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 Skills1. 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 Skills5. 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 Skills8. 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.