Module ANTH4011: Anthropology and Professional Practice

Department: Anthropology

ANTH4011: Anthropology and Professional Practice

Prerequisites

• Research Proposal (ANTH3372) or for 2014-15 only Research Proposal (HUSS3512)

Corequisites

• MAnth Thesis by Research (ANTH4015)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with an opportunity to reflect on strategies for applying anthropological knowledge in future research and work environments

Content

• The module consists of workshops and classes (delivered as tailored sessions for MAnth students as well as offered as part of the University's more generic personal development, reflective practice, study skills, careers and employability provision) in which the students will complement their research activities with structured opportunities to engage with and reflect on key employability issues and practical skills. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss with staff and peers issues relating to the application of anthropological skills and knowledge in a variety of working environments, as well as when applying for funding and in the field of consultancy

Learning Outcomes

• An appreciation of the scope of application of contemporary anthropological knowledge and research
• An understanding of the social, political and economic rationale for the application of anthropological knowledge
• An ethical awareness of the uses to which anthropological knowledge might be put

• An understanding of how general anthropological knowledge as well as research project-specific knowledge might be applied in the world of work or further research
• An ability to articulate anthropological skills to non-specialist as well as specialist audiences

• Preparing job applications and CVs
• Articulating a personal development profile and reflecting on personal development with a specific focus on employment seeking
• Undertaking searches for appropriate employment
• Preparing research for publication
• Communicating effectively to potential employers about the value of an anthropological skill set.

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

• Workshops: the principal mode of teaching in this module will be workshops led by academic staff and University specialist support services (particularly from the Careers Advisory Service). The workshops will focus on small-group intensive tuition and support in relation to professional development and employability and variously feature:
• Class-based and one-to-one discussion: these will cover practical skills such as CV writing, job searching, interview skills, giving presentations to prospective employers, as well as skills of reflective practice.
• Presentations, by individuals, and seminar-style discussions will give students the opportunity to rehearse communicating the skills and knowledge they have to offer.
• Supervision and tutorials: discussion about the accumulation of an employment portfolio will take place at roughly fortnightly intervals with, variously, the research project supervisor, the module convenor, the Academic Advisors and Careers and other specialist support service staff.
• Assessment: Assessment for the module will take the form of a portfolio in which the student will be expected to research and refect at a level appropriate to postgraduate study, including primary literature and original thought as well as formalised frameworks for reflection, and assemble the following materials:
• A 2000 word overview of the way in which subjective specific knowledge and key skills acquired in the degree programme will be deployed in relation to a given field of employment seeking
• Evidence of a job search accompanied by an analytical commentary
• A covering letter for a real or hypothetical job application or research studentship
• A CV to accompany a real or hypothetical job application or research studentship
• Slides from a real or hypothetical presentation to an interview or assessment panel in respect of the above

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A preliminary job search with an analytical commentary - 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