Admission requirements
This course is open to BA students wishing to fill their keuzeruimte, and to MA students interested in Native American Studies.
Description
The aim of this seminar is to give an ethnographic overview of the social and cultural life of the Amerindian groups of the Guianas. Using the wealth of oral traditions these groups have we shall look at how ‘differently’ these Amazonian Amerindians see the world, how the world is conceived and constructed. In the anthropological literature these Amazonian peoples have been characterized as the ‘feel-good’ Amerindians; we look at the philosophy and cultural aspects underlying origin myths whose functions vary from instructional – how to live the good life – to validational. Special attention is paid to the notion of agency, the double-sided sword of shamanism, transformation, the construction of worlds, and the reconciliation of conflict. Film material will be shown and analyzed and we will make a link between the contemporary societies and cosmology.
Course objectives
become acquainted with the Amerindians of the Guianas
become acquainted with salient anthropological topics pertaining to the Guianan Amerindians
analysis of myths: tools and topics
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Seminar and Literature study.
Assessment method
Active participation in class; written exam and an essay.
Blackboard
No
Reading list
Will be given during first class.
Registration
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information contact teacher: Carlin