Course code

HIA6323.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Nüüdisaegsed antropoloogilised ideed

Course title in English

Contemporary Anthropological Ideas

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester

Jaanika Vider (language of instruction:Estonian)

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

The aim of the course is to introduce key anthropological ideas and theories from the second half of the 20th century to the early 21st century through a thematic approach. The course provides students with conceptual
and theoretical tools to analyse contemporary anthropological issues and supports the ability to connect classical and contemporary theories with ethnographic examples. The course also encourages students to develop a personal understanding of which theories and approaches are most relevant for their future anthropological research.

Brief description of the course

The course begins with a brief chronological overview of key developments in anthropology since the mid-20th Century. Through lectures and seminars, students critically engage with contemporary anthropological theories and approaches, examining their strengths and limitations while addressing broader questions such as power, value, kinship, nationalism, memory, embodiment, and personhood. Topics covered include symbolic and interpretative anthropology, foundations of economic anthropology, globalisation, nationalism, power, colonialism, memory, practice theory and embodiment as well as posthumanist approaches in anthropology.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- understands key approaches, theories, and concepts in contemporary anthropology;
- is able to critically analyse ethnographic texts in context;
- can apply anthropological conceptual tools in analysis;
- can communicate well-argued positions orally and in writing.

Teacher

Jaanika Vider

Prerequisite course 1

History of Anthropological Thought (HIA6322.HT)

Study programmes containing that course

Anthropology (HIANB/26.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/25.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/24.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/23.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/22.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/21.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/20.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/19.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/18.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/17.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/16.HT)
Anthropology (HIANB/00.HT)