Course The comparative potential in anthropology: Comparison as a methodological and analytical strategy

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the strengths and challenges of different forms of anthropological comparison. As a research methodology in anthropology, comparison stems back to the very early days of the discipline, but has been subject to continuous debate, partly because of its association with studies based on comparison between pre-defined, self-contained and static units (e.g. ‘cultures’ or ‘nations’). On the one hand, anthropology is rooted in a comparative approach built into the cross-cultural perspective that underpins the discipline. On the other hand, comparing and generalising on the basis of universal classifications are at odds with another defining feature, namely the particularistic thinking that has dominated the discipline historically.

Comparison is inherent in any kind of anthropological analysis, but the forms and degrees of explicitness vary. Anthropologists compare by thinking across contexts – spatial, temporal, institutional etc – which open for new questions, insights, and forms of knowledge. 
The aim of this seminar and PhD workshop is to explore various forms of anthropological comparison and discuss the comparative dimensions of the participants’ own work (whether comparison is an explicit or implicit part of the design). 

Day 1: A half-day seminar for interested researchers. It will be opened with a lecture by Professor Matei Candea, Dept of Anthropology, University of Cambridge, who has authored the book, Comparison in anthropology: The Impossible Method. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
The lecture will be followed by shorter presentations on experiences of working comparatively in anthropology.

Day 2: A PhD workshop with Matei Candea and organised around the PhD students’ projects. The students are expected to submit a three pages reflection paper prior to the workshop. PhD students are expected to attend both day 1 and 2 (1 ECTS).

Aim:

The aim of PhD workshop is to explore various forms of anthropological comparison and discuss the comparative dimensions of the PhD students’ own work. Students who attend the workshop will:
- get insight into major debates on comparison in anthropology
- learn to critically reflect on 'comparative criteria'
- become aware of the comparative aspects of their project.

Literature:

Candea, M. (2019) Comparison in anthropology: The Impossible Method. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (selected chapters to be annonounced later)

Lowe, E.D. and Schnegg, M.  (eds.) (2020). Comparing Cultures. Innovations in Comparative Ethnography. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (selected chapters to be annonounced later) 

Gingrich, A. & R. G. Fox 2002. Introduction. In Anthropology, by comparison
(eds) R. G. Fox & A. Gingrich. London; Routledge.

The reading list will be further expanded.

Target group:

PhD students of anthropology and related disciplines - at any level. 

Form:

Day 1 a research seminar with researchers of different levels. PhD students are encouraged to take active part in the discussions.

Day 2 a workshop organised around the PhD students' own projects. Based on the suggested readings the students are expected to submit a three pages reflection paper on comparative dimensions in their projects prior to the workshop.  

ECTS:

1 (requires attendance on both days)

Lecturers:

Professor Matei Candea, University of Cambridge, mc288@cam.ac.uk
Associate Professor Gritt B. Nielsen, DPU, AU, gbn@edu.au.dk
Associate Professor Karen Valentin, DPU, AU, kava@edu.au.dk

Venue:

Campus Emdrup, TBA

Course dates:

• 31 May 2023 10:00 - 16:00
• 01 June 2023 10:00 - 16:00