Anthropology

This module introduces the research methods and approaches that make social anthropology distinctive and explores key themes in the study of human cultures and societies from a social anthropological perspective. A comparison of the subject with other sub-fields of anthropology and with other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences is outlined. The importance of ethnographic research and writing is emphasised through a focus on contemporary ethnographic practice. Other approaches to social anthropology (e.g. museum anthropology, applied anthropology, visual anthropology) are also considered. Major themes are then explored from the point of view of recent ethnographic research. These may include: kinship, gender, age, material culture, art, the environment, ritual, belief, magic, language, the body, space, politics, or decolonisation. The emphasis is placed on the relevance of anthropology to the contemporary world. Parallel academic skills sessions support the development of the key skills needed in a Higher Education environment.

This module introduces students to the discipline of biological anthropology and provides an overview of the key principles and approaches to the study of humans from a biological and evolutionary perspective. We will explore primates and primate behaviour, natural selection and elementary genetics, human adaptation to different environmental stresses, including human development and nutritional requirements, and the evolution of infectious diseases. The anatomy of various primate and hominid species is considered from the perspective of reconstructing both primate and human evolutionary history and there will be discussion of key fossil finds that cover the period from the earliest primate ancestors in the Palaeocene 65 MYA to the appearance of Homo sapiens in Pleistocene Africa. We will consider fossil evidence from across Africa to Asia, Europe and the Americas and hominin Genera such as Sahelanthropus, Australopithecus and Homo.

This module connects the three ‘strands’ of Anthropology (biological anthropology, social anthropology, and archaeology/material culture studies) by investigating important historical developments in the discipline as well as looking at how anthropological research is carried out today. It provides a solid grounding in the three ‘strands’ by investigating key themes from these different perspectives. This allows students to compare and contrast these approaches to the study of humanity, and to explore larger questions around what makes us human, and how human lives are shaped by biological, social, environmental and material factors. The module also explores the history of anthropology from its origins to the present day, covering both biological and social anthropology and highlighting key figures and schools of thought in the development of the discipline. Throughout the module there is a focus on key debates and controversies, and developing an awareness of the contested nature of anthropological knowledge.  

This module provides a brief conspectus of the prehistoric and historical periods from the emergence of humans, the later development of complex societies and civilizations through to the present day. The world context is emphasised and the major developments in each period will be explored.  The module is illustrated throughout by case studies through which students can appreciate how ideas about these cultures have developed from the beginnings of antiquarian archaeology to the application of modern theory.  Key conceptual issues, such as exchange/trade, colonisation, political, religious and social developments, will be explained and discussed in relation to specific examples.

This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.  

This module explores identity categories such as gender, sexualities, race, ethnicity, language, age and disability from both a biological and social point of view. It will evaluate theories related to the evolution of human behaviour, and include discussion of how identity categories are constructed and contested in relation to specific cultures or geographic areas. There will be some practical demonstration on how we can determine aspects of the identity of past populations from their skeletons, such as age and sex determination and how pathological lesions can aid in interpretations of disability and care in the past. Focused exploration of identity categories in contemporary society will allow students to develop knowledge of the values, ethics and traditions of the specific cultural and geographic area under consideration.

This module investigates art and visual culture from an archaeological and anthropological perspective to explore Western and non-Western approaches to art in the present and the past. It includes a focus on the role of museums in the production of knowledge about global art worlds, as well as a series of geographically-focused case studies that provide wide exposure to the art and material culture of small-scale and indigenous societies. The module also explores the production and use of visual culture like photography, film and television by both anthropologists and the communities they work with. The module critically explores the relationship between anthropology and the ethnographic museum in the present and the past and provides practical experience in researching and writing about cultural objects.

Students may pick one of the following.

Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits

This module examines the themes of death, burial and bioarchaeology through an anthropological and archaeological lens. It will explore the development of funerary practice from prehistory to the ethnographic present. Burial sites from various locations, temporally and geographically, will be examined, together with the importance of grave goods. The analysis of human remains is a key specialism across the disciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology. This module introduces students to the key theories and methods needed for the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains. Current debates include the ethics of the treatment of the dead and the interpretation of burials in relation to gender and inequality. This module will have a practical approach where students will work in small groups to learn the skills of human remains analysis, it is therefore paramount that practical sessions are attended to enable the assigned component of this module to be completed.

Global Religions: Spaces and Places - 30 credits

This module will explore a range of religions and spiritual traditions through the lens of material and visual culture in public (non-overtly religious) spaces such as museums, art galleries and in exhibitions and shops, and also examine how religions ‘work’ when in diaspora. The main religions explored across the module are Asian-originating religions, and the Abrahamic traditions, but traditional/indigenous religions feature strongly in the first part, and the development of new religious sub-traditions of global religions and Zoroastrianism, feature in the second part. Utilising a range of approaches this module will allow students to examine the various spaces and places where global religions can be found, and the other religions that can be found in them. This module will include two day trips, the first to a museum/art gallery and the second to a place where a religion in its diaspora context can be seen.

This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.  

This module explores identity categories such as gender, sexualities, race, ethnicity, language, age and disability from both a biological and social point of view. It will evaluate theories related to the evolution of human behaviour, and include discussion of how identity categories are constructed and contested in relation to specific cultures or geographic areas. There will be some practical demonstration on how we can determine aspects of the identity of past populations from their skeletons, such as age and sex determination and how pathological lesions can aid in interpretations of disability and care in the past. Focused exploration of identity categories in contemporary society will allow students to develop knowledge of the values, ethics and traditions of the specific cultural and geographic area under consideration.

This module investigates art and visual culture from an archaeological and anthropological perspective to explore Western and non-Western approaches to art in the present and the past. It includes a focus on the role of museums in the production of knowledge about global art worlds, as well as a series of geographically-focused case studies that provide wide exposure to the art and material culture of small-scale and indigenous societies. The module also explores the production and use of visual culture like photography, film and television by both anthropologists and the communities they work with. The module critically explores the relationship between anthropology and the ethnographic museum in the present and the past and provides practical experience in researching and writing about cultural objects.

Students may pick one of the following.

Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits

This module examines the themes of death, burial and bioarchaeology through an anthropological and archaeological lens. It will explore the development of funerary practice from prehistory to the ethnographic present. Burial sites from various locations, temporally and geographically, will be examined, together with the importance of grave goods. The analysis of human remains is a key specialism across the disciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology. This module introduces students to the key theories and methods needed for the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains. Current debates include the ethics of the treatment of the dead and the interpretation of burials in relation to gender and inequality. This module will have a practical approach where students will work in small groups to learn the skills of human remains analysis, it is therefore paramount that practical sessions are attended to enable the assigned component of this module to be completed.

Global Religions: Spaces and Places - 30 credits

This module will explore a range of religions and spiritual traditions through the lens of material and visual culture in public (non-overtly religious) spaces such as museums, art galleries and in exhibitions and shops, and also examine how religions ‘work’ when in diaspora. The main religions explored across the module are Asian-originating religions, and the Abrahamic traditions, but traditional/indigenous religions feature strongly in the first part, and the development of new religious sub-traditions of global religions and Zoroastrianism, feature in the second part. Utilising a range of approaches this module will allow students to examine the various spaces and places where global religions can be found, and the other religions that can be found in them. This module will include two day trips, the first to a museum/art gallery and the second to a place where a religion in its diaspora context can be seen.

Students choose one of two tracks for this final-year module: 1. A 10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme in social anthropology, biological anthropology or archaeology developed through independent research under the supervision of a member of staff; or 2. a project based alternative involving a period of prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. The dissertation track allows students to apply themselves to an anthropological or archaeological study of their choice in depth over a year, using the sources and methodologies of social anthropology,  biological anthropology or archaeology. The placement track is for those students who wish to gain prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. Students work with staff and the university Placements team to identify a placement with an external host organisation, ideally one with a specific interest to them and a connection to the disciplines of anthropology or archaeology, broadly defined.

