Module ANTH4013: MAnth Dissertation

Department: Anthropology

ANTH4013: MAnth Dissertation

Prerequisites

• Research Proposal ANTH 3372

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The primary aim of this module is to give the student an opportunity to carry out a significant piece of fieldwork or lab/museum/computer-based research on a subject within anthropology (with the sub-discipline of social, medical or biological anthropology being determined by the programme of study followed by the student) and to analyse and present that research effectively.

Content

• Having previously completed a research proposal by the end of the level 3 ‘Thesis Preparation’ module, students undertake a substantive investigation of their chosen topic or field in order to produce a substantial thesis of level 4 standard. They will receive regular supervision from an experienced academic, with expertise in their chosen field. They will also participate in writing up workshops and be expected to attend appropriate departmental seminars and the Postgraduate Research Conference.

Learning Outcomes

• Systematic and critical understanding of a specialist field of knowledge in anthropology as applied to current problems. This knowledge will be informed by researchers working at, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of key anthropological principles, concepts, theories and methods in their chosen subdiscipline within anthropology
• Advanced understanding of the scope and content of anthropology
• Deep awareness of the value of anthropology in advancing understanding of humanity, and in analysing contemporary issues in professional settings
• Where appropriate, the use of advanced statistical techniques, communication and information technologies relevant for the generation and retrieval of anthropological knowledge and information
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret new anthropological knowledge and hypotheses;
• Conceptual understanding that will enable critical evaluation of current research and scholarship with particular reference to methodological and theoretical innovation.

• Carry out all stages of research in an anthropology project appropriate to the sub-discipline
• Understand the scientific method, and ability to apply the scientific method in advanced anthropological contexts
• Show an advanced understanding of data collection techniques in their chosen sub-discipline of anthropology
• Demonstrate familiarity with primary and secondary sources of social anthropological knowledge in their chosen sub-discipline and an ability to integrate these into a level 4 dissertation
• Design, use, and evaluate advanced qualitative and / or quantitative research / study techniques
• Critically analyse and evaluate literature and arguments from anthropology and cognate disciplines pertinent to the topic of research
• Where appropriate demonstrate appropriate laboratory practice including health and safety
• Demonstrate an appreciation of research ethics as this relates to the design, implementation and writing up of research

• Initiate independent research and sustain a project, based on individual initiative and / or research in a variety of field situations
• Identify, analyse, interpret and solve problems creatively using appropriate anthropological knowledge and skills
• Plan, organise and manage time: manage time and work to meet a set of pre-determined deadlines, e.g. preparing for meetings with your supervisor, observing strict deadlines and schedules
• Use information and communications technology in a variety of ways, for example all dissertations must be word-processed, accessing data from the Web and other electronic sources, using e-mail to communicate with staff and students
• Where appropriate, analyse and evaluate numerical data using advanced statistical skills
• Exercise confidence in dealing with complex issues, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Communicate complex ideas, principles, theories, problems and solutions in a variety of formats appropriate to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

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

• The principal objective of the Level 4 MAnth programme is the production of a thesis by research (60 credits). In order to facilitate the production of this work, students enter into a close supervisory relationship with a member of staff (identified during the level 3 Project Proposal module). The supervisor will engage in regular meetings (fortnightly during term time) to ensure progress and direction in the development of the research. Students will also be encouraged to become part of the departmental research community through their participation in research groups and departmental seminars
• The thesis by research provides the student with an opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of fieldwork or laboratory-based research. Modes of teaching will involve the following:
• Writing-up workshops, offered as intensive sessions each term to allow students to undertake research away from the University for significant periods of time, will enable students to take stock of their research and present their experiences and findings as their project develops
• Presentations in the intensive workshops as well as in other appropriate Departmental settings such as the Postgraduate Research Conference, both by individuals and small groups, will encourage students to develop increased confidence in public presentation – careful preparation, good delivery and proper evaluation. They encourage students to focus on a particular issue or problem, apply what they have learned and communicate their findings in a concise and interesting manner to their peers (and sometimes others)
• Supervisions (fortnightly) provide students with an opportunity to discuss issues associated with their thesis, and to receive detailed advice and feedback on their progress, on an individual basis. All students will be allocated a supervisor with relevant skills and knowledge as well as an Academic Advisor.
• Independent study and research crucially underpin students’ written and presented work and develop their ability to think independently, discriminate and use judgement, and assess the relevance and validity of others’ views.
• Fieldwork or primary research in other settings such as (but not confined to) museum collections is central to doing anthropology. An important part of carrying out anthropological fieldwork is a thorough understanding of research ethics prior to embarking on fieldwork, and students will be guided through the process of applying for ethics approval in the prerequisite module.
• Laboratory or computer-based work may form the foundation of research undertaken by some students undertaking this module
• Masters students will also be expected to participate actively in departmental and other seminars relevant to their areas of specialisation. In particular they will engage with seminar series hosted by the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Biology (Adaptation and Environment seminars), the Wolfson Research Institute and the School for Health.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The formative assessment will consist of drafts of chapters presented during supervisory meetings and writing-up workshops, as well as a formative poster presentation (which will normally be presented at the Postgraduate Research Conference or similar Departmental event).

■ 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