ANTH 2130 6.0 - Anthropology Through the Visual
Drawing upon images produced by anthropologists, journalists, filmmakers, photographers, artists, and activists, this seminar-style course asks questions about how the ways in which the making, display, and consumption of images shape and challenge understandings of self, community, and others. Topics will include race, ethnicity, nationality, globalization, power, authority, politics, religion, gender, class, and sexuality.
Based in Lisbon, this course will explore the visual worlds and vibrant visual lives of the city and it's diverse people. Teaching will be undertaken experientially through walks through historic neighbourhoods, coastal parks, eco-zones, industrial sites, and other locations, visits to galleries, museums, archives, and art centres, and conversational sessions with local artists, activists, and journalists.
Using ethnography, film, video, visual art, photography and new media students will explore issues of race, ethnicity, nationality, globalization, power, authority, politics, religion, gender, class, and sexuality in the context of Lisbon’s history and contemporary life. For their final assignment, students will produce an independent creative project such as a visual diary, sound walk, or multi-media artwork.
Quick Links
Applications for Summer 2024 have now closed.
![Yellow vintage tram on the street in Lisbon, Portugal.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/05/study-abroad-banner-2560x1000-1.png)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Course Dates:
May 20 – 24, 2024 at York; May 27 – June 15 in Portugal
Course Director:
Prof. Zulfikar Hirji, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology (zhirji@yorku.ca).
Maximum Enrolment: 16 Students
ANTH2130 in Lisbon was truly a special experience. I made so many valuable connections learning alongside other students and experiencing the city in an artistic way.
— Rawdat Rouf, ANTH 2130, Lisbon, Portugal, Summer 2023
I had a great time in Portugal--truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I made new friends, got out of my comfort zone, tried new foods, engaged in activities with Portuguese people, learned new things and gained an appreciation for the culture. I was fortunate to share this experience with a really good group of people alongside the professor and all the people we met during our excursions.
— Dorothy Frimpong, ANTH 2130, Lisbon, Portugal, Summer 2023
If you are looking for a profound experience to help develop yourself as a human being, as well as gain anthropological knowledge regarding deeply important topics, then this course is for you!
— Natalie Stefanson, ANTH 2130, Lisbon, Portugal, Summer 2023
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Learn More
For more information, students can connect with LA&PS Study Abroad Coordinator (studyabr@yorku.ca).