Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module ANTH40315: Research Skills I in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH40315: Research Skills I in Anthropology

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2009/10
Tied to L6K507
Tied to C9K609

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • For the MSc in Evolutionary Anthropology and MSc Medical Anthropology - Research Skills I

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The aim of this module is to provide students with research skills needed by all anthropologists, focusing particularly on writing academic papers and grant proposals, and on numeric reasoning.

Content

  • Research Skills:
  • using bibliographic databases
  • academic source criticism/literature reviews
  • writing clearly and critically
  • understanding ethical issues
  • designing a researching project

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • They should have received sufficient practical and theoretical training to enable them, with the appropriate support and facilties, to continue to PhD level research or carry out applied anthropological research in a variety of contexts
Subject-specific Skills:
  • They should be able to synthesise critically evaluate and present complex material, including data, models and theoretical arguments.
Key Skills:
  • Communication: Students should be able to express themselves in writing clearly and concisely on technical topics, and explain why particular issues are important and/or controversial
  • Research design and management: Students should be able to design a research project employing principles of academic rigour and tractibility (ie a project that is interesting, worthwhile and do-able)

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

  • Lectures and Practicals
  • Grant proposal
  • Students will be provided with feedback on their preliminary ideas for the summative grant proposal, contributing to learning outcomes: 2a, 3a-d
  • In class practical assessments (formative)
  • Will provide students with immediate feedback on the progress and provide the opportunity for individual interaction with tutor

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 5 approx fortnightly 1 hour 5
Practicals 5 approx fortnightly 1 hour 5
Preparation and reading 290
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Grant Proposal Component Weighting: 100%%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Grant Proposal 2,500 words 100%%

Formative Assessment:

Outline grant proposal. In class practical assessments


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