Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ANTH49315: Advanced Studies in Primates in Peril

Department: Anthropology

ANTH49315: Advanced Studies in Primates in Peril

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None.

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.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • In depth knowledge of major issues in primate conservation, with an emphasis on ethically-engaged practice.
Key Skills:
  • Preparation and effective communication of complex issues, questions, debates, methods, data, interpretation and arguments in visual form and in person.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 whihc students will apply the concepts and perspectives covered in the course to a topic of their own choice.
  • The summative 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 1 hour 10
Seminars 5 Fortnightly 1 hour 5
Advanced Discussion Class 1 1 1
Preparation and Reading 135
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Poster and poster presentation A0 poster/5 minute presentation 80%
Critical reading log 1000 words 20%

Formative Assessment:

Poster plan. 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