ANTH 4650 - Alcohol and Culture

Institution:

Western Michigan University

Subject:

Description:

Alcohol is the most widely used drug, and drinking is often a highly ritualised social event. The goal of this seminar is to explore the role alcohol has played historically in politics, society, and the economy from a comparative cross-cultural perspective. Using a wide range of historical, archaeological, and ethnographic evidence, we will identify common themes in the social uses of alcohol and interpret the symbolic meanings societies attach to drinking. Moreover, alcohol is a prism through which to view broader cultural issues, especially class, race, gender, power, and sociability. In the early sessions, students will be introduced to the relatively new field of alcohol studies. Students will also be given some instructions in basic historical and anthropological methods. Throughout the course there will be in-depth discussion of the assigned reading, and each student will eventually discuss his or her research with the class. Credits: 3 hours

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wmich.edu

Phone Number:

(269) 387-1000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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