Anthropology of Current World Issues

This course will allow you to better understand the world around you through utilising the anthropological lens. You will learn about the way in which anthropology as a discipline can shed new perspectives on current world issues, from indigeneity to migration and material culture.

We want to challenge you to reflect on your own perspective when thinking about these issues, how you see the world and how we all engage with difference and sameness on a daily basis.

We will interview notable anthropologists and follow some around the world and into their field to explore the issues, the people they work with and their place in the world.

GETTING STARTED
EPISODE 1 - ANTHROPOLOGY 101 - I
During the first week of the course, we spend some time introducing the course content and navigation, introducing ourselves and defining anthropology and what it means to be an anthropologist.

EPISODE 2 - ANTHROPOLOGY 101 - II
This week's materials will zero in on Australia as well as migration and how it plays a role in creating multicultural societies.

EPISODE 3 - INDIGENEITY - I
In this episode, we introduce the concept of indigeneity and go into the field with Annie Ross to learn about cultural heritage.

EPISODE 4 - INDIGENEITY - II
This week we explore the Northern Gulf Country of Australia with David Trigger and Richard Martin and discuss indigenous and non-indigenous relationships.

PROJECT WEEK
EPISODE 5 - INDIGENEITY - III
In this episode we meet Diana Young, the director of the UQ Anthropology Museum, to learn about indigenous artifacts and begin work on our own museum project.

EPISODE 6 - LIVING WITHIN LIMITS - I
This week we visit Cuba with Anna Cristina Pertierra and find out what refrigerators can tell us about a family's standing.

EPISODE 7 - LIVING WITHIN LIMITS - II
In this episode we head to Chile with Sally Babidge to discuss the role of diminishing water resources in the community.

EPISODE 8 - LIVING WITHIN LIMITS - III
During this week of the course, Gerhard Hoffstaedter takes us to Malaysia to learn more about the lives of refugees.

EPISODE 9 - LIVING WITHIN LIMITS - IV
In this episode we visit the Darling Downs region of Queensland with Kim de Rijke to learn about unconventional gas mining.