Module Description

ANTH0015: Being Human stands as a unique module amongst those in the anthropology degree. This second- year compulsory module investigates different perspectives on and approaches to anthropology by broaching the overarching question, ‘What does it mean to be human?’ The course is designed to provide students with a view of the breadth of the discipline through a series of small-group tutorials in each of the four subdisciplines of Anthropology as it is taught at UCL (Social Anthropology; Biological Anthropology; Material Culture; Medical Anthropology). In inviting tutors to provide topics in their areas of speciality, the course seeks to provide students with a unique opportunity to think through a central problem of anthropology from a range of perspectives. 



The course is structured around small-group tutorials, with each tutorial group spending two weeks with a tutor from each of the four subsections in the department over the course of the term. Each tutor will set two tutorial topics based on their current research which in different ways approach the fundamental anthropological question of what it means to be human. Each tutorial topic will be accompanied by two set readings which the students must read before the session and discuss during the tutorial. Students must also identify one further reading themselves for each tutorial topic, and write a short summary on this reading prior to the session. 

Topics are chosen by the tutors each year, and as such this course reading list offers a rich variety of anthropological perspectives on the question of what it means to be human. 



Learning Outcomes

Gain a broad and diverse understanding of the fundamental anthropological question of what it means to be human;
 Develop an in-depth understanding of the breadth of anthropology as a discipline, including the four subdisciplines of social anthropology, biological anthropology, medical anthropology, and material culture;
 Engage with lecturers from across the department on their current research;
 Improve speaking and discussion skills in small-group tutorials;
 Improve library-based and online research skills;
 Improve reading, critical thinking, and analytical skills;
 Improve essay writing skills.
Delivery Method

One small group tutorial per week, comprising four students, and taught by various staff members in the department. The module convener also provides an introductory lecture and two workshops.



Please note the assessment titles may be subject to change.