Module ANTH3621: Environmental Anthropology for Returning Erasmus Students

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3621: Environmental Anthropology for Returning Erasmus Students

Prerequisites

• Political & Economic Organization (ANTH2051), Kinship (ANTH2041), For 2014-15 only Levels 1 and 2 Human Sciences BA, Levels 1 and 2 Human Sciences BSc, Levels 1 and 2 Health and Human Sciences BSc,

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.
• Students will be given a full course document including an extensive reading list from Michaelmas term, although this Michaelmas material is not formally assessed and is provided entirely to support student learning.
• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Summative Assessment

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