SA5049 Methodological and Philosophical Issues in Social Anthropology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A E Joyce

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Aimee Joyce and Dr Melissa Demian

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This is an optional module that introduces students to key methodological and philosophical concerns in Social Anthropology. It is intended for students who are new to anthropology. The module will discuss the methods, theories, and paradigms which underpin the work of contemporary social anthropologists

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture (x11 weeks) 1 tutorial (x11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

48

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

240

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • The ability to formulate, investigate and discuss anthropologically informed questions.
  • Students will gain competence in using major methodological and theoretical perspectives and concepts in anthropology.
  • The ability to apply anthropological knowledge to a variety of practical and professional situations.
  • The ability to plan, undertake and present scholarly work that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological methods and philosophical considerations
  • 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 across a range of cultures and societies.