Module ANTH4208: Advanced Specialised Aspects of Health and Medical Anthropology for MAnth Students (30 credits)

Department: Anthropology

ANTH4208: Advanced Specialised Aspects of Health and Medical Anthropology for MAnth Students (30 credits)

Prerequisites

• ANTH2111 Sex, Reproduction and Love OR ANTH2141 Global Health and Disease (or for 2018-19 and 2019-20 only, ANTH2111 Sex, Reproduction and Love OR ANTH2081 International Health and Development OR ANTH2011 Ecology, Genomics and Health).

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Topics that have substantially the same content as Level 3 modules previously undertaken cannot be chosen. Cannot be taken with Advanced Specialised Aspects of Health and Medical Anthropology for MAnth students (60 credits)

Aims

• To develop an understanding of specialised aspects of health and medical anthropology, chosen from a list of topics representing the main areas of research in the Anthropology of Health Research Group.

Content

• Two topics, as available. It is envisaged that 6-8 topics will be offered annually, selected to be representative of the core research areas in health and medical anthropology, which may include:
• Life history theory
• Human reproductive ecology
• Infant and maternal health
• Global health
• Human ecology
• Western diseases
• Reproduction and ethics
• Medical humanities
• Critical medical anthropology

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, students will be able to: 
• Demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in two specific areas of health and medical anthropology research. 
• Demonstrate in depth knowledge of a particular area of health and medical anthropology, with emphasis on interpretation, critical evaluation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.

• Deploy analytical skills specific to specialised aspects under study in the Anthropology of Health Research Group. 
• Be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature. 
• Show an ability to synthesize data, concepts and theories in a sophisticated manner

• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, interpretation and arguments in written form. 
• Advanced critical evaluation skills

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

• Classes will integrate lecture, tutorial and practical components, with the balance dictated by appropriateness to the research topic in question.
• Lecture elements will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in the topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore, and provide relevant examples and cases studies.
• Tutorial elements will develop topics introduced in lectures and required reading to analyse aspects or case studies in greater depth and to prepare students for their summative assignment.
• Practical components will provide students with hands-on experience of the research.
• Advanced discussion classes will allow students to develop their skills of critical thinking and evaluation, as well as how to synthesise and interrogate material at a level commensurate with postgraduate attainment. This will support the critical reading log, an annotated bibliography in which the evidence and arguments presented in readings selected by the student and relevant to the written assignment are evaluated and critiqued. This along with the written assignment should show evidence of a higher level of engagement than would be expected at Level 3.
• Student preparation and reading time will allow engagement with specific references in advance of tutorials and general and particular reading related to the assessment, which will be a written assignment (such as an essay or report).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

You will be given the opportunity to submit a one page formative plan for each of your written assignments, which will form the basis of the discussion in the assessment support classes. Other formative guidance on assessments may differ by topic, and full details will be provided in classes. Typical additional formatives may include presenting ideas related to your assignment topic in class, or an extended essay plan.

■ 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