Module #1 Introduction to the Anthropology of Textiles and Material Culture Overview of the field, its significance, and key concepts
Module #2 Theoretical Foundations:Understanding Material Culture Key theoretical approaches to understanding material culture, including Marxism, structuralism, and post-structuralism
Module #3 Textiles as Material Culture:Definition and Classification Defining textiles, classification systems, and the cultural significance of textile categories
Module #4 The Social Lives of Textiles:Production, Distribution, and Consumption The social dynamics of textile production, trade, and use in different cultural contexts
Module #5 Techniques and Technologies:Weaving, Knitting, and Beyond An overview of textile production techniques, tools, and technologies across cultures
Module #6 Fiber and Fabric:The Material Properties of Textiles The physical and chemical properties of natural and synthetic fibers, and their cultural implications
Module #7 Color and Pattern:Symbolism, Meaning, and Cultural Expression The cultural significance of color and pattern in textiles, including symbolic meanings and uses
Module #8 Clothing and Adornment:The Body and Identity The relationship between clothing, the body, and identity, including gender, age, and social status
Module #9 Case Study:Indigenous Textiles of the Americas An in-depth exploration of indigenous textiles in the Americas, including their cultural significance and historical context
Module #10 Case Study:Asian Textiles:Silk, Batik, and Beyond A detailed analysis of textiles from Asia, including their cultural, economic, and historical significance
Module #11 Case Study:African Textiles:Adinkra, Kente, and Wax Prints An examination of African textiles, including their cultural significance, symbolism, and historical context
Module #12 The Politics of Textiles:Power, Identity, and Resistance The role of textiles in expressing and challenging power dynamics, including imperialism, colonialism, and social justice movements
Module #13 Gender and Textiles:Femininity, Masculinity, and Power The intersections of gender, power, and textiles, including the gendered division of labor and consumption
Module #14 The Globalization of Textiles:Trade, Empire, and Cultural Exchange The impact of globalization on textile production, trade, and consumption, including the role of colonialism and imperialism
Module #15 Sustainability and the Environment:The Impact of Textile Production The environmental and social implications of textile production, including sustainable practices and alternatives
Module #16 Museums and Collections:Preserving and Interpreting Textile Heritage The role of museums and collections in preserving and interpreting textile heritage, including issues of cultural sensitivity and repatriation
Module #17 Digital Textiles:New Technologies and Cultural Expressions The intersection of digital technologies and textiles, including 3D printing, digital printing, and e-textiles
Module #18 Textiles and Embodiment:The Senses and the Body The relationship between textiles, the body, and the senses, including tactile experiences and sensory engagement
Module #19 Textiles and Memory:Personal and Collective Identities The role of textiles in shaping personal and collective identities, including memory, nostalgia, and cultural heritage
Module #20 Textiles and Performance:Costume, Theater, and Ritual The use of textiles in performance, including costume, theater, and ritual, and their cultural significance
Module #21 Textiles and Space:Architecture, Interiors, and Urban Landscapes The relationship between textiles, architecture, and urban landscapes, including interior design and public spaces
Module #22 Textiles and Identity:Nation, Ethnicity, and Belonging The role of textiles in expressing and negotiating national, ethnic, and cultural identities
Module #23 Textiles and Economy:Labor, Trade, and Commerce The economic aspects of textiles, including labor practices, trade, and commerce, and their cultural implications
Module #24 Case Study:The Textile Industry in the 21st Century A detailed examination of the contemporary textile industry, including its challenges, opportunities, and cultural significance
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in The Anthropology of Textiles and Material Culture career
