Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT1009: Theories and Approaches in Anthropology

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to provide you with a foundation for anthropological analysis in a twofold way: to provide a theoretical structure and to introduce conceptual tools. First, it aims to provide you with the scaffolding and a chronological grid for the themes explored in other modules. Second, it aims to give you the tools needed to approach a broad range of social and cultural phenomena, by asking different types of questions, such as: what is its function, or how does it contribute to the broader whole? In whose interest is it, is there a group benefiting from this arrangement? What is the perspective of the actors involved? 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge about the development of Anthropology as an academic discipline from the late nineteenth century to the present day;
2. show familiarity with a range of theoretical approaches and how they relate to each other within the historical development of anthropology;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. show a developing capacity to recognise, describe and evaluate anthropological theory;
4. demonstrate familiarity with a variety of classic and contemporary anthropological literature;
Personal and Key Skills5. devise and sustain an original argument based on close interpretation of texts;
6. communicate effectively in written and verbal form.