Martine. 2005. Ritos y rituales contemporáneos. Madrid.
Turner, Victor. 1999 (1967). La selva de los símbolos. Madrid: S. XXI.
Zulaika, Joseba. 1989. Violencia vasca. Metáfora y sacramento. Madrid: Nerea.