Module ANTH4015: MAnth Thesis (by Research)

Department: Anthropology

ANTH4015: MAnth Thesis (by Research)

Prerequisites

• Research proposal (Social Anthropology ANTH****)

Corequisites

• Anthropology and Professional Practice ANTH****

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The primary aim of this module is to give the student an opportunity to carry out a significant piece of fieldwork or lab-based research on a subject within the sub-discipline of social anthropology and to analyse and present that research effectively and with a clear focus on employability after graduation

Content

• Having previously completed a research proposal by the end of the level 3 ‘Thesis Preparation’ module, students undertake a substantive investigation of their chosen topic or field in order to produce a substantial thesis of level 4 standard. They will receive regular supervision from two experienced academics, at least one of whom will have expertise in their chosen field. They will also participate in regular writing up workshops and be expected to attend appropriate departmental seminars.

Learning Outcomes

• Systematic and critical understanding of a specialist field of knowledge in social anthropology as applied to current problems. This knowledge will be informed by researchers working at, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of key anthropological principles, concepts, theories and methods in social anthropology
• Advanced understanding of the scope and content of social anthropology (e.g. in relation to politics, economics, art and material culture, kinship and environment)
• Deep awareness of the value of social anthropology in advancing understanding of humanity, and in analysing contemporary issues in professional settings
• Where appropriate, the use of advanced statistical techniques, communication and information technologies relevant for the generation and retrieval of anthropological knowledge and information
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret new anthropological knowledge and hypotheses;
• Conceptual understanding that will enable critical evaluation of current research and scholarship with particular reference to methodological and theoretical innovation.

• Carry out all stages of research in a social anthropology project
• Understand the scientific method, and ability to apply the scientific method in advanced social anthropological contexts
• Show an advanced understanding of data collection techniques in social anthropology
• Demonstrate familiarity with primary and secondary sources of social anthropological knowledge and an ability to integrate these into a level 4 dissertation
• Design, use, and evaluate advanced qualitative and / or quantitative research / study techniques
• Critically analyse and evaluate social anthropological literature and arguments pertinent to the topic of research
• Where appropriate demonstrate appropriate laboratory practice including health and safety
• Demonstrate an appreciation of research ethics as this relates to the design, implementation and writing up of research

• Initiate independent research and sustain a project, based on individual initiative and / or research in a variety of field situations
• Identify, analyse, interpret and solve problems creatively using appropriate anthropological knowledge and skills
• Plan, organise and manage time: manage time and work to meet a set of pre-determined deadlines, e.g. preparing for meetings with your supervisor, observing strict deadlines and schedules
• Use information and communications technology in a variety of ways, for example all dissertations must be word-processed, accessing data from the Web and other electronic sources, using e-mail to communicate with staff and students
• Where appropriate, analyse and evaluate numerical data using advanced statistical skills
• Exercise confidence in dealing with complex issues, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Communicate complex ideas, principles, theories, problems and solutions in a variety of formats appropriate to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

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

• The principal objective of the Level 4 MAnth programme is the production of a thesis by research (100 credits). In order to facilitate the production of this work, students enter into a close supervisory relationship with a member of staff (identified during the level 3 Professional Practice module). The supervisor will engage in regular meetings (once fortnightly during term time) to ensure progress and direction in the development of the research. Students will also be encouraged to become part of the departmental research community through their participation in research groups and departmental seminars
• The thesis by research provides the student with an opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of fieldwork or laboratory-based research. Modes of teaching will involve the following:
• Writing-up seminars (fortnightly) will enable students to take stock of their research and present their experiences and findings as their project develops
• Presentations, both by individuals and small groups, will encourage students to develop increased confidence in public speaking – careful preparation, good delivery and proper evaluation. They encourage students to focus on a particular issue or problem, apply what they have learned and communicate their findings in a concise and interesting manner to their peers (and sometimes others)
• Supervisions (fortnightly) provide students with an opportunity to discuss issues associated with their thesis, and to receive detailed advice and feedback on their progress, on an individual basis. All students will be allocated two personal tutors with relevant skills and knowledge
• Independent study and research crucially underpin students’ written and presented work and develop their ability to think independently, discriminate and use judgement, and assess the relevance and validity of others’ views: it forms the vast bulk of the Masters degree by research
• Fieldwork is central to doing anthropology. Data collection methods will include, for example, participant observation, interviews and questionnaires. An important part of carrying out anthropological fieldwork is a thorough understanding of research ethics prior to embarking on fieldwork, and students will be guided through the process of applying for ethics approval.
• Laboratory work may form the foundation of research undertaken by some students undertaking this module
• Masters students will also be expected to participate actively in departmental and other seminars relevant to their areas of specialisation. In particular they will engage with seminar series hosted by the Department of Anthropology (Durham and Queen’s Campus), the Wolfson Research Institute and the School for Health. Learning outcomes will vary according to the nature of the seminar but will generally be those listed under Lectures above

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The formative assessment will consist of drafts of chapters presented during supervisory meetings and writing-up 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