Name: Gwyneth Talley
Program: Anthropology, School of Global Integrative Studies
Specialization: Socio-cultural and Visual Anthropology
Courses you are teaching this year:
Fall 2020:
ANTH110: Introduction to Anthropology
ANTH189H: Sports, Games, Leisure: The Anthropology of Getting Fit & Chilling Out
ANTH212: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH410/810: Gender: An Anthropological Approach
Spring 2021:
ANTH212: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH411/811: Visual Anthropology
ANTH472/872: Belief Systems: Animism to Zombies
What is your favorite course to teach and why?
I love teaching Introduction to Cultural Anthropology because we look at themes cross-culturally and it challenges students to think beyond their mental maps of reality. They usually are used to looking at kinship, race, or religion in just one way and then during the course of the class, you see them making connections and delving deeper into understanding another way of thinking and I love watching that happen over the course of them semester. Students in this class also read an ethnography on whatever interests them in any part of the world and then how they report on these ethnographies in podcasts and videos. It's so much fun to see their scope broaden and understanding of an issue deepen. It teaches them how flexible and wide anthropology can be.
How and/or why did you choose this field?
I chose socio-cultural anthropology because I tried out almost every subfield. I interned for a linguistic anthropologist, I did an archaeological dig, but I decided on socio-cultural because I wanted to continue to talk to people and share in experiences with them. I had already spent a lot of time in Morocco, so I wanted to continue with this field because it allowed for me to pursue my own research project, travel, and continue to study Arabic.
What are you currently researching?
I currently have a couple projects underway. I'm currently working on my first book project, entitled “Gunpowder Women: Playing in Morocco’s Traditional Horse Sport.” It is based on three years of ethnographic fieldwork in Morocco. I argue that women become exceptional figures through their involvement in the traditional tbourida (a Moroccan equestrian sport) arena. Through visual ethnography, I document the unique ways these women utilize religion, kinship, and social networks to create agency for themselves in these male-dominated spheres.
My next project focuses on North African Muslim women athletes in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This research asks how female athletes negotiate space for themselves within networks of power in local, national, and global contexts.
I'm also working on an article focusing on the changing ritual of American weddings for Millennials during the COVID-19 pandemic. I examine the changing performativity and attitudes of the ceremony and the wider impact of decision making surrounding the ritual.
What are some ways students can be involved in your research?
I'm always in need of help in my research and I love working, mentoring, and hopefully writing with students. For freshmen and new majors, an easy way of going about this is through volunteer work. This way you can try it out and see if you want to keep doing this kind of social science research. It's all about trying stuff out in college! For upperclassmen, we can apply to UCARE together to get funding for a smaller project within the larger scope of my research. All you have to do is ask!
Why should students major in your field?
Students should major in anthropology because it is so diverse. You get a broader understanding and training in cross-cultural understanding which will serve you well in traveling, working, and even just being a more informed citizen. Being an anthropology major means you approach a problem holistically, looking at many angles and trying to understand the background, the current situation, and help work for a better tomorrow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, other interests)?
I'm a gardening and houseplant nut. During COVID, I planted so many tomatoes, squash, peppers, grapes, and herbs. I love tending to it throughout the summer, and canning the tomatoes and veggies for later. I've also started trying out and propagating new houseplants.
I'm also a massive animal-lover. I try to get out and spend time with my horses and dogs as much as I can. I love the fall when they all get a bit fuzzier and more lively because of the cool weather.