The course will provide analytical tools to assist students in attaining a comparative and reflexive perspective on indigenous conditions worldwide. It considers various definitions of the concept of culture and looks at cultural differences as background for development and change of ethnic boundaries, and the impact on the situations of indigenous peoples. It gives a theoretical background for an understanding of similarities and variations in the relationships between indigenous peoples and majority populations. It discusses the impact of modernization and globalization on indigenous identities and cultures.

The course starts with a discussion of the concept of indigenousness as seen from an anthropological point of view and with a critical consideration of the meeting between the anthropologist and ''the native''. It highlights material and symbolic aspects of the relations between indigenous peoples and their habitat. It then gives an overview of how ''the Other'' has been represented in Western public and academic spheres since the time of European expansion, thereby illustrating characteristics of ethnocentrism and mechanisms of stereotyping. The concepts of ''culture'', '' ethnicity'' and ''identity'' and their interrelations are discussed. These concepts are then related to processes of social and cultural change, viewed in the perspectives of traditions and modernity. Finally, the relationship between national and indigenous identifications will be discussed and related to ethnopolitics and to processes of globalization. Ethnographic presentations will be used to illustrate the themes.

The lectures will be grouped in seven parts:

1. Introduction: On the consept of "indigenous peoples"

2. On the anthropological study of indigenous peoples

3. The land: material and symbolic aspects.

4. ''The Other'' as seen through Western eyes since the time of the ''discoveries'' and colonization.

5. Ethnicity, ''race'' and nationalism.

6. The claim of aboriginality: Recognition of identity and belonging.

7. Problems of culture change: ''Tradition'' and ''modernity''.

The course is offered in the fall semester (August 15 - December 20). The course will be offred as a weekly lecture (45 minustes x 2) followed by a bi-weekley seminar through the semester, except at intervals when students are engaged in essay writing. The topic for each week will be discussed in seminars. Added to each topic presentation are two quetions to be considered for discussion in the seminars. Students may also bring in other issues for discussion. Since broad issues wil be ocvered in short lectures it is essential that the suggested readings have been studied in advance of the lecture/seminar.