Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2016/17 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to L601
Tied to L602
Tied to B991
Tied to LF64
Tied to LL36
Tied to CFG0
Tied to LMV0

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • 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.
Key Skills:
  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 Weekly during Michaelmas/Epiphany, one revision lecture during Easter Term 1 hour 21
Seminars 10 Approximately fortnightly in Michaelmas/Epiphany Terms 1 hour 10
Preparation & Reading 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Wiki contribution Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Contribute content to Wiki 800 words 100%
Component: Presentation Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Class Presentation 30 minutes 100%
Component: Essays Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 1 3000 words 50%
Essay 2 3000 words 50%

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)


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