Module ANTH44815: Field Study

Department: Anthropology

ANTH44815: Field Study

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• to provide students with an opportunity to examine the practicalities of key contemporary energy interventions in the diverse UK energy situation
• to provide students with an opportunity to research and analyse energy challenges, to map key UK energy actors, and to confront the realities of energy

Content

• Indicative module content includes preliminary academic activities relating to literature reviews and research methods to apply in the field-based research.
• Students are provided with a research briefing regarding research background and questions relating to a project that has been set up with an external partner by the tutor.
• Seminars include teaching on research methods and applying theory to research as well as discussions on applying these to the research project.
• How to resolve problems that might arise in conducting the research project.
• Students will build on the learning from the core modules ANTH44630 and ANTH44730, reflecting on the implications of and for practice, and considering the role of different research an analytical approaches.
• Assessment is by Project Reports, with project progress outline submitted for formative feedback.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have, by the end of the module:
• an advanced understanding of the practical issues and effects of energy installations
• an understanding of how the taught elements of the MSc are operationally applicable in contemporary energy contexts
• an understanding of the methodologies used to study energy and society, and of the impact of our choice of methodology and conceptual framework on our understanding

• Students will be able, by the end of the module:
• to employ a range of theoretical perspectives to analyse practical contemporary issues of energy and society
• to illustrate social analysis of energy technologies with regard to specific cases
• to engage in research projects at Masters level

• Students should be able to, by the end of the module:
• to demonstrate an ability to construct argument critically for both oral and written presentation from different sources of material, including material delivered orally and in an article, report or policy document
• to demonstrate an independent approach to learning, critical thinking and creative problem-solving
• to use sophisticated techniques of information retrieval and management using an array of print and digital resources
• to formulate complex arguments in articulate and structured English, within the discursive conventions and genres of academic writing and written to high academic standard
• to demonstrate effective time management

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

• The students are provided with a research briefing pertaining to specific contexts and research questions. Students' experience of real life research provides the context for realising the learning outcomes by providing them with an opportunity to examine the practicalities of key contemporary energy interventions in the diverse UK energy situation. The projects also provide students with an opportunity to research and analyse energy challenges, to understand key UK energy actors, and to confront the realities of energy production and consumption
• The module will be delivered over sets of introductory briefings, research training seminars, group-work exercises and active feedback sessions (seminars/lectures). Stress is placed on learning how to manage and participate in teamwork.
• The seminars allow plenty of time for discussing each group research project, with students commenting on and suggesting improvements on the conduct and planning of each others research project.
• Students will be assessed through an Individual Project Report (3k words) and a Group Summary Report (1k words), the same version of which is to be submitted by each member of the group. The individual report will be a reflective account of the research process. The group summary report will take the form of a summary of findings for delivery to external case-study partners.
• Summative assessment: students will be asked to reflect on the significance of understanding context and background within a research project; the role of literature searches and reading; how planning facilitates research; opportunities and barriers in progressing research; the relationship between methods and theory; issues that arise through undertaking research as part of a team; approaches to problem solving; and lessons learnt through undertaking a project.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment 1: Group report on first contact with external project lead (to confirm the project brief). Formative Assessment 2: Plan for individual report 850 words: individual feedback is provided.

■ 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