UO Condon Hall
Anthropology
Profile picture of Maria Fernanda Escallón

Maria Fernanda Escallón

Associate Professor
Anthropology
mfe@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-5042
Office: 357 Condon Hall
Office Hours: Fall quarter Tuesdays 11am-1pm via zoom. On Sabbatical Leave January-August 2025
Research Interests: Race and ethnicity; intangible cultural heritage; social justice and inequality; Latin America; UNESCO and cultural diplomacy;  carework
Website: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/mafe/

Education

2016 | Ph.D. in Anthropology,  Stanford University

2009 | M.A. in Anthropology - Archaeology Track, Stanford University

2004 | M.A. in Anthropology - Archaeology Track, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia

2003 | B.A. in Anthropology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia

 

Teaching

  • ANTH 685 | Professional Writing Seminar

The course focuses on developing an effective writing practice while guiding students through the basics of academic writing and publication. Through a combination of directed readings and weekly writing goals, this course provides students time and guidance for completing a substantial academic project, while encouraging reflection on both the process of writing and content of their work.

  • ANTH 161 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

This course introduces students to basic concepts in Cultural Anthropology. The class educates students on emerging and developing notions of culture as well as the ways in which societies are rapidly changing within a globalizing world and exposes students to a wide variety of cultural practices through ethnographic writing and film.

  • ANTH 411/511 | Politics, Ethnicity and Nationalism

This class explores the relationship between ethnicity, politics, and nationalism from anthropological and historical perspectives. We trace a general genealogy of the two main terms, “ethnicity” and “nationalism,” while also addressing the way nationalism and ethnic identity construct and reproduce each other. We analyze recent news articles, films, and media reports related to our core concepts, and examine the meanings and political significance of nationalism and ethnicity today.

  • ANTH 441/541 | Recent Cultural Theory

In this course students learn how to use contemporary cultural theory to analyze current anthropological debates. Through a deep engagement with theoretical and ethnographic texts as well as in-class discussions, students practice how to read, critically analyze, and use cultural theory. This class is not designed as a historical survey of anthropological theory. Rather, this course grapples with some of the foundational questions, critical debates and concepts that have been central to our discipline.

  • ANTH 311 | Anthropology of Globalization

In this course we explore the promises and contradictions of globalization, and learn to analyze its consequences on our contemporary world. We will identify the opportunities globalization has created and recognize its drawbacks and potential to increase global inequality. Drawing upon theories of globalization, ethnographic research, and contemporary documentary films, this course explores the various effects of globalization and highlights how rather than an abstract theory, globalization affects most aspects of our daily lives.