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The Anthropology Of Star Wars Posted By Mike on May 27, 2008
You might remember our post here about The Creatures & Cultures of Star Trek & Star Wars at Kids College that also mentioned an Anthropology of Star Wars course. Well, out friend David J. sent over the course information from Lake Tahoe Community College. See below:
Lake Tahoe Community College Activation Date: 5/18/2008 Official Special Topics Course Outline for: ANT 131AA Course Title: Special Topics: Anthropology of Star Wars
Lecture Hours - 1.5 Lab Hours - 0 Quarter Units - 1.5 Repeatable - 0 Grading Option - Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit
Class Schedule Description This course introduces students to the politics, philosophy, multiculturalism, and historical and cultural context of Star Wars. Using film episodes and other select audio and video media clips, this course will examine the various social, political, and religious themes within the Star Wars universe. Other cultural themes covered also include capitalism,the concept of "race," feminism, and the fetishization of objects. Core concepts in cultural anthropology will be introduced and discussed through the analysis of films, books, articles, the role of mythology, Jediism, and the subculture of Star Wars fandom.
Prerequisites none
Corequisites none
Course Advisories English 101
Proposed start date Winter 2009
Student Learning Outcomes 1. Utilize the tools of anthropology to think and write critically on major theoretical and methodological approaches to cultural anthropology and fieldwork. 2. Utilize anthropological texts,journals,case studies, and ethnographies to think and write critically about the cross cultural nature of a variety of social and ethical issues pertaining to the core concepts in cultural anthropology. 3. Appraise and evaluate the basic concepts of cultural anthropology, particularly those pertaining to the concepts of "race", ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, and the role of the individual in society. 4. Analyze the varied themes in Star Wars and interpret how these themes are relevant to the social sciences.
Topics and Subtopics
I. Background A. Introduction to the philosophy and ethics of Star Wars B. The basic role and significance of mythology in culture C. History of Star Wars D. Continuing the Star Wars Saga E. Star Wars: Overview of the Global Cultural Impact F. Introduction to the major themes in Star Wars G. Overview of Star Wars fandom
II. Cultural Anthropology A. Core concepts (i.e., ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, "race," defining culture, how culture is learned, transmitted, and changed, subcultures B. The scope of cultural studies and the components of culture C. Ethics and methods in cultural anthropology D. Ethnography
III. Star Wars and Cultural Anthropology A. Star Wars and Cultural Relativism B. Defining ethics cross culturally C. The social basis for the development of ethics D. Human Diversity: Evolution of the social human and the concepts of "race" and ethnicity E. Ethical Dilemmas and Star Wars
IV. Star Wars as a Cultural Mirror A. Social Themes B. Political Themes C. Religious Themes D. Gender Themes E. Symbolism F. Mythology G. The social stamina of Star Wars through time H. Unity and Diversity in culture and language I. Individualism in the Star Wars Trilogies J. Apocalyptic Determinism
V. Language and Communication A. The relationship between language, worldview,and culture B. Worldviews,cultural communication, and conflict C. Wookiespeak, Yodaspeak, Droids, and Galactic Basic: The languages of Star Wars
VI. Making a Living: Economics and Star Wars A. Galactic trading B. The Black Market C. The Star Wars Trilogies and Global Capitalism
VII. Political Systems A. Identity politics B. The Rebel Forces C. The Empire D. The role of "The Force"
VIII. Identity Politics A. The Force and the individual B. Feminism,The Force , and Empowerment C. Gender, Sexuality, and Morals in Star Wars
IX. Religion A. Defining "The Force" B. Eastern Religious influences C. Individuality and "The Force" D. Jediism
X. Technology A. Fetishization of objects: The lightsaber as symbolism B. Digitalization and symbolism: The role of the clones C. Technology today: Cultural impact of Star Wars technologies
XI. The Arts A. The role of art and music in Star Wars B. The music of Star Wars : In the Trilogies and Fan Music C. Clothing and Jewelry: Symbolism in the Trilogies
XII. The Subculture of Star Wars Fandom A. Linguistics: Terminology and Taxonomy B. The art of Star Wars: Fandom Arts: Visual and Written C. Body Art in Star Wars Fandom D. Fan Music E. Fan films F. Social Roles and responsibilities in fandom G. Conventions: history and evolution of, social role of
XIII.The Future of Star Wars A. Star Wars and Globalization B. Star Wars and a changing world C. Star Wars, cultural exchange, and evolution D. Evolution, progress, and human destiny E. The Star Wars Franchise F. The continued need for Star Wars mythology
Appropriate Reading Assignments 1. Appropriate journal articles focused on Star Wars in academia 2. Chapters from select reserve readings 3. Appropriate internet articles focused on Star Wars in academia, cultural significance of Star Wars
Appropriate Writing Assignments Essay Examinations Article and chapter summaries Position papers Visual media reports in written format Ethnographic reports
Other Assignments View Star Wars clips Read articles and instructor handouts Reading and writing assignments appropriate for topics Collecting data for ethnographic study
Examples of assignments that demonstrate critical thinking Article summaries Film clip summaries Essay exams Ethnographic report on the subculture of Star Wars Fandom
Methods of Assessing Student Learning Outcomes 1. Examinations that test for major course theories and concepts 2. Article and episodic summaries will require the application of course topics and concepts 3. Perform data collection and write an ethnographic study 4. Essay reports for select video pieces 5. Position papers 6.Oral presentations that incorporate course concepts
Methods of Instruction 1. Student presentations using multimedia technology 2. In-class debates 3. Instructor lectures and discussions 4. Homework 5. Visual media including video clips 6. Collaborative projects 7. Data collection exercises 8. Internet sites and resources
Texts/Resources Silvio, C., and Vinci, T.M., editors. 2007. Culture, Identities, and Technology in the Star Wars Films: Essays on the Two Trilogies. McFarland Publishing. ISBN: 0-7864-2910-0
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014: Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.
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