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The Anthropology of Communism


Course Description

Course introduces students to anthropological approaches to explore Communism. Students learn how Communist ideologists theorized, leaders implemented, and people experienced various aspects of life during the Communist era. Students will use a wide range of resources to recognize and compare patterns and learn about underlying political and social dynamics in Communist countries at the global scale, and, in particular, in Eastern Europe.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Research paper.


Athena Title

Communism


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

The course addresses the lived experience in Communist countries and: o Combines theory, method, and data to create sound interpretations of the past o Helps students employ a comparative approach to understand global sociocultural processes o Coaches students to make logical connections between datasets and arguments o Prepares students to work collaboratively and participate in productive discussions o Helps students design and produce papers, lead discussions, and deliver research in oral and written formats


Topical Outline

o Defining and Theorizing Communism o Communist Ideology o Global Communism o Communism in Eastern Europe o Communism and Power o Communism and Agency o Violence and Terror in Communism o Communism and Religion o Communism and Art o Communism and Sport o Communism and Family Life o Communism and Gender o Communism and Minorities


Syllabus


Public CV