Module ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3681: Current Issues in Anthropology

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

• 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)

■ 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