Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT2003: Current Debates in Anthropology

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

Module Aims

The primary aim of the module is to build on your existing knowledge of anthropological theory, and introduce you to a body of concepts and approaches developed by practitioners of this dynamic subject in response to conducting fieldwork in a changing world. The module also aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you to understand and evaluate the differing views expressed by established anthropologists in relation to key theoretical debates. Through constructive seminar discussions you will be also be empowered to feel confident in utilising anthropological theory as a tool for analysing your own research.

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. display a detailed knowledge of specific theoretical concepts and methodological approaches in anthropology and the intellectual debates concerning them;
2. display an informed awareness of, and sensitivity to, human diversity, and a reflexive appreciation of its scope and complexity;
3. evaluate the ethical implications of anthropological research in relation to a selection of ethnographic case studies and in relation to the Association of Social Anthropologists' Ethical Guidelines for Good Research Practice.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. demonstrate a competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in anthropology via the application of appropriate theoretical models in the analysis of ethnographic case studies
5. demonstrate a recognition of the politics of language, indirect forms of communication, forms of power, theoretical statements and claims of authority, and an ability to analyse them
6. plan, undertake and present scholarly work that shows an understanding of anthropological aims, methods and theoretical considerations
Personal and Key Skills7. express your own ideas orally and in writing, summarize the arguments of others, and distinguish between the two
8. engage in constructive discussion in group situations and seminars
9. evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in learning and study skills and to take action to improve your capacity to learn

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • Time I: The temporal turn

  • Time II: Anthropocene

  • Being I: The ontological turn

  • Being II: Things

  • Feeling I: The affective turn

  • Feeling II: Social suffering

  • Horizons I: Uncertainty and doubt

  • Horizons II: Creativity and imagination

  • Turning in circles, or moving ahead?

  • Anthropological trajectories

Learning and Teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity11Weekly 1 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity11Weekly 1 hour seminars
Guided independent study33 Reading of the set texts for weekly lectures and the tutorials
Guided independent study33 Additional reading under the guidance of the lecturer
Guided independent study25Preparation and writing of the essay
Guided independent study20 Recapitulation of reading done throughout the term; preparation of essay plans; portfolio revision, etc.
Guided independent study6 Background research conducted by the student depending on need and interest
Guided independent study11Writing weekly response papers

Online Resources

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

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/