Module ANTH40930: THEORY, METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH40930: THEORY, METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To give students advanced subject-specific knowledge that is core to evolutionary anthropology. The course is seminar-based, giving students the opportunity to read, synthesise and present recent primary literature and major review within the full range of evolutionary anthropology. Students prepare presentations individually and collaboratively. Thus, students are brought into contact with up-to-date research, are encouraged to evaluate it critically, and gain practice in presenting relevant material to others.

Content

• Concepts, approaches and methods in evolutionary anthropology.
• How anthropologists study and write about the study of humans and other primates through phylogenetic reconstruction, comparative analysis, DNA analysis, population genetics, behavioural observation, and evolutionary modelling.

Learning Outcomes

• Historical background and current literature in evolutionary anthropology
• Methodological issues in bioanthropology research
• Theoretical contributions of evolutionary anthropology
• Areas of debate and controversy in contemporary evolutionary anthropology

• Practical and theoretical training for advanced level research in evolutionary anthropology, with appropriate support and facilities, or to carry out applied anthropological research in evolutionary contexts
• Ability to synthesise, critically evaluate and present complex anthropological material, including data, models and theoretical arguments.

• Students should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely on technical topics, and explain why particular issues are important and/or controversial

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

• TMPEA is an intensive seminar-based course. Seminars provide an opportunity for students to read, synthesise and present recent primary references and major reviews within the full range of evolutionary anthropology. Students prepare presentations individually and collaboratively. Thus students are brought into contact with up-to-date research, are encouraged to evaluate it critically and gain practice in presenting relevant materials to others and in learning collaboratively.
• Summative assessment is by means of one essay and a two-hour exam, requiring students to answer two questions. This mode of assessment has been chosen because we wish to ensure that students have a good knowledge of the range of material covered in the course. The examination will assess all the learning outcomes. The essay will assess the subject and key skills learning outcomes and one or more of the subject knowledge learning outcomes, depending on the essay title the student chooses.
• Formative assessment will be provided through feedback in response to student presentations at seminars.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Peer assessment and feedback on seminar presentations

■ 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