Theories and Approaches in Anthropology
| Module title | Theories and Approaches in Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Module code | ANT1009 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Katharine Tyler (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
This module provides an overview of some of the key theoretical and empirical approaches in anthropology. The purpose of this module is to explore what constitutes anthropological theory, how it has meaning in relation to fieldwork practices, contexts and data, and to understand anthropological theories and approaches in relation to other disciplines. . The module will also offer you the tools to reflect critically upon anthropological approaches to specific substantive topics.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aims of this module are to provide you with a foundation for anthropological analysis, to provide a theoretical structure and to introduce conceptual tools. It aims to give you the tools needed to approach critically a broad range of social and cultural phenomena, by asking different types of questions, such as: in whose interest is it, is there a group benefiting from this arrangement/ argument / representation? What is the perspective of the actors involved?
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate critical knowledge and reflection upon the development of anthropological theory and approaches;
- 2. show familiarity with a range of theoretical approaches and how they relate to each other and to other disciplines.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. show a developing capacity to recognise, describe and evaluate anthropological theory and its integral relation to fieldwork contexts, practices and data;
- 4. demonstrate familiarity with a variety of anthropological and related literature.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. devise and sustain an original argument based on close interpretation of texts;
- 6. communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content will vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some of the following:
A critical history of anthropological theory: from functionalism to postmodernism. This might include some of the following themes:
- Precursors: Marx and Durkheim
- Functionalism and structural functionalism
- Process and conflict
- Structuralism
- Practice
- Power and resistance
- Interpretivism and cultural hermeneutics
- Postmodernism
- Critique of culture/ the literary turn
- Postcolonial theory
- Feminism
The module will also include theoretical approaches to key substantive areas and might include topics such as:
- race,
- kinship,
- class,
- place, identity and belonging
The module will also ask students to reflect on how to theorise contemporary socio-political events such as the national and global implications of Brexit and the global covid-19 pandemic.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | 122.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 16.5 | Weekly 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 11 | Weekly 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 33 | Reading of the set texts for weekly lectures and the tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 11 | Writing weekly response papers |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Additional reading under the guidance of the lecturer |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Preparation and writing of the essay |
| Guided Independent Study | 28.5 | Recapitulation of reading done throughout the term; preparation of essay plans; portfolio revision, etc. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly reading response papers on the essential readings | 150 words/week | 1-6 | Oral (in class); additional feedback provided on request in the office hours |
| Participation in tasks in the tutorials | Weekly | 1,2,5,6 | Oral (in class) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of 9 reading response papers (150 words each) with an introduction (500 words) | 40 | 1850 words | 1-6 | Written (further oral feedback available on request in the office hours) |
| Essay | 60 | 1800 words | 1-6 | Written (further oral feedback available on request in the office hours) |
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of reading response papers | Essay (1850 words) | 1-6 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Essay | Essay (1800 words) | 1-6 | August/September re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Kuper, A. 1996. Anthropology and Anthropologists: The Modern British School (3rd edition). London and New York: Routledge.
Ortner, S.B., 1984, Theory in Anthropology Since the Sixties, Comparative Studies in Society and History 26: 126-166.
Barnard, A., 2000. History and theory in anthropology. Cambridge University Press.
Layton, R., 1997. An introduction to theory in anthropology. Cambridge University Press.
Geertz, C., 1973. The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays (Vol. 5019). Basic books.
Kuper, A., 2009. Culture: The anthropologists' account. Harvard University Press.
Bourdieu, P.,1993. Structures, Habitus, Power: Basis for a Theory of Symbolic Power, in Dirks, N.B., Eley, G. and Ortner, S.B., 1994. Culture/power/history: A reader in contemporary social theory. Princeton University Press.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ARD - Anthropology Review Database
Internet Anthropologist
Anthrobase
SOSIG: Social Science Information Gateway
Anthropology Resources on the Internet
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 16/12/2016 |
| Last revision date | 14/05/2021 |
