Course: Introduction to Kinship Theory

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Course title Introduction to Kinship Theory
Course code KSKA/BUTPR
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 3
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Dědovský Daniel, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Boukal Tomáš, PhDr. Ph.D.
Course content
Introduction, basic terminology. Cultural concept of kinship vs. biological concept. Basic types of families. (orientational, procreational, nuclear, extended, matri-focal, etc.). Types of marriages. Derivation of origin. Kinship distance. Systems of kinship terminology. Czech genealogical society. Film documentaries.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming), Projection
  • Contact teaching - 39 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 31 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an exam - 30 hours per semester
  • Independent critical reading - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation of a presentation (report) - 20 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The objective of the course is to present the variety of kinship systems in different cultures of the world.
Students will be able to identify concept of family (nuclear, extended, etc.), matrimony (monogamy, polygamy, polygyny, polyandry, incest, exogamy, endogamy, etc.), derivation of origin (matrilineal, patrilineal, bi-linearity, etc.), residential rules, kinship terms, and basic genetic terminology.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination, Work-related product analysis

Exam can be taken only after passing the written test. Overall grade will be composed of the following: 1. Written test containing 10 questions (each for 1 point), minimum of 6 points is required for the assignment. Test can be taken again if failed. 2. Active participation at the lectures + presentation of a chosen topic.
Recommended literature
  • HOLY,, L. Anthropological Perspectives on Kinship. London, 1996.
  • PARKIN, R., STONE, L. Kinship and Family: An Anthropological Reader. USA: Blackwell, 2001.
  • Skupnik, J. Antropologie příbuzenství.
  • SKUPNIK, J. Manželství a sexualita z antropologické perspektivy. Brno: Masarykova Univerzita, 2002.
  • STONE, L. New Directions in Anthropological Kinship. USA, 2000.
  • STRAUSS, C. L. The Elementary Structures of Kinship. USA, 1971.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester