Body Art and Identity: An Anthropological Perspective
( 25 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Body Art and Identity Overview of the course, exploring the significance of body art in shaping individual and collective identities.
Module #2 Defining Body Art:Historical and Cross-Cultural Perspectives Examining the diversity of body art practices across cultures and historical periods, from tattoos to scarification and beyond.
Module #3 The Anthropology of the Body Understanding the body as a site of cultural inscription, exploring the intersection of biology and culture.
Module #4 Identity Formation and Body Art Investigating how body art practices shape and reflect individual and group identities, including gender, ethnicity, and nationality.
Module #5 Tattooing:A Global History Tracing the origins and evolution of tattooing practices around the world, from ancient civilizations to modern times.
Module #6 Scarification and Mutilation:Pain, Beauty, and Power Examining the cultural significance of scarification and mutilation practices, including their relation to beauty, power, and identity.
Module #7 Body Piercings:Symbolism and Significance Exploring the meanings and motivations behind body piercing practices, from spiritual and ritual uses to self-expression and fashion.
Module #8 Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Standards Analyzing the cultural and social implications of cosmetic surgery, including its impact on body image and identity.
Module #9 Body Modification and Subcultural Identity Investigating the role of body modification in subcultural movements, such as punk, goth, and queer communities.
Module #10 Power Dynamics and Body Art Examining how body art practices are affected by and reflect larger power structures, including colonialism, imperialism, and patriarchy.
Module #11 Body Art and Spirituality Exploring the connection between body art and spiritual practices, including shamanism, mysticism, and religious identity.
Module #12 The Commercialization of Body Art Discussing the impact of commercialization on body art practices, including the rise of the tattoo industry and its effects on cultural appropriation.
Module #13 Body Art and Performance Analyzing the role of body art in performance and ritual contexts, including circus, theater, and dance.
Module #14 Body Art and Protest Examining the use of body art as a form of political protest, including its role in social and political movements.
Module #15 Body Art and Identity Politics Investigating how body art practices intersect with identity politics, including race, gender, sexuality, and disability.
Module #16 Case Study:Body Art in Indigenous Cultures Exploring the significance of body art in indigenous cultures, including its role in cultural preservation and revitalization.
Module #17 Case Study:Body Art in East Asia Examining the historical and cultural significance of body art in East Asia, including tattoos, bindis, and other practices.
Module #18 Body Art and Social Media Discussing the impact of social media on body art practices, including the rise of influencer culture and online communities.
Module #19 Ethical Considerations in Body Art Research Exploring the ethical implications of researching body art practices, including issues of cultural sensitivity and representation.
Module #20 Methodologies for Studying Body Art Introducing ethnographic and other research methods for studying body art practices, including participant observation and interviews.
Module #21 Body Art and the Law Examining the legal frameworks regulating body art practices, including laws around tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic surgery.
Module #22 Body Art and Health Investigating the health implications of body art practices, including risks, safety protocols, and aftercare.
Module #23 Body Art and Psychology Exploring the psychological motivations and effects of body art practices, including self-esteem, body image, and identity.
Module #24 Body Art and Cultural Heritage Discussing the role of body art in cultural heritage and preservation, including the protection of traditional practices.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Body Art and Identity: An Anthropological Perspective career
