Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology

This course leads students through a critical reckoning with the past (and present) of the discipline, while also celebrating the transformative potential of sociocultural anthropology to contribute to a more inclusive and just world. The class is structured in a way that underlines the broad relevance of sociocultural anthropology—both in students’ everyday lives and in addressing complex social, political, and ethical issues in the world. In 2025, I took the plunge and eliminated exams in this class in favor of more accessible and intellectually challenging assignments. Over the course of the semester, students produce a short educational video, an infographic, a conversational podcast episode, and an analytical essay. 

Go here to see the latest syllabus for this course.