Module ANTH3341: South Africa Field Course

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3341: South Africa Field Course

Prerequisites

• Methods and Analysis (ANTH2031)

Corequisites

• Dissertation in Anthropology (ANTH3162)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To give students practical experience of quantitative and qualitative anthropological methods including the collection, management and interpretation of data, through direct application of these methods during fieldwork at the Anthropology Field Station in South Africa.

Content

• Practical experience of field research methods in both biological and sociocultural anthropology, including primate observations, phenology, interviews and ethnography.
• Use of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in anthropological fieldwork.
• Management and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Reflection on ethical issues in qualitative and quantitative anthropological research.

Learning Outcomes

• An appreciation of the appropriateness of different fieldwork research methods to specific lines of anthropological enquiry.
• Understand the relationships between anthropological method and theory.
• Appreciate some of the ethical issues inherent in anthropological enquiry.

• Engage in an anthropological study using a range of appropriate fieldwork techniques.
• Analyse and interpret anthropological fieldwork data.
• A comprehensive overview and thorough grounding in the use of anthropological field methods.
• A thorough understanding of the ways in which anthropologists collect and interpret field data.

• Understand the appropriateness of different methods in designing a research project that is of interest and significance.
• Work with others in collaborative activities.
• Maintain and present a detailed record of research through verbal presentations and writing.
• Apply ethical guidelines in research.

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

• The primary method of teaching is through practical experience of fieldwork based at the Anthropology Field Station in South Africa.
• Fieldwork will be preceded by an orientation workshop in the previous academic year.
• Fieldwork will be supplemented by on-site presentations and discussions to explore key lessons and concepts related to the intended learning outcomes.
• Assessment is through written coursework submitted following the course but based on fieldwork work achieved during the field course period.
• The assessments are designed to assess both the extent of students' knowledge and understanding, and their ability to reflect on the fieldwork setting.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback will be provided on aspects of work undertaken during each day of the field course and on oral presentation relating to the fieldwork assessments.

■ 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