Thailand and Cambodia: The Anthropology of Tourism
(ANT 320) Thailand and Cambodia, though contiguous Buddhist nations with strong historical pilgrimage traditions, present a stark, fascinating and on-going contrast in their respective histories and developments of tourism. This course surveys several aspects of the phenomenon of tourism—including historical, cultural, ecological, ethical, semiotic, and psychological dimensions—from an anthropological perspective. Students will explore, document, and compare the impacts and meanings of tourism/pilgrimage in the two countries from both a host and guest point-of-view. The course will be based in Thailand, with an excursion in Cambodia to study the famed Angkor Wat temple complex. Contact Prof. Phyllis Passariello.