ANTH 316 - Kings and Presidents

Kings and presidents are usually studied as personalities in history or perhaps great literature. But this course pursues the question of how the institutions (or dynasties) of kings and presidents represent, relate to, and articulate the societies they govern. We are particularly curious to ask whether and how modern presidencies do (or do not) resemble modern and ancient kingdoms. Some of our readings go back to the earliest writings in anthropology while others are borrowed from history, literature, and pop culture. Our goal is to interpret and compare the workings of sovereignty, usurpation and succession not only among monarchs, but also divine kings, queens, diarchies, sovereigns in exile, and sovereigns overthrown. (SS)

Prerequisites & Notes
2401D
1030 to 1245. July 14 to August 11 MTWRF; Catarina Krizancic

Credits: 3