The Radical Anthropology Group is about anthropology - the ways in which we are, and the ways in which we came to be, human. Everyone with an interest in anthropology is welcome to attend our weekly Tuesday lectures.Researchers into the origins of human language, mythic narrative and ritual have recently made exciting discoveries. It is now known that symbolic culture began emerging in Africa some 100,000 years ago, in a social revolution whose echoes can still be heard in mythic narratives and ritual traditions from around the world.

Introduction to Anthropology

This course is a general introduction to anthropology including the latest findings from palaeogenetics, evolutionary biology, primatology, rock art research and archaeology. There will be a strong emphasis on Native American, African and Australian Aboriginal mythology. Lectures during the summer term will cover the history of anthropology and archaeology, including past and present debates where these have contemporary relevance.

The course should also be enjoyable: the community centre is centrally located, with good local pubs, and there is always time for discussion and socialising. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a number of field trips and conferences. Anthropology – the study of human life – is the most interesting of all subjects, and discussions on the issues it raises are invariably lively.


Syllabus

• Introducing claude lévi-strauss: ‘Mythologiques’                        

• ‘Jack-and-the-beanstalk’ in three continents

• 'Song-lines’ (Aboriginal australian mythology)

• Rapunzel lets down her hair on mosquito coast                

• ‘The two wawilak sisters’ (aboriginal australia)

• The social origins of language

• 'The tower of babel’

• ‘The origins of fire’ (aboriginal australia)

• ‘The moon inside you’

• ‘The woman with the zebra’s penis’ (hadza)

• Why do fairy tales feel magical?

• Violations of causality, fascination, and spiritual experience

• 'The wives of the sun and moon’ (Plains Indian)

• ‘The hunter Monmanéki and his wives’ (Amazonia)

• Is world mythology ‘One myth only’?

The syllabus extends over one year, but you may enrol for any single semester. Course tutor Chris Knight is Professor of Anthropology and author of many publications including Blood Relations: Menstruation and the origins of culture.

Fees

(waged/low waged)

Single lecture: £9 / £6

Single term: £95 / £65

Whole year: £220 / £145

Venue

All lectures are held on Tuesday evenings, 6:15 pm – 9:00 pm, at:
St Martin's Community Centre,
43 Carol Street, London NW1 0HT
(near Camden Town tube)

Tel: 077 69 69 53 59