This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)
Module ANTH43715: Evolutionary Theory
Department: Anthropology
ANTH43715: Evolutionary Theory
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 4 | 15 | Available in 2012/2013 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To provide students with an advanced understanding of evolutionary theory. The course is based around lectures, group discussions and independent learning.
Content
- The history of evolutionary theory
- Genetics and epigenetics
- Adaptation and natural selection
- Evolution and diversity
- Macroevolution
- Testing evolutionary hypotheses
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Areas of debate and controversy in contemporary evolutionary theory.
Subject-specific Skills
- Ability to synthesise, critically evaluate and present complex material relating to evolutionary theory.
Key Skills
- 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
- The module combines lectures and group discussions. Lectures are used to underpin the core knowledge requirements of the programme, providing students with a sound conceptual and/or empirical base for further study, examples of how to apply theory to case studies and how methodologies and assumptions affect analyses. They also provide examples of advanced, independent and critical analyses and applied expertise. Group discussions provide an opportunity for students to read, synthesise and discuss recent primary references and major reviews within the full range of evolutionary anthropology.
- Summative assessment is by means of an essay that will assess all learning outcomes.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 | fortnightly | 1 hour | 6 | |
| Group discussions | 6 | fortnightly | 1 hour | 6 | |
| Preparation and reading time | 138 | ||||
| 150 | |||||
| Total | 300 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100% | Essay | 3000 words | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment will be provided via a 200-250 word Summary of the Summative Essay.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.