Module ANTH2071: Our Place In Nature

Department: Anthropology

ANTH2071: Our Place In Nature

Prerequisites

• Human Evolution and Diversity (ANTH1091) OR Being Human (ANTH111) OR Organisms and Environment (BIOL1161) AND Genetics (BIOL1171)

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop awareness and understanding of evolutionary biology as applied to primates, including humans.
• To introduce concepts and methods in studying behaviour.
• To extend students’ understanding of humans as primates.
• To provide an understanding of the evolution of primate societies.
• To provide an understanding of primate cognition and the evolution of human cognition and behaviour.
• To build on knowledge introduced in the first year modules Human Evolution and Diversity and Being Human.
• To prepare students for Level 3 modules requiring an evolutionary perspective and provide skills of particular importance for the dissertation.

Content

• Primate behaviour and ecology, and current Darwinian theories about the evolution of primate societies.
• The evolution of human cognition and cultural behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with the study of adaptation, comparative, observational, and experimental methods in the study of behaviour and cognition.
• Familiarity with the diversity and evolution of primate social systems and primate behaviour.
• Critical understanding of theories used by primatologists and anthropologists to understand (i) primate socio-ecology and (ii) human cognitive and cultural evolution.

• Familiarity with key methods and concepts in the study of primatology, behaviour and cognition
• Ability to critically analyse and evaluate written scientific information.
• Collect and interpret behavioural data.
• The ability to evaluate anthropological arguments and evidence.

• Integrate and evaluate a range of information and data from primary and secondary sources.
• Identify, analyse, interpret and solve problems creatively.
• Search information sources effectively (e.g. libraries, archives) and find information.
• Use academic literature effectively.
• Capacity to analyse and interpret quantitative data.
• Proficiency in producing an effective and coherent research proposal.

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

• Lectures cover subject-specific knowledge.
• Practicals cover subject-specific knowledge and skills and develop key skills.
• Examination and coursework assess subject-specific knowledge, skills and key skills
• Summative assessment comprises one 1.5 hour examination and two research reports.
• Formative assessment consists of extensive oral feedback in practical classes.
• The module will have a dedicated DUO site on which course information and materials will be regularly posted.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

For coursework: extensive oral and written feedback in practical classes, example research reports, practical guidance on DUO. For exam: example exam questions and answering guidance on DUO.

■ 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