SOCA1020.4: Local Lives and Global Forces
Uncover the importance of anthropology to an increasingly globalised and overheating world
Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
SOCA1020.4: Local Lives and Global Forces
Discover why the study of local lives matters for understanding globalisation
This is the final course in the SOCA1020: What is Anthropology? program. The program introduces the history of anthropology and of anthropological thought, and the nature and practice of anthropological fieldwork (ethnography).
This course is all about making anthropology ‘count’ in the 21st century. Approaches in the anthropology of globalisation, including theory and practice, will be covered. Climate change will also be an important focus, especially how anthropology can help us understand its impacts on local lives, communities and cultures.
What topics will you cover?
Please see the SOCA1020: What is Anthropology? course handbook for more detail.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Interrogate what the discipline of anthropology is and how it relates to the concepts of 'culture' and 'society';
- Explain the concepts of life-worlds (local) and system world (global) and identify their interconnections;
- Investigate processes of social and cultural transformation by applying a systematic, critical and sympathetic understanding of the contemporary world;
- Demonstrate an introductory understanding of ethnography and the nature of social and cultural research more broadly;
- Apply academic skills relevant to anthropology, including critical appraisal of anthropological literature and effective written communication.
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone interested in anthropology, cultural issues in society, or the workings of society and cultural practices. It would also suit those looking to develop their critical thinking or research skills. You need to have completed the previous three courses in the SOCA1020 program to enrol.
Who will you learn with?
Associate Professor of Anthropology, HCISS, University of Newcastle (Australia). Research interests: Australian Aboriginal health, and German parents working with ARTs.
Who developed the course?
The University of Newcastle Australia
The University of Newcastle is a world-class university distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Ranked in Australia’s Top 10 universities, and 173rd in the world (QS rankings, 2024).
Established
1965Location
Newcastle, AustraliaWorld ranking
Top 180Source: QS World University Rankings 2024
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
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Join the conversation on social media
You can use the hashtag #UniNewcastle to talk about this course on social media.