| Unit name | Anthropological Theory and Practice |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ARCHM0081 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Cooper |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This MA core unit provides advanced training in both theoretical and practical aspects of anthropology, spanning from seminal works of anthropological theory to their contemporary applications. The primary objective is to cultivate a nuanced and cross-cultural perspective, enabling students to grapple with the challenges presented by our rapidly evolving world.
The core themes of this unit revolve around interconnected concepts: human connectivity, power and technology, liveable futures, and applied anthropology. Human connectivity is explored as a cultural and economic phenomenon across global contexts, delving into diverse conceptualisations and social practices that offer alternative pathways to mobility, growth, and development within the framework of late capitalism. The exploration of power and technology encompasses aspects of human exploration and transformation, from biopolitical governmentality to the transformation of human-nonhuman relations through smart technologies. The focus is on sociocultural challenges and alternative adaptations. The pursuit of liveable futures shows anthropology’s intellectual and public engagement with issues around mobility, belonging, justice, connectivity, health, equality, and the interplay of past and present. In applied anthropology, the emphasis is on forging connections and collaborations beyond traditional academic boundaries, applying anthropological principles to real-world issues and encouraging engagement with a broader spectrum of institutions and actors.
This unit is divided into two teaching blocks. Part I, “Theory,” in TB1, establishes a strong theoretical foundation by reviewing key frameworks and debates in classic and contemporary anthropology. It challenges students to think about and communicate the role anthropology plays in understanding transforming economies, power dynamics, and socio-technological development through presentations.
Part II, “Practice,” in TB2, focuses on integrating theoretical foundations with practical skills, emphasizing the connections between academia and public engagement. Guest lectures with specialized knowledge in development, technology, health, and business share insights and teach students to translate anthropological concepts into practical understanding of real-world issues, communicated through podcast making. Weekly discussions cover diverse topics, helping students integrate perspectives from texts, visuals and voices.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical thinking and clear comprehension on key anthropological theories;
2. Critically discuss, review and write about complex issues surrounding social change by synthesising views and materials from academic literature as well as other sources of information.
3. Develop essential skills to work with peers in collaborative and flexible ways, and to evaluate other’s work via peer-supported assessment;
4. Develop skills to work with text, audio, and images towards expressive, concise, and effective communication.
Weekly two-hour seminar style lecture plus one-hour tutorial/class activity. Weekly topics will incorporate 2-3 academic readings, and time for class discussions.
1 x Field trip
TB1:
1. In-class presentation. Formative 0%. [ILOs 1-4]
2. Research Essay (2,500 words). Summative 50%. [ILOs 1, 2, 4]
TB2:
1. Podcast in progress. Formative 0%. [ILOs 1-4]
2. Final podcast (15 minutes). Summative 50%. [ILOs 1,2,4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ARCHM0081).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
