Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module HUSS3381: ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY FOR RETURNING ERASMUS STUDENTS

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

HUSS3381: ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY FOR RETURNING ERASMUS STUDENTS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • Levels 1 and 2 Human Sciences BA, Levels 1 and 2 Human Sciences BSc, Levels 1 and 2 Health and Human Sciences BSc, Political & Economic Organization (ANTH2051), Kinship & Belief Systems (ANTH2041), Phase I MBBS.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module is intended to build on key skills developed at Levels 1 and 2 (especially in communication skills, working with others and problem solving).
  • It will encourage students to explore and better understand a number of concepts in anthropology, including cultural categories, natural resource use, environmental perception, environmental change, human-animal relations, cultural landscapes, belonging and place.
  • It will also provide a framework for the investigation of important contemporary issues.

Content

  • For returning Erasmus students the module will comprise 6 lectures, 3 classes, 2 special tutorials and a full day field trip.
  • The students will be provided with a set of readings to take abroad with them.
  • The readings given to the Erasmus students will include extra items in addition to the readings given to the non-Erasmus students.
  • These readings will include material that is covered in lectures that the students will not be able to attend during the Michaelmas term.
  • Students will also be given the full course handout including an extensive reading list.
  • Students will be asked to obtain one of a number of selected titles to take abroad with them.
  • They will write a review of this book as part of the summative assessment for the module.
  • The set of readings will provide the necessary background to enable them to produce the book review.
  • The subject matter will consist of an introduction to the kind of environmental themes that lend themselves to treatment by anthropologies.
  • The content will include readings, relating to research carried out in a range of different contexts across the globe.
  • It will also provide students with an opportunity to carry out research into a chosen aspect of environmental anthropology.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge and understanding of fundamental anthropological principles, concepts, theories, definitions and methods in relation to Environmental Anthropology.
  • Knowledge of ethnographic literature from a range of location relating to Environmental Anthropology.
  • Ability to see local cultures in relation to globilising processes and their environmental/ecological impacts.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Analyse and evaluate (critically and independently) anthropological literature and related social thought pertaining to environmental issues.
  • Pursue independent research in environmental anthropology by reaching judgements on the basis of evaluating data, evidence and ideas.
  • Familiarity with the technical vocability and theoretical perspectives of environmental anthropology.
Key Skills:
  • Communicate ideas, principles, theories, problems and solutions through oral and written materials.
  • Solve problems by indentifying, analysing and interpreting materials using appropriate anthropological knowledge and skills.
  • Plan, organise and manage the research and writing of a report.

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

  • Themes will be introduced using a range of learning strategies including, lectures, videos, audio tapes, exercises and seminars based on prescribed reading.
  • Discussions that will encourage them to monitor current affairs in relation to environmental issues.
  • They will be provided with a set of class readings.
  • A field trip will form part of the teaching and learning schedule.
  • The assessment will direct the student towards a better understanding of a particular theoretical approach through an essay, while ways in which theory relates to concrete examples will be approached through a case study.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 6 Approx Fortnightly 1 hour 6
Tutorials 2 Beginning and middle of Epiphany term 1 hour 2
Seminars 3 Approx Fortnightly 1 hour 3
Fieldwork 1 Annually 8 hours 8
Preparation and Reading 181
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Book Review and Essay Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
book review 50%
essay 50%
Component: Project Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
project 100%

Formative Assessment:

Each student will: (a) write an essay plan with provisional bibliography - 800 words. (b) write a project plan with full bibliography - 1000 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