Module ANTH3561: ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3561: ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Political & Economic Organization (ANTH2051) or Kinship (ANTH2041)

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

• This module will comprise 14 lectures, 10 classes and a full day field trip.
• The subject matter will consist of an introduction to the kind of environmental themes that lend themselves to treatment by anthropologists.
• The content will include readings, videos and audio tapes 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

• Lectures.
• Seminars.
• Fieldwork.
• Essay.
• Project

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay plan with provisional bibliography - 800 words, project plan with full bibliography - 1,000 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