Module HUSS1171: Ways of Life

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS1171: Ways of Life

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to the peoples and cultures of the world from an anthropological perspective and prepare students for further critical study of the discipline.

Content

• Introduction to ethnographic studies.
• Human diversity, cultural and bio-social.
• Anthropological studies of low density populations.
• Anthropological studies of medium density populations.
• Anthropological studies of high density populations.
• Topics studied will include: family and kinship, witchcraft, tribal politics, feud, ritual, ancestor worship, subsistence (e.g. hunter-gathering), people and environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with various forms of livelihood, social order and belief systems across the world.
• Familiarity with basic anthropological terminology.
• Understanding of some fundamental concepts of socio-cultural anthropology.

• Read ethnography with an understanding of the purposes of anthropological research.
• Use ethnographic material and methods to address elementary questions in socio-cultural anthropology.
• Ability to present basic ethnographic information in a form that is clear and easily assimilated.
• Familiarity with some of the key methods of anthropological study.
• A developing awareness of cultural relativity and its implications.

• The ability to formulate a brief, library research project.
• Proficiency in searching library resources to find basic material on a given subject, using both print and electronic media.
• The application of key concepts to a specific question.
• Basic bibliographic skills.
• An ability to meet deadlines effectively by the proper management of time.

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

• The formal components of the module use a range of teaching modes and methods, within an integrated framework to contribute to the intended learning outcomes as listed above.
• Audio-visual aids (videos, slides, summaries and diagrams on overhead projection sheets etc.) are used where appropriate.
• The module includes a DUO site on which relevant course and other material will be posted.
• Lectures are used for the primary delivery of material and will cover topics relevant for providing students with an understanding of theories currently available for the study of people and cultures.
• Lectures provide the framework for analysis and relevant background, theoretical and/or historical information, and are used to assist in the assimilation of technically demanding or conceptually difficult material.
• Classes generate a higher degree of student involvement and provide an opportunity for students to discuss key ethnographies and concepts and to make oral presentations.
• Students will be expected to make oral presentations during class.
• Summative assessment comprises one 2,500-word essay and one 1,000-word book review.
• Formative assessment comprise one 1000-word essay and one 750-word book review, which will serve as diagnostic tools for summative assessments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1000 word essay and one 750-word book review.

■ 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