Description

How do anthropologists gather evidence, and what is the value of the knowledge they produce? This module explores some of the major concepts and philosophies that underpin qualitative and quantitative methods used by anthropologists, investigating how anthropologists analyze different forms of data to produce knowledge about the social and biological diversity of humans. We will examine how to apply methods and other relevant research skills in practice and cultivate an understanding of research as an ethically engaged and critically reflexive practice. The learning on this module revolves around a mixture of lecture content, pre-seminar activities (such as reading), participation in seminars via discussion and group activities. A major component of teaching is ‘learning by doing’ via formative peer research projects which are carried out under the mentorship of the module tutors. You will design and carry out an independent research project that tests a particular method in practice and provides empirical evidence to answer anthropological research questions.

*Learning Outcomes: 


	Develop knowledge of different examples of qualitative and quantitative methods used by social scientists;
	
	
	Expose students to a selection of key methodological concepts, practices and modes of analysis used across the discipline of anthropology;
	

	Equip students with the ability to analyse and critically reflect on different modes of anthropological research and methodological practice;
	
	
	Develop research and writing skills appropriate to the completion of an undergraduate level dissertation;
	
	
	Develop transferable skills and especially key techniques in social science research that can be deployed across a range of employment contexts
	
Having completed the module students will: 


	Have knowledge and understanding of some of the well-established principles of anthropological methods and research skills;
	
	
	Be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of some anthropological methods – both conceptually and in practice-, and be able to reflect on the use of different methods in light of current challenges in the field of anthropology;
	
	
	Be able to evaluate and carry out the appropriate forms of methodology as per anthropologically informed research questions, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of anthropological research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a variety of contexts;
	
	
	Have understanding of ethics, positionality and reflexivity involved in anthropological research;
	

	Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the potential applications of anthropological knowledge across broader employment contexts.
	Have command of the following transferable skills:
	
	
	Research skills in collecting, collating and analysing primary and secondary data;
	
	
	Independent learning, working with initiative and minimal supervision;
	
	
	Independence of thought and analytical, critical and synoptic skills
	
	
	Communication and presentation skills (using oral, visual and written materials and information technology);
	

	Peer collaboration and the ability to engage, where appropriate, in constructive discussion in group situations and group-work skills
	
	
	Time, planning and management skills.
	
*Delivery Method: 


	Term 1: 2-hour seminar compromising a lecture followed by student led discussion of methodological and theoretical material, and interactive activities that involve applying concepts in practice.
	

	Term 2: 2-hour seminar centred around group work. Students will be divided into research clusters and asked to design and carry out a small research project that draws on some of the different methods covered. Classes will be structured to guide students through the different stages of research design and support them in working on activities related to different research processes.
	
*Additional Information: 


	Students will receive weekly, on-going formative feedback on their peer group project.