Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ANTH40360: DISSERTATION IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH40360: DISSERTATION IN EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY

Type Open Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The aim of the dissertation is to give the student the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in evolutionary anthropology.

Content

  • Specialised research in a topic in evolutionary anthropology, as agreed with a supervisor(s) and the degree director. The student is expected to write a literature review, collect data, conduct data analysis and provide a discussion of his or her findings.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will develop a deep understanding of the theory and current state of knowledge in the area of evolutionary anthropology in which they conduct their research
  • Students will develop an advanced understanding of methodological issues in the area of evolutionary anthropology in which they conduct their research
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will further develop their skills to research the evolutionary anthropology literature
  • Specialised supervision will help students develop advanced research skills.
Key Skills:
  • Students will further hone skills to write clearly and concisely, explaining why their topic of research is important, critiquing previous research, and providing a coherent discussion of their findings
  • Students will learn to manage a research project from an initial idea, the development of a research question, collection of data to the presentation of a dissertation
  • Students will use computer software for analysis and presentation of data
  • Students will conduct advanced quantitative and/or qualitative analysis

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

  • Teaching and learning is by regular supervision by an appointed and appropriate staff member. The task of the supervisor is to guide the student through the stages of planning, implementing and writing up their discussion, meeting all the learning outcomes
  • Assessment is by a written dissertation, which should demonstrate acquisition of all the learning outcomes

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 10 Approx. fortnightly, May - Sept 1 hr 10
Preparation and reading time 590
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
dissertation 10000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Research proposal (500 words) Literature review (2000 words)


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