Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ANTM113: Humans and Other Primates

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to:

enable you to understand and evaluate the role of primatology as a bridge which can serve to unify the seemingly disparate theoretical and methodological approaches of the biological and social sciences.
enable you to critically engage with a wide range of disciplinary perspectives which tackle human interactions with nonhuman primates on the ground.

consider the ways in which an understanding of nonhuman primates can facilitate reflection on the human condition in a range of cultural contexts.

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 Skills	1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary origins of the human species and the phylogenetic relationships which exist between humans and other extant nonhuman primates; 2. demonstrate a detailed understanding of how this shared genetic heritage enables anthropologists and scholars from cognate disciplines to comparatively consider what it means to be human 3. discuss and critically analyse a wide range of human interactions with nonhuman primates; 4. demonstrate a critical appreciation of the wider implications (in terms of environmental sustainability) of nonhuman primate behavioural ecology;
Discipline-Specific Skills	5. demonstrate a critical awareness of the synergies and areas of conflict which exist between social and biological anthropology; 6. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the ways in which primatology can serve to unite the disparate approaches (methodological and theoretical) of social and biological anthropology; 7. effectively apply appropriate theoretical models in the critical analysis of human interactions with nonhuman primates;
Personal and Key Skills	8. plan, undertake and present independent written work of a high scholarly standard; 9. communicate complex theoretical ideas in a clear and coherent manner; 10. work effectively and provide constructive feedback to peers within the context of group discussions.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

The module will start by exploring the shared phylogenetic heritage within the primate order. A brief introduction to human and nonhuman primate evolution will be followed by a critical evaluation of the ways in which contemporary nonhuman primates are utilised as models in a bid to better understand human origins. The module will also consider the work of prominent primatologists and situate their research within historical context. An engagement with empirical data concerning the behavioural ecology of nonhuman primates will then allow for a consideration of the various theoretical debates which surround research concerning our closest biological relatives. These could include questions of anthropomorphism, language and communication, culture and tool use and the 'myth' of human exceptionalism. The second part of the module will be concerned with exploring contemporary human interactions with nonhuman primates in a range of settings and focussing on a host of important contemporary issues such as conflict for resources, the bushmeat trade, the use of nonhuman primates in biomedical research, the representation of primates in popular culture and the keeping of other primates in captivity.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	10	10 x 1 hour podcast audio lectures with accompanying PowerPoint presentations
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	10	10 x 1 hour discussion/seminar participations on the VLE discussion forums (including formative assessments)
Guided Independent Study	60	Weekly preparatory reading for lectures and seminars
Guided Independent Study	10	Preparation for formative assessments
Guided Independent Study	60	Research and writing of summative assessments

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).