ARCH 436:Introduction to Economic Anthropology

In this course, economics will be seen as an integral part of ‘culture’. Students will be guided to study and understand specific issues that pertain to the social and cultural context within which economic activities are pursued particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. Relationships that are found between systems of production and distribution and the promotion of unity, peace and harmony among African societies will be defined and discussed. Attention will also be paid to specific relationships that are found between global economic systems and social formation processes, settlement, population growth, environment, consumption, and religion of indigenous peoples, among others. Student projects that investigate the culture of various work environments and markets in both rural and urban settings in Ghana and elsewhere will be an integral component of the course.