Module ANTH2071: Our Place In Nature

Department: Anthropology

ANTH2071: Our Place In Nature

Prerequisites

• Human Evolution and Diversity. For 2014-15 only either Biological and Social Origins HUSS 1181 or Human Origins and Diversity ANTH 1071.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop awareness and understanding of evolutionary biology as applied to primates, including humans.
• To introduce concepts and methods in comparative and phylogenetic analysis.
• To extend students’ understanding of humans as primates.
• To provide an understanding of the evolution of primate societies
• To provide an understanding of human and primate cognition and brain evolution.
• To build on knowledge introduced in the first year module Human Evolution and Diversity
• To prepare students for Level 3 modules requiring an evolutionary perspective and particularly the dissertation.

Content

• Primate behaviour and ecololgy, and current Darwinian theories about the evolution of primate societies.
• The evolution of the brain, human mental capacities, complex symbolic language and cultural behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with the study of adaptation, comparative and observational methods in primatology.
• Familiarity with the diversity and evolution of primate social systems and primate behaviour.
• Critical understanding of theories used by primatologists and anthropologists to understand primate socio-ecology and cognitive evolution.

• Familiarity with key methods and concepts in the study of primatology, behaviour and cognition
• Ability to critically analyse and evaluate written scientific information.
• Collect and interpret behavioural data.
• The ability to evaluate anthropological arguments and evidence.

• Integrate and evaluate a range of information and data from primary and secondary sources.
• Identify, analyse, interpret and solve problems creatively.
• Search information sources effectively (e.g. libraries, archives) and find information.
• Use academic literature effectively.
• Capacity to analyse and interpret quantitative data.
• Oral presentation and preparation skills.
• Proficiency in producing an effective and coherent practical report.

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

• Lectures cover subject-specific knowledge.
• Practicals cover subject-specific knowledge and skills and develop key skills.
• Examination and coursework assess subject-specific knowledge, skills and key skills
• Summative assessment comprises one 1.5 hour examination, a research report and a group presentation, which will be assessed by two members of staff who will mark each presentation independently before arriving at an agreed mark.
• Formative assessment consists of oral feedback in practical classes, oral presentations with brief oral and more detailed written feedback and an example exam question with oral feedback in class.
• The module will have a dedicated DUO site on which course information and materials will be regularly posted.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Oral feedback in practical classes, written presentation plan with additional feedback in class, practical guidance provided on DUO, where relevant. Example exam question with feedback in class

■ 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