- 01 Apr, 2021
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Land of Open Graves Reflection Paper
Anthropology 3AC reflection paper: Short paper of 700-800 words (approximately 3 double-spaced pages) in length. Please use 12-point Times New Roman font (or the equivalent). We ask that you upload the paper as a PDF file in bcourses ASSIGNMENTS. The reflection paper is worth 15% of your grade. This assignment asks you to reflect upon methodological and conceptual elements of Jason De Leon’s book The Land of Open Graves. Your objective in the paper will be to demonstrate understanding of how the distinct methods that De Leon employs enable his broader aims in the book, and to critically reflect on the conceptual and ethical questions that the book raises.
In your paper, please respond to the following prompt:
The Land of Open Graves offers a holistic account of the different consequences of the Prevention Through Deterrence policy, emphasizing the harms this policy entails for migrants and their families. To do so De Leon employs both archaeological and ethnographic methods in his research.
What for De Leon is the ‘moral alibi’ of Prevention Through Deterrence, and how do these different research methods allow him to challenge this? That is, what does each contribute to his critical account?
How do the concepts “hybrid collectif” and “necroviolence” assist him in this account?
And, building on your account of the research done, evidence presented, and concepts developed in The Land of Open Grave, what do you consider to be the most compelling or convincing aspects of De Leon’s argument? Why? Alternatively, are there aspects of his methods or conclusions that seem less compelling or problematic? If so, Why?
You are welcome in your answer to address both the aspects of the book that you find to be compelling as well as the ones you find to be problematic, but you will not be penalized if you only respond to one but not the other.
Guidelines for approaching this assignment:
Take your time reading the prompt, be certain you know what it is asking, and that you are addressing each part.
You should answer these questions in an essay form, with an opening paragraph, several “body” paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
Your response should use complete sentences and have a clear structure; following the structure of the question may help in this. For example, if the question asks you to identify different aspects of an argument, or different forms of evidence it relies upon, create separate paragraphs to engage each.
Support your arguments using references to class readings, lectures, and other course materials. Do not use materials from the internet or other sources outside of class.
Be sure to credit ideas to the appropriate author and cite both the author, text, and the page number when using quotes. For example: (De Leon, 450). Use the following citation for lecture and lecture slides: (Fisher, Lecture/Lecture Slides, February 23, 2021).
At the end of your paper, create a Works Cited section. This is an expected part of academic writing. Use the following format: De Leon, Jason. 2015. The Land of Open Graves. Berkeley: The University of California Press. You do not need to list your citations of the lectures here.
Use quotations sparingly; anytime you feel the urge to quote, you should first attempt to express the author’s intent (or capture the spirit of a statement) using your own words. Remember that “indirect” paraphrase of this sort requires in-text citations, as do direct quotes.
You may use other class readings (but not films) if you wish. Remember to list all the readings you use in your Works Cited.