Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module ANTH40260: DISSERTATION IN DEVELOPMENT ANTHROPOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH40260: DISSERTATION IN DEVELOPMENT ANTHROPOLOGY

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Module Cap
Tied to L6K407

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The aim of the dissertation is to give the student the opportunity to conduct a substantial research project in development anthropology.

Content

  • Specialized research in a topic in medical 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:
  • 1. Students will develop deep understanding of the theory and current state of knowledge in the area of development anthropology in which they conduct their research
  • 2. Students will develop an advanced understanding methodological issues in the area of development anthropology in which they conduct their research.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • 3. Students will further develop their skills to research the development anthropology literature
  • 4. Specialized supervision will help students develop their research skills to the level which will allow them to undertake a PhD.
Key Skills:
  • 5. 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
  • 6. Students will learn to manage a research project form an initial idea, the development of a research question, collection of data to the presentation of a dissertation
  • 7. Students will use computer software for analysis and presentation of data
  • 8. 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 Approximately fortnightly between May and September 1 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 590
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
dissertation 10,000 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