Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025
Module ANTH30R7: Evolving Knowledge Systems
Department: Anthropology
ANTH30R7: Evolving Knowledge Systems
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2024/2025 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- A minimum of 40 credits in level 2 ANTH modules.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To learn how to examine evolving knowledge systems.
- To learn how to compare and contrast knowledge system properties.
- To learn how to communicate a comparative analysis of evolving knowledge systems.
Content
- Conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
- A comparative analysis of evolving knowledge system properties.
- Knowledge system properties relating to topics such as: 4E cognition and collective intelligence; information theory and search algorithms; representation and symbolism; faith, science and scholarship; social practice, tacit knowledge and phenomenology.
- Case studies include non-human animals, humans and artificial intelligence.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A critical understanding of conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
- A comparative appreciation of evolving knowledge systems.
- A critical understanding of knowledge system properties.
Subject-specific Skills:
- To express a critical understanding of conceptualisations of knowledge and knowledge systems.
- To express a critical understanding of evolving knowledge system properties.
- To compare evolving knowledge systems.
Key Skills:
- Intellectual agility, plurality and curiosity.
- Ability to think coherently and critically across different paradigms and perspectives.
- Ability to discern relative theoretical positions and evaluate empirical evidence.
- Accessible and compelling communication of complex ideas.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures will map out intellectual content outlining key concepts, theory, and presenting relevant case studies.
- Seminars will provide students with opportunities to discuss and enrich their understanding and communication of ideas based on material covered in the lectures and readings with the module tutor/s and their peers.
- Summative assessment requires the student to make a comparative analysis of evolving knowledge systems, using a medium of their choice from audio-, video-, written- or hybrid-essay, or equivalent.
- Formative assessment requires the student to submit the content plan/structure for their summative assessment and a short example of the content using their medium of choice.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecutres | 10 | Weekly | 1 hour | 10 | |
| Seminars | 5 | Fortnightly | 1 hour | 5 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 85 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay or equivalent | 2500 words or equivalent | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Content plan/structure for their summative assessment (up to 400 words) and a short example of the content using their medium of choice (up to 400 words or equivalent).
■ 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