Dr. Brenda Farnell

Professor

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Biography

Brenda Farnell is an anthropologist with a background in modern dance and dance education. She holds a Ph.D. in Social, Cultural & Linguistic Anthropology from Indiana University, received in 1990. Her research interests coalesce around the rich complexity and diversity of body movement practices in human lives, particularly the relative absence of Western modes of academic thought in this area. Her work encompasses various facets of dance and performance arts, socio-cultural theory, philosophy, and semiotic anthropology. She is known for her contributions to the understanding of movement literacy, visual anthropology, and multimedia ethnography, as well as her studies in Indigenous theater and postcolonialism. Farnell has conducted field research focusing on Indigenous North American communities, particularly among the Plains Indians, investigating areas such as storytelling performance, sign language, embodiment, and Native episteme. She teaches a variety of courses related to anthropology and dance, and her scholarship incorporates insights from linguistic anthropology, embodiment, and the revitalization of endangered languages.

Research Interests

Courses

American Indians in Illinois (ANTH 288) Body, Personhood & Culture (ANTH 362) Languages & Cultures of Native North America (ANTH 165) Linguistic Anthropology (ANTH 270) Talking Culture (ANTH 104) Anthropology of Dance & Human Movement (ANTH 363) Ethnography & Language (ANTH 471) Language & Culture (ANTH 512) Body Movement Literacy (ANTH 499) Body, Personhood & Cultural Theory (ANTH 515) Language & Culture II (ANTH 518) Dynamic Embodiment (ANTH 523)

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.