Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module HUSS1151: ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND BASIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS1151: ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS AND BASIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to B991
Tied to C1L6
Tied to L600

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Anthropological Study and Research Methods and Advanced IT

Aims

  • ASRM: To introduce and develop basic skills in anthropological study and research methods.
  • To prepare the foundations for students to undertake a Methods and Analysis group project in the second year and a dissertation in the final year.
  • BIT: This is a compulsory core subject, level 1.
  • Its aim is to make students confident, competent and comfortable in using basic and more advanced information technology in the context of academic and workplace environments.

Content

  • ASRM: Term I work in Anthropological Study & Research Methods.
  • In Terms II and III, the emphasis changes to provide a background in research methods relevant to the main degree subject.
  • BIT: This module provides IT skills which are of use for academic study and a future workplace environment.
  • Each session consists of practical demonstrations with supporting teaching materials that reinforce and expand the topics covered in the sessions.
  • Assessment is by in-course assessment and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A background in academic work necessary to study the relevant degree at undergraduate level, including written and verbal communication, information research, teamwork and reflection on own learning and skills which are of use for academic study and a future workplace environment.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • be familiar with a range of basic qualitative and quantitative anthropological research.
  • be familiar with methods and related ethical issues.
  • to be able to reflect on own learning and interactions with others.
Key Skills:
  • ASRM: By the end of this section of the module the student will: know how to write a concise, well-structured essay.
  • have learned a variety of note-taking strategies.
  • have an ability to present basic quantitative data.
  • have practised making short presentations of their work to their peers.
  • have learned the fundamental principles of successful group work.
  • know how to retrieve information from libraries.
  • be able to exercise effective time management.
  • BIT: On successful completion the student will be able to: Understand and make productive use of.
  • File management software.
  • Email Software.
  • Library Databases.
  • World Wide Web.
  • Word Processing software.
  • Spreadsheet software.
  • Bibliographic software.
  • Web Page production software.
  • Use practical skills in the creation of: Word Processed documents, Spreadsheets, Bibliographies, Web pages.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Anthropological Study & Research Methods provides theory, advice and practical experience in study, research and personal development.
  • This is managed through seminar sessions, small group work.
  • Formative and summative assignments draw on the students' own experience and tie in closely with the main degree subject.
  • Basic IT is skills based learning requiring step by step explanation and instruction.
  • This approach is adopted in lab sessions through the use of detailed booklets and practical demonstrations.
  • Skills assessment will be through formative exercises and in-course assessment.
  • Creative use of IT will be tested via assignments based on academic study.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 18 (BIT) Weekly (BIT) 2 hours 36
Seminars 10 (ASRM) Fortnightly (ASRM) 2 hours 20
Other (self study) 36
Prepartion and Reading 108
200

Summative Assessment

Component: ASRM: Assessment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group presentation 15%
Individual ethnography 35%
Group project 2000 words 20%
Short assignment 1 500 words 15%
Short assignment 2 500 words 15%
Component: IT (Basic) Assessment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In course test 1 40%
In course test 2 60%

Formative Assessment:

ASRM: An individual written assignment is required in Term 1. BIT: Written and PC based exercises accompany most lab sessions. There will be a voluntary 'streaming' assessment early in the course. Students passing to the required standard will transfer to the Advanced Information Technology and Study Skills module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University