Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences The University of Alabama

New College 472
Social Science II: Social Change

Dr. Marysia Galbraith

e-mail: mgalbrai@nc.ua.edu

 

Course Description: Globalization and Folk Craft Production

The course will investigate the influence of globalization on producers of local handicrafts (particularly pottery), and on the consumers of these products. The course will also include a studio component, where students reproduce the pottery techniques of a particular group of artisans, and use these techniques as a point of departure for their own creative expression. The course will examine the repercussions of social change, both anticipated and unanticipated.

Course Objectives:

• to evaluate the impact of the global economy on local contexts (including Alabama)
• to explore the functions of creativity in small scale societies, in industrialized contexts, and in our own lives
• to engage in scholarly debates and express scholarly opinions through writing, seminar discussions, and oral presentations

Reading:

• Smashing Pots: Works of Clay from Africa, Nigel Barley
• articles about transnationalism, invention of tradition, cognitive aspects of creativity, folk craft potters of Japan and Mexico, Pueblo Indian artists, changing gender relations in the global economy, and more.

Prerequisites:

Students need not be enrolled in New College, but they must be prepared to be active seminar participants and to work on independent projects inside and outside of class. New College students should have completed NEW Social Science I.

Grading Policy:

Research Project:

• --papers 30%
• --studio work 20%
• --presentations 10%

Classroom Participation 10%

Journal 10%

Exams/Assignments 20%

The course will be structured as a group exploration of globalization and folk craft production. Over the course of the semester, each student will develop a research project which examines the influence of global forces on the work and lifestyles of a group of folk craft producers. In addition, students will learn about the group’s production techniques, and reproduce them in the studio. Students will present the findings of the their library research to the class, and also teach other students the ceramic forming, firing, and decorating techniques they learn. Together, we will build an annotated bibliography of books and articles related to the subject.

The course has a "W" designation, which means that students are expected to complete a variety of writing assignments (research papers, journal, etc). Papers and assignments will be evaluated on the basis of clarity of argument, effective use of evidence, and organization.

No late assignments will be accepted, except under extraordinary conditions. See me before the due date of assignments so that we can discuss alternative arrangements.

To request disability accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services (348-4285). Then contact Dr. Galbraith so that special arrangements can be made.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory, especially since class discussions are an essential part of the course. You are allowed one absence; any absences beyond that require that you do a make-up assignment (usually a paper of 750 words or more on the topic that was discussed in class).

Outline of Topics:

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