Module ANTH48615: Advanced Studies in Physical Activity for Health: Anthropological/Critical Perspectives

Department: Anthropology

ANTH48615: Advanced Studies in Physical Activity for Health: Anthropological/Critical Perspectives

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To critically consider public health approaches linking 'lifestyle' and health
• To explore the potential for anthropological approaches and methods to improve the evaluation and implementation of public health measures to promote physical activity and health
• To engage with recent and ongoing research taking an anthropological/critical approach to the study of physical activity 'for' health

Content

• Understanding how physical activities affect health and wellbeing
• Understanding the place of physical activities in everyday lives
• Critical examination of approaches to the promotion of physical activity and of healthy ‘behaviours’ more generally
• Exploration of the contribution of anthropological approaches and methods to the evaluation of public health interventions targeting physical activity

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in the anthropology of physical activity
• Be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature.
• Demonstrate in depth knowldege of anthropological approaches and methods in the evaluation of public health interventions targeting physical activity

• To exmaine debates pertaining to medical, public and anthropoligcal approaches to the promotion of 'healthy lifesyles'

• Preparation and effective communication of well justified research
• Critical analysis of the literature

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

• Lectures and seminars may consist of pre-recorded videos, live lecture presentations, research seminars, student seminars including break out discussions or other activities as appropriate to the material covered week to week
• Pre-recoreded videos and live lecture presentation elements will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore and provide relevant examples and case studies
• Seminars 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
• Student preparation and reading time will allow engagement with specific references in advance of seminars and general and particular reading related to the assessment
• Summative assessment will consist of a 2,500 word research proposal
• The critical reading log is an annotated bibliography in which the evidence and arguments presented in readings selected by the student and relevant to the development of their summative assessment are evaluated and critiqued. This along with the other summative component should show evidence of a higher level of engagement expected at postgraduate level.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

500 word piece of preparatory work for the proposal. Reading log sample.

■ 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