Module ANTH3011: CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIOCULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3011: CURRENT ISSUES IN SOCIOCULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Political & Economic Organization (ANTH2051) OR Kinship & Belief Systems (ANTH2041).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• A module exploring some current issues in socio-cultural anthropology.
• It comprises two distinct components on different topics, depending on the research interests of the staff teaching the module.
• It explores in depth the various ways anthropologists and major thinkers in related disciplines have approached these topics, and have been influenced by, and shaped, ideologies and philosophies of current times.

Content

• The module is designed both to enhance students' knowledge of relevant anthropological thought and to introduce them to some of the most recent theoretical developments.
• Some topics discussed have included: The concepts of culture and society.
• Marxist contributions to political economy and cultural studies.
• The link between history and culture.
• The analysis of symbols and structuralism.
• Metaphoric and narrative processes.
• The link between the self and cultural processes.
• Anthropological approaches to the body and emotions.
• Fieldwork as a methodological, cognitive, and communicative device.

Learning Outcomes

• Factual material: Students will - Have a thorough awareness of the intellectual topography related to selected current issues in socio-cultural anthropology.
• Have a demonstrable in-depth knowledge of certain key issues.
• Integrate and evaluate a range of information and data from ethnographic and theoretical sources.

• Be familiar with, and ability to demonstrate, links and differences between the ideas and approaches adopted by various anthropologists.
• Able to evaluate and critically analyse anthropological literature and related social thought.
• To discern and establish connections between intellectual arguments.
• To present a coherent demonstration of the theoretical implications of different arguments.

• To identify and research a problem independently and explore it.
• To find relevant information and utilise sources effectively.
• To construct an effective argument that demonstrates an awareness of the subtlety and complexity of selected theoretical issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to explore the issues creatively in writing.

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.
• The module benefits from a balance between lectures and seminars, geared to the specific needs of the material.
• The lectures and seminars are carefully integrated.
• Audio-visual aids (videos, slides, summaries and diagrams on overhead projection sheets etc.) are used where appropriate.
• The informal components of the module utilise a variety of methods, including posting course documents and information and DUO, seminar presentations and associated oral discussions.
• Lectures will cover topics relevant for providing students with an understanding of theories currently available for the study of current issues in sociocultural anthropology.
• Lectures provide a traditional method of communicating not only fact but clear understandings of process and the relationship between issues.
• They are used for the primary delivery of material in current issues in sociocultural anthropology because they allow clear transmission of information in an active learning environment where students can question and seek clarification.
• Lectures intoruduce students to issues, structure the subject matter and provide a grounding in principal issues so they can progress to further learning and study.
• 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.
• Seminars provide an opportunity for students to discuss a series of topics and to make oral presentations.
• Difficult, sensitive and unresolved issues can all be approached successfully through discussion in seminars.
• Seminars will cover topics relevant to the content of the module.
• Seminars imply a higher degree of student involvement and teach subject-specific and generic skills; for anthropology students this medium cannot simply be replaced by texts or websites, though both are important adjuncts.
• Summative essays test skills of understanding, analysis, information collection and presentation, while final written examinations test assimilated knowledge and understanding and the ability to write succinctly and analytically at short notice.
• Formative assessment takes place on a regular basis and may be regarded an integral part of the day-to-day teaching process.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay plans or mini essays submitted and returned with comments. Students also receive regular feedback on their progress in seminars

■ 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