This module will focus on the importance of migration and movement throughout human evolution and up to the present day from both biological and social perspectives. From the first hominins to move out of Africa we will explore the archaeological evidence for the migration of past populations, with a particular focus on scientific techniques such as ancient DNA, proteomics, and isotope analysis as aids in interpretations of migration, both on the population scale and for Individual skeletal remains. Through a focus on migration as a topic of study within social anthropology we will also develop in-depth ethnographic understanding of the issues surrounding migration and transnationalism in specific contexts. This will allow us to explore the contribution of an ethnographic approach to debates on migration in contemporary society.

This final-year module links social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology. It brings together three broad themes: the public role of anthropology and its applications to real-world issues; how anthropological topics are communicated in a variety of public media; and in the second Term the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. Students will examine the wide range of contemporary issues to which anthropologists might contribute their expertise, and will explore the public communication of anthropological topics in a variety of media including, for example, newspapers, research blogs or television programmes. They will also explore the diversity of interpretation that can be applied to archaeological data from different perspectives and using different types of evidence. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to critically analyse the interpretations provided for anthropological and archaeological data in a variety of forms.

Students can pick one of the following.

Rites, Religions and Rituals - 30 credits

This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.

Alternative Spiritualities: New and Indigenous Religions - 30 credits
This module introduces students to a range of indigenous spiritual lifeways and to the study of new religions, encouraging them to critically consider, through the anthropological and sociological study of religions, how the study of religions and religious people has developed over time, and consider the historical events that have helped shaped the discipline.

Themes in European Prehistory - 30 credits

This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.

Students choose one of two tracks for this final-year module: 1. A 10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme in social anthropology, biological anthropology or archaeology developed through independent research under the supervision of a member of staff; or 2. a project based alternative involving a period of prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. The dissertation track allows students to apply themselves to an anthropological or archaeological study of their choice in depth over a year, using the sources and methodologies of social anthropology,  biological anthropology or archaeology. The placement track is for those students who wish to gain prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation. Students work with staff and the university Placements team to identify a placement with an external host organisation, ideally one with a specific interest to them and a connection to the disciplines of anthropology or archaeology, broadly defined.

This module will focus on the importance of migration and movement throughout human evolution and up to the present day from both biological and social perspectives. From the first hominins to move out of Africa we will explore the archaeological evidence for the migration of past populations, with a particular focus on scientific techniques such as ancient DNA, proteomics, and isotope analysis as aids in interpretations of migration, both on the population scale and for Individual skeletal remains. Through a focus on migration as a topic of study within social anthropology we will also develop in-depth ethnographic understanding of the issues surrounding migration and transnationalism in specific contexts. This will allow us to explore the contribution of an ethnographic approach to debates on migration in contemporary society.

This final-year module links social anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology. It brings together three broad themes: the public role of anthropology and its applications to real-world issues; how anthropological topics are communicated in a variety of public media; and in the second Term the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. Students will examine the wide range of contemporary issues to which anthropologists might contribute their expertise, and will explore the public communication of anthropological topics in a variety of media including, for example, newspapers, research blogs or television programmes. They will also explore the diversity of interpretation that can be applied to archaeological data from different perspectives and using different types of evidence. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to critically analyse the interpretations provided for anthropological and archaeological data in a variety of forms.

Students can pick one of the following.

Rites, Religions and Rituals - 30 credits

This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.

Alternative Spiritualities: New and Indigenous Religions - 30 credits
This module introduces students to a range of indigenous spiritual lifeways and to the study of new religions, encouraging them to critically consider, through the anthropological and sociological study of religions, how the study of religions and religious people has developed over time, and consider the historical events that have helped shaped the discipline.

Themes in European Prehistory - 30 credits

This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.