Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module ANTH3867: Primates in Peril

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3867: Primates in Peril

Type Open Level 3 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2024/25 onwards Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • ANTH2061 Evolution, Variation and Adaptation OR ANTH2071 Our Place in Nature

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To examine the primate extinction crisis in depth.
  • To examine why primates matter, the threats to primates, how we assess those threats, and how we can mitigate them.
  • To explore why and how we need to decolonise primate conservation.
  • To explore the complexity of ethical dilemmas in primate conservation.

Content

  • The major drivers of the extinction crisis.
  • Human-primate entanglement.
  • The ethics of tourism, sanctuaries and selfies.
  • How we know what works in conservation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding of primate conservation.
  • Deploy analytical skills specific to primate conservation.
  • Be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature.
  • In depth knowledge of major issues in primate conservation, with an emphasis on ethically-engaged practice.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Apply anthropological and evidence-based perspectives to major issues in primate conservation, with an emphasis on ethically engaged practice
  • Scientific poster design and conference-style presentation
Key Skills:
  • Preparation and effective communication of complex issues, questions, debates, methods, data, interpretation and arguments in visual form and in person.
  • Preparation and effective communication of complex issues, questions, debates, methods, data, interpretation and arguments in visual form and in person.
  • Critical analysis of data and literature
  • Self-reflection on knowledge and skills acquired and developed;
  • Accessing library resources
  • Undertaking independent study and research;
  • Preparation and effective communication of interpretations and arguments in written, visual and oral form

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

  • Lectures will provide students with an outline, 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 prepare students for their summative assignment.
  • Student preparation and reading time will allow engagement with specific references in advance of classes and general and particular reading releated to the assessment, which will be a poster.
  • Summative assessment will consist of a poster in which students will apply the concepts and perspectives covered in the course to a topic of their own choice.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 1 10
Seminars 5 Fortnightly 1 5
Preparation and Reading 85
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Courework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Poster and poster presentation A0 poster/5 minutes presentation 100%

Formative Assessment:

Poster 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