Theories and Approaches in Anthropology

Module title	Theories and Approaches in Anthropology
Module code	ANT1009
Academic year	2023/4
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Susannah Crockford (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
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity	11	11 x weekly 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity	11	11 x weekly 1 hour tutorials
Guided Independent Study	33	Reading of the set texts for weekly lectures and the tutorials
Guided Independent Study	30	Additional reading under the guidance of the lecturer
Guided Independent Study	35	Preparation and writing of the essays
Guided Independent Study	30	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
Essay plan	200 words	1-6	Oral and written

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
Essay 1	50	1800 words	1-6	Written
Essay 2	50	1800 words	1-6	Written
	0
	0
	0
	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
Essay 1	Essay (1800 words)	1-6	August/September re-assessment period
Essay 2	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

Key words search

Anthropology, theory, approaches, ethnography

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	11/02/2022