Module ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

Tied To

• B991: Health and Human Sciences
• CFG0: Natural Sciences
• L601: Anthropology
• L602: Anthropology
• LF64: Anthropology and Archaeology
• LL36: Anthropology and Sociology
• LMV0: Combined Honours in Social Sciences

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To provide students with an introduction to issues of contemporary research in anthropology.

Content

• In the first part of the module students will meet in seminars to practice various skills required to review, precis and critically evaluate research in this discipline.
• Students will give oral presentations in groups to enhance presentation skills and collaborative group work.
• In the second part of the module, lectures focusing on up-to-the-minute research of individual members of staff and some guest lecturers will provide students with a rare opportunity to learn about the topics that their tutors have chosen to study and to appreciate and assess the relationship of this research to wider anthropological endeavour.
• Class work will focus on recent literature pertaining to the theme of each lecture.
• In all instances, the emphasis will be on the critical assessment of the ideas presented and students will be encouraged to draw on earlier coursework to inform their discussion and/or debate.
• Students will also produce a Wiki page on one of the discussed topics, to enhance web design and public communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with the scope of anthropology, encompassing biological/evolutionary, medical and socio-cultural approaches and topics within the discipline.
• Awareness and understanding of recent paradigms and methods used by anthropologists when conducting research.
• Knowledge and understanding of the current research being undertaken by anthropologists at the University.
• Familiarity with recent publications in peer-reviewed anthropology journals, and understanding of current debates or disputes with the literature.

• Ability to engage in discussion and debate regarding research issues in anthropology.
• Familiarity with journals publishing primary research in anthropology.
• Capacity to identify appropriate material in peer-reviewed journals, making use of electronic databases to track the history of a topic or debate through the literature.

• Summarise or precis primary research papers, verbally and in writing.
• Argue for a particular position using appropriate research-evidence to build argument.
• Conduct longitudinal reviews of literature and track developing ideas/debates.
• Develop the ability to engage in knowledgeable discussion with researchers and develop pertinent questions regarding research.
• Presentation skills (eg using Powerpoint, public speaking) and group work.
• Design of public-facing Wiki pages, enhancing web skills and the public communication of academic material.

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

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Wiki
• Student presentations

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One practice essay (1500 words). Feedback on a presentation plan (bullet points or Powerpoint slides) Feedback on Wiki plan or draft (400 words)