SC107-4-FY-CO:
Introduction to Social Anthropology
2015/16
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
30
24 January 2012
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
SC277
BA LL36 Social Anthropology,
BA LL3P Social Anthropology (Including Year Abroad),
BA LL6P Social Anthropology (Including Placement Year)
This module introduces students to the discipline of social anthropology, its history, methods, and theories. The focus is on the study of human cultural diversity and social organization, through a critical awareness of the ways anthropologists theorise "culture" and "society". There will be some sessions on human evolution and how that can help us study of contemporary societies and, in particular, human variation. Students will encounter a range of ethnographic and case study materials, learning about witchcraft, potlatch ceremonies in North America, the aesthetics of nomadic peoples, Big Men in Papua New Guinea, and New Reproductive Technologies in contemporary societies, to choose just a few examples. Students will furthermore learn about anthropological approaches to gender, ethnicity, race, and kinship and develop a critical awareness of the ways in which culture - be it our own or that of others - can be studied.
No information available.
No information available.
Assessment
70 per cent Coursework Mark, 30 per cent Exam Mark. The coursework will involve regular reading assignments and end of term tests.
Exam Period and Duration:
2.00 hour exam during Summer Examination period
Teaching will done in two-hour blocks and involve group work, discussion, short in-class reading and regular showings of anthropological films.
This modules aims to:
* Explore the ways "culture" and "society" have been theorised by social anthropology;
* Introduce students to the basic historical developments of social anthropology;
* Give students an appreciation of its key methods and theoretical approaches;
* Provide a awareness of the contribution social anthropology has made to the study of social life;
* Demonstrate to students how ethnographic techniques can be used in conjunction with other social science research methods.
Objectives
By the end of the module students will be expected to:
* Be aware of the methods of anthropological research and the relevance of the discipline for studying contemporary societies;
* have an understanding of the relationship between local social and cultural forms in relation to broader global processes;
* be able to critically analyse ethnographic data;
* have an appreciation of the intellectual tools needed to understand their own and other cultures.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 - Fieldwork Essay |
|
30% |
| Coursework |
Reading Assignment 1 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Reading Assignment 2 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 4 - Essay |
|
20% |
| Written Exam |
Assignment 3 - Autumn Term Test |
|
20% |
| Written Exam |
Spring Term Test |
|
20% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Sandya Hewamanne
Rosa Chandler, First Year Administrator, email: rosa.chandler@essex.ac.uk, telephone 01206 874892
Yes
No
No
Dr Lydia Martens
The University of Keele
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